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What Ingredient In Allergy Medicine Makes You Drowsy

Where Can I Purchase Equate Allergy Relief

Which Allergy Medicine Is Perfect For You?

Allergy Relief and all of the other Equate medications are available nationwide at Walmart. With over 11,000 stores across the United States, you are almost guaranteed to have one open near you if you need allergy medicine. If youre unable to locate a Walmart near you, it is available on the Walmart website. You can have a box shipped directly to you or choose a nearby store for pickup at no extra cost.

Many Walmarts are open 24 hours, so you can visit a store no matter what time your symptoms begin

How To Use Allergy Relief 25 Mg Tablet

Follow all directions on the product package. If your doctor has prescribed this medication, take it as directed. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take the tablet, capsule, or liquid form by mouth with or without food. Measure liquid forms of this medication using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. If you have a single-dose form of this medication , you do not need to measure the dose.

The rapidly-dissolving tablet or strip should be allowed to dissolve on the tongue and then swallowed, with or without water. The chewable tablets should be chewed thoroughly before being swallowed.

The dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and response to treatment. There are many brands and forms of diphenhydramine available. Read the dosing instructions carefully for each product because the amount of diphenhydramine may be different between products. Do not increase your dose or take this medication more often than directed.

To prevent motion sickness, take your dose 30 minutes before starting activity such as travel. To help you sleep, take your dose about 30 minutes before bedtime. If you continue to have difficulty sleeping for longer than 2 weeks, contact your doctor.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

Why Do Antihistamine Medications Make You Sleepy

Drowsiness is one of the main side effects of some antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine, which can be found in Benedryl and doxylamine succinate, which is found in Nyquil. And because of their powerful sedating abilities, antihistamines are also the main ingredients that are found in many over-the-counter sleep aids. But why do antihistamine medications make us sleepy? The answer to this question starts with histamines.

Recommended Reading: What Allergy Medicine Is Stronger Than Zyrtec

Heres Something You May Not Know: Dph Is The Sole Active Ingredient In Both Benadryl And Zzzquil But Only One Is Indicated For Helping You Fall Asleep

Although Benadryl lists marked drowsiness as a potential side effect, it is not indicated for sleep on its packaging. In fact, Johnson & Johnson, the makers of Benadryl, declined to comment on this subject as it discusses an off-label use.

ZzzQuil products, on the other hand, have the exact same active ingredient. Therefore, these ZzzQuil products essentially work in the same way as Benadryl, but theyre marketed specifically to help you get sleepin the short-term, that is. ZzzQuil is indicated for the relief of occasional sleeplessness, and the warning label advises consumers to stop use and consult a doctor if theyre still having trouble sleeping after two weeks. When reached for comment, Procter & Gamble, the makers of ZzzQuil, emphasized these instructions. Benadryl doesnt contain any such warning, even though experts agree that its not good to take it over the long term.

But taking ZzzQuil to help you sleep could, theoretically, come with the same potential side effects of taking Benadryl, like next-day sleepiness. On the ZzzQuil site, the manufacturers note that there are many factors that could influence how well rested you feel the next morning, including the time you take ZzzQuil. They recommend you only take ZzzQuil if you know youll have enough time to get a full nights rest, however much that usually is for you.

Treatment With Dr Shukla

Benadryl Ultratabs Antihistamine Allergy Medicine Tablets ...

Dr. Shukla of Brooklyn New York has been in practice for more than 15 years. He has provided the answers and treatments to many children suffering from asthma, allergies, sleep apnea. Here at the Asthma, Allergy and Sleep Center of New York, we provide you with a personalized, boutique approach to health care and pediatric pulmonology all under one roof. We emphasize prevention and use our advanced diagnostic technologies to give you and your child the best possible care. Whether you need to see a sleep doctor, need allergy treatment or need a pulmonologist, contact Dr. Shuklas New York offices today for an appointment.

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Effectiveness And Speed Of Relief

Besides dosing, there are some slight differences in how quickly or well the drugs work. For example, while Claritin is effective for treating hay fever and hives, other antihistamines, such as Zyrtec and Allegra, work better and faster and last longer.

