Can I Take 2 Allergy Pills In 24 Hours
You should not take multiple oral antihistamines together, such as Benadryl, Claritin, Zyrtec, Allegra or Xyzal. Pick one and take it daily. These medicines work better to control symptoms if you take them daily, she explains.
Can you take 2 doses of allergy medicine?
Do NOT double-up on a dose. Do NOT take a dose sooner than youre supposed to. Do NOT take two different antihistamines at the same time. Instead, talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have trouble finding a drug that works well for your allergy symptoms.
What happens if I take 2 Zyrtec in 24 hours?
There have been reports of patients taking 15-18 times the recommended dose of Zyrtec and having some adverse effects . Taking two 10mg tablets should not cause you to have any serious problems.
What Other Drugs Could Interact With This Medication
There may be an interaction between loratadine and any of the following:
If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:
- stop taking one of the medications,
- change one of the medications to another,
- change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
- leave everything as is.
An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.
Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter , and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 2022. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/Claritin
Side Effects Of Antihistamines
Ask your provider if antihistamines are safe for you or your child, what side effects to watch for, and how antihistamines may affect other medicines you or your child take.
- Antihistamines are thought to be safe for adults.
- Most antihistamines are also safe for children over 2 years old.
- If you are breastfeeding or pregnant, ask your provider if antihistamines are safe for you.
- Adults who take antihistamines should know how the medicine affects them before driving or using machinery.
- If your child is taking antihistamines, make sure the medicine is not affecting your child’s ability to learn.
There may be special precautions for using antihistamines if you have:
Allergic rhinitis – antihistamine Hives – antihistamine Allergic conjunctivitis – antihistamine Urticaria – antihistamine Dermatitis – antihistamine Eczema – antihistamine
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What Is The Generic For Claritin
The generic for Claritin® is loratadine. Loratadine is one of the newer second antihistamines that are non-sedating. People use it to treat sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, hives, skin rash, itching, and other cold or allergy symptoms.
Other antihistamines like loratadine that do not usually cause drowsiness include cetirizine and fexofenadine . First-generation antihistamines include chlorpheniramine and diphenhydramine .
How To Take It
You can take cetirizine with or without food, but always take the tablets or capsules with a drink of water, milk or squash. Swallow them whole. Do not chew them.
Cetirizine liquid may be easier for children to take than tablets. The liquid medicine will come with a plastic syringe or spoon to give the right dose. If you do not have a syringe or spoon, ask your pharmacist for one. Do not use a kitchen teaspoon as it will not measure out the right amount.
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How Do I Know Which Antihistamine To Take
Because there are so many antihistamine products, both over-the-counter and prescription, and because they are used to treat so many different conditions, you may need help figuring out which medication to take. For minor ailments, you can probably take over-the-counter products. You can read the package labeling and match your symptoms to the labeled symptoms. Also, never hesitate to ask the pharmacist. They are highly schooled in the actions and effects and side effects of drugs. You may need to try different antihistamines to find the best medication to manage your symptoms.
If you need a prescription antihistamine, you and your healthcare provider will work together to figure out what medication will be best for you. Many drugs interact with antihistamines, so your healthcare provider will want to know what medical conditions you have and medications you are currently taking. They will also want to know if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding. Some antihistamines are not recommended in pregnancy because they may cause birth defects in very high doses. Antihistamines can pass into breast milk, so you should consult with your healthcare provider before using antihistamines if you are breastfeeding.
Skip Having A Drink With Dinner
Drinking any type of alcohol increases blood flow to the linings of your nose and can make nasal allergy symptoms worse, notes Dykewicz. Also, if youre someone who has year-round nasal issues, including frequent congestion, this scenario can be complicated by alcohol. When seasonal allergies hit and youre already feeling congested, skip the beer or wine to avoid worsening your allergy symptoms.
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How Does This Medication Work What Will It Do For Me
Loratadine belongs to the class of medications called second-generation antihistamines, specifically the class known as histamine receptor antagonists. It works by blocking the action of one of the body’s natural chemicals known as histamine. Histamine is responsible for many of the symptoms caused by allergies.
Loratadine is used for the relief of symptoms associated with seasonal allergies, including sneezing, itchy and runny nose, and tearing and redness of the eyes. It is also used for the relief of symptoms associated with allergic skin conditions, including chronic hives and other skin disorders. Loratadine is also used for the relief of symptoms associated with year-round allergies. Loratadine usually starts working within 2 hours and lasts for 24 hours.
This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Safety And Dosage Guidelines For Daily Use Of Antihistamines
Drug name
- Increased heart rate
Second-generation antihistamines can cause side effects similar to those of first-generation antihistamines. However, second-generation antihistamines are less likely to cause drying or sedating side effects than first-generation antihistamines.
Rarely, first- and second-generation antihistamines can cause acute liver problems.
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Stay Away From Chlorine And Strong Perfumes
Odors such as chlorine from a swimming pool and strong perfumes can irritate the nasal airways and lungs and make you cough. Irritants such as perfume and dyes in cosmetics and cleaning products can also cause an allergic skin reaction, known as contact dermatitis. Dermatitis can cause a rash and lead to itching, which will make your other allergy symptoms feel even worse.
How Do Antihistamines Work
Over-the-counter antihistamines work by blocking the release of histamine, a chemical your immune system produces when you are exposed to your allergy triggers. The release of histamine can result in many different allergy symptoms as an attempt to get the allergens out of your body.
There are two different generations of antihistamines. First-generation antihistamines, like diphenhydramine , cause drowsiness and fatigue. Second-generation, non-sedating antihistamines are newer antihistamines that are also effective but do not cause drowsiness unless you take very high doses. Second-generation antihistamines include loratadine , cetirizine , and fexofenadine .
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Can My Child Have Claritin
Most forms of Claritin® are safe for children, but there are some forms of Claritin® that are made just for children. Claritin® for children is often flavored and is usually in syrup form. Make sure to read the label carefully before giving your child Claritin® to know how much they are able to have. If you have any questions, contact a doctor or pharmacist before giving the medicine to your child.
Who May Not Be Able To Take Cetirizine
Cetirizine is not suitable for some people. To make sure it’s safe for you, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you:
- have ever had an allergic reaction to cetirizine or any other medicine
- have an allergy to food additives
- have an allergy to peanuts or soya some brands of cetirizine capsules contain soya
- have kidney failure
- have epilepsy or another health problem that puts you at risk of having seizures or fits
- have a condition that means you have difficulty peeing
- are due to have an allergy test taking cetirizine may affect the results, so you might need to stop taking it a few days before the test
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Do Not Take More Than 6 Doses In 24 Hours Use Only As Directed
Do not take more than 6 doses in 24 hours. Use only as directed.
Take 1 to 2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours or as directed by a doctor.
Do not take more than 6 times in 24 hours
Under 12
Take 1 to 2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours or as directed by a doctor.
Ages 6-12Take 1 tablet every 4 to 6 hours or as directed by a doctor.
Under 6
Take 1 to 2 capsules every 4 to 6 hours or as directed by a doctor.
Ages 6-12Take 1 capsule every 4 to 6 hours or as directed by a doctor.
Under 6
Take 1 to 2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours or as directed by a doctor.
Ages 6-12Take 1 tablet every 4 to 6 hours or as directed by a doctor.
Under 6
Can I Take Two Different Allergy Pills In One Day
You may be wondering if its okay to take two different allergy pills on the same day. Most of the time, the answer is yes, but it is not recommended. Taking more antihistamines is not always advisable and can cause side effects. You should only take one antihistamine at a time and consult your doctor if your symptoms are still uncontrollable.
Different types of allergy medications can interact with one another and increase your risk of side effects. Moreover, mixing different kinds of antihistamines can result in an overdose and dangerous side effects. Hence, it is important to avoid taking more than one antihistamine in a single day. However, you should be aware that it is possible to mix two different types of allergy medication in one day.
You can take two different types of allergy pills in the same day, but you should not mix two different types. You can also make a mix of both. Combining different antihistamines may increase the chance of side effects and an overdose. So, it is best to take them separately. You should also discuss with your healthcare provider before mixing two antihistamines. You should not mix more than one type of allergy medicine.
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What If I Forget To Take It
Take your forgotten dose as soon as you remember, unless it’s nearly time for your next dose. In this case, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time.
Do not take 2 doses to make up for a forgotten dose.
If you forget to give a dose to a child who is taking cetirizine twice a day, you can give the missed dose if it’s within 4 hours of when they should have had it.
If you remember more than 4 hours after, do not give the missed dose. Instead, wait until the next dose and carry on as normal.
If you often forget doses, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicine.
Tips For Staying Alert
In treating allergies or a cold with antihistamines, you may experience drowsiness, a common side effect of the medication.