Zyrtec and Allegra work quickly for the treatment of allergic rhinitis and hives, typically within less than an hour. On the other hand, studies show that Claritin takes many hours to start working.

Studies show that Allegra is nearly as good as Zyrtec at treating hayfever. However, Zyrtec and its isomer Xyzal appear to be better medicines for the treatment of hives.

There are also some unexpected nuances associated with each of the antihistamines. For example, if you’re taking Allegra, it’s important to avoid drinking fruit juice for one to two hours before you take the medication and one to two hours after. Juices such as orange juice or grapefruit juice can decrease the absorption of Allegra by nearly half.

Which Type Is Best

There’s not much evidence to suggest any particular antihistamine is better than any other at relieving allergy symptoms.

Some people find certain types work well for them and others do not. You may need to try several types to find one that works for you.

Non-drowsy antihistamines are generally the best option, as they’re less likely to make you feel sleepy. But types that make you feel sleepy may be better if your symptoms stop you sleeping.

Ask a pharmacist for advice if you’re unsure which medicine to try as not all antihistamines are suitable for everyone.

Also Check: Children’s Allergy Medicine Comparison

What Is The Best Allergy Medicine That Is Non

Several non-drowsy allergy medicines can treat allergies. These include non-drowsy antihistamines, such as:

  • Claritin : This second-generation antihistamine reduces the effects of histamines and stops the triggers that lead to sneezing, runny nose, itching, and watery eyes. Side effects include stomach pain, headache, and tiredness. The standard dosage of Claritin is one 10 mg tablet once per day. Childrens Claritin is also available in the form of chewable tablets and liquid solution.
  • Zyrtec : This second-generation antihistamine reduces the effects of histamines, stopping the triggers that lead to sneezing, runny nose, itching, watery eyes, and hives. Side effects include headache, irregular heartbeat, weakness, and restlessness. The standard dosage of Zyrtec is 5 to 10 mg tablet orally once per day. Childrens Zyrtec is available in dissolvable tablets and syrup.
  • Allegra : This third-generation antihistamine reduces the effects of seasonal allergies. It treats sneezing, runny nose, itchy, and watery eyes. Side effects include headache, nausea, menstrual cramps, and drowsiness. The standard dosage of Allegra is one 60 mg tablet twice daily, with approved dosing up to 180 mg per day. Childrens Allegra is available as a flavored liquid and dissolvable tablets.

Will Allergy And Sinus Medications Make Me Feel Drowsy

Reasons Why Decongestants Are Dangerous

Allergy and sinus medications may make you drowsy. A key ingredient in many over-the-counter formulas are antihistamines, which block the body’s production of a natural compound that triggers allergy symptoms. The first generation of antihistamines, which are still widely used, often make people feel sleepy, tired or dizzy. A good example of this is diphenhydramine, an active ingredient in some Benadryl and other products. Newer second-generation antihistamines are much less likely to make you drowsy. These include both over-the-counter medications, such as Allegra , Zyrtec and Claritin or Alavert , as well as prescription medications such as Clarinex . Look at the information that comes with any medication you are taking to see if it warns of drowsiness. If it does, be careful if you drive.

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Otc Allergy Medication Prices

OTC allergy medication can cost anywhere from about $5 to $25, depending on the formula and the number of pills, sprays, or drops in each container. As a general rule, the more symptoms that an allergy medicine treats, the more expensive it is.

When purchasing allergy medicine, its more important to focus on the price per dose or the daily cost of using the medication rather than the cost of the container. If you only need the medicine occasionally, compare the different types based on the cost per dose. If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you will probably want to pay attention to the price per day because you might need to use the medication once or more every day for total relief from symptoms.

Who Can Take Antihistamines

Most people can safely take antihistamines.

But speak to a pharmacist or GP for advice if you:

  • are looking for a medicine for a young child
  • are taking other medicines
  • have an underlying health condition, such as heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease or epilepsy

Some antihistamines may not be suitable in these cases. A pharmacist or doctor can recommend one that’s best for you.

Always read the leaflet that comes with your medicine to check it’s safe for you before taking it or giving it to your child.

Recommended Reading: Allergy Medicine Cetirizine

In General Using A Dph Product To Help You Fall Asleep Occasionally Is Fine But It Shouldnt Become A Habit

As long as you dont mind the potential next-day drowsiness, then sporadic use of the recommended daily dose of these drugs typically wont have serious medical repercussions for a healthy adult, Dr. Rapoport says. However, if you feel the need to turn to a sleep aid every night, you should seek treatment to address the underlying cause of your insomnia.

While its normal to have short periods of time where you cant sleep well , regularly having trouble falling or staying asleep is a sign that something deeper is going on. If you need to take something more than twice a week and the problem has gone on for more than three months, then you need to see someone, Dr. Pelayo says.

A primary care doctor or sleep specialist can help you identify any underlying conditions causing your urge to reach for something in your medicine cabinet, such as anxiety. Theres a pretty good chance that if you talk to somebody who knows what theyre talking about, we can find out whats going on, Dr. Rapoport says. Treating that condition can in turn help relieve the insomnia.

A doctor can also help you figure out if there are habits you may not realize are disturbing your sleep, like drinking tea late in the day, and help you work on establishing good sleep hygiene, like sticking to a consistent bedtime.

Related:

Should I Use Equate Allergy Relief

Claritin Allergy Non

Choosing Equate Allergy Relief depends on what you want to get out of your treatment. If you need an immediate combination of a sleep aid and allergy medicine, Equate is a cheap brand that might provide you with some temporary relief. It works quickly to knock you out and calm most of the symptoms that would keep you up during the night.

Unfortunately, Allergy Relief suffers from the same drawbacks as Benadryl or any other allergy medication on the market. While it might temporarily relieve the symptoms of allergies, it will not do anything to cure the underlying allergy itself.

Its difficult to give a recommendation for a medicine that is so chock-full of side effects, too. Allergy Relief might give you a temporary stop to watery eyes, but do you really want a headache to replace it?

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Why Do Some Antihistamines Make You Sleepy

Sedation is a prominent side effect of older antihistamines, what we call first-generation antihistamines. Examples include:

The first-generation antihistamines can make you drowsy because they cross the blood-brain barrier, an intricate system of cells that regulates what substances pass into the brain. In fact, these older antihistamines are often marketed as sleep aids. The first-generation antihistamines are also used in cold-and-flu formulations to provide a side benefit of drowsiness when youre feeling ill and need plenty of rest.

Drowsiness is something to be aware of with first-generation antihistamines. They may increase the risk of falls or fracture in people 65 years or older. According to the Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, first-generation antihistamines are also linked to impaired driving as well as fatal car and flying accidents. These drugs can also cause dry mouth, constipation, and difficulty urinating.

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Why Does Cold Medicine Make Me Drowsy

There are two main reasons cold medicines might make you drowsy. One is that one or more ingredients in the medicine may cause drowsiness. The second reason is that an ingredient in the cold medicine could be interacting with another medicine you take, which could cause drowsiness. First, lets look at ingredients typically found in cold medicines.

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Best Nasal Spray For Fast Congestion Relief: Afrin Original Nasal Spray

Type: Decongestant

Active ingredient: Oxymetazoline

Dose frequency: Every 1012 hours

Nasal sprays offer a worthwhile allergy relief option for those who frequently suffer from nasal congestion. And while corticosteroid sprays, like Rhinocort and Flonase, are generally better choices for long-term use, Afrin is particularly useful if youre looking for immediate short-term relief. Just keep in mind that you should only use Afrin for up to 3 days, or you may develop a tolerance and have a tougher time treating congestion in the future.

Shop Afrin:

  • Active ingredient: Fexofenadine
  • Dose frequency: Every 24 hours

Like Claritin, Allegra uses a second-generation antihistamine