How does this happen? Histamine is a chemical produced by the immune system to fight off allergens and germs. When there is a threat of allergies or infection , histamine is even more active. In its search-and-destroy process, it can cause allergy or cold symptoms such as runny nose, coughing, sneezing and itch eyes. Antihistamine medications relieve these symptoms by blocking the unwanted effects of histamine.
Unrelated to the immune system, histamine is also produced in the brain, where it plays an important part in feeling awake. Antihistamines used to treat respiratory symptoms can get into the brain and interrupt this work, making you feel drowsy.
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Can You Overdose On Claratin
Can You overdose on claratin? Yes, like any medication, you can overdose on Claritin if you take too much. However, Claritin has a very wide dosage range when it comes to adverse effects and is, overall, a relatively safe medication. Accidentally taking too much should not cause significant side effects for most individuals.
How much Benadryl can cause an overdose? An overdose is considered to have occurred in those who ingest at least 7.5 mg per kilogram of body weight or 300 mg of Benadryl , whichever is less.
What is the best non-drowsy antihistamine? Based on consumer reviews, Alavert 24-Hour Non-Drowsy Allergy Relief is the best non drowsy allergy medicine available today. Containing 10mg of loratadine per tablet, this synthetic antihistamine has been developed to provide 24 hour of lasting relief against the symptoms of allergies.
Can You overdose on antihistamines? Its possible to overdose on both types of antihistamines. Symptoms of an overdose when taking sedating medication can vary but may include: increased drowsiness. blurred vision. nausea. vomiting. increased heart rate.
What Form Does This Medication Come In
Regular tablets Each white, oval, shallow, deep-scored tablet, with the flash and dish logo above the score and the number 10 below, contains loratadine 10 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch, lactose, and magnesium stearate.
Rapid Dissolve Tablets
5 mg Each white, round, tablet-shaped unit with a debossed “C5” contains micronized loratadine 5 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: citric acid, gelatin, mannitol, and mint flavour.
10 mg Each white, round, tablet-shaped unit with a debossed “C10” contains micronized loratadine 10 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: citric acid, gelatin, mannitol, and mint flavour.
Liquid Capsules Each oval, transparent, blue gelatin capsule, etched with a “10” logo contains loratadine 10 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: triglycerides, mono- and di-glycerides, gelatin, sorbitol sorbitan solution, povidone, glycerin, polysorbate, purified water, and FD& C blue.
Claritin Kids Syrup Grape Flavour Each 1 mL of clear, colorless-to-light-yellow, grape-flavoured syrup contains loratadine 1 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: artificial grape flavour, edetate disodium, glycerin, maltitol, monobasic sodium phosphate monohydrate, phosphoric acid, propylene glycol, purified water, sodium benzoate, sorbitol, and sucralose.
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For Itchy Skin From Insect Bites Stings Hives Allergic Reactions Or Other Causes
Adults and children from age 2+ can use the topical form of Benadryl and apply gel, cream, or spray to the affected area up to 4 times daily unless the area is widespread and the oral form is advised by a healthcare professional. Children under 2 years of age should use Benadryl topical products only if advised by a physician.
This is a general dosing guide. Some patients, for example, elderly patients, may need to take lower doses of this medication. If you have any specific questions about Benadryl dosages regarding your age and condition, you should consult your doctor or pharmacist.
How Often Can I Take Allergy Meds
This article was published more than 11 years ago. Some information may no longer be current.
The question
I seem to have allergies all year round and suffer from watery eyes and congestion/sneezing regularly. Is taking anti-histamines regularly a bad idea?
The answer
Allergies can cause a significant decrease in quality of life by interfering with enjoyment of everyday activities and can affect work and school performance.
As you mentioned, symptoms can include watery eyes, runny nose, congestion, and sneezing. It is a common problem that can begin at any age and symptoms vary from person to person and can change in severity throughout a person’s lifetime.
Antihistamines are effective medications for allergies as they block the action of histamine, a chemical released when the body responds to something in the environment .
Increased histamine sensitizes the respiratory tract, nasal passages to these allergens which can trigger allergy symptoms when exposed. Allergies can be seasonal or they can be present year round. Allergies that last year round are commonly triggered by pet dander , dust mites, fungus, or cigarette smoke.
To answer to your question, it’s important to clarify how regular is your intake of anti-histamines.
For my patients who suffer from allergies, we work to get to the potential root causes of their symptoms by identifying and avoiding triggers. If it is not possible to avoid the triggers, a combination of medications may be helpful.
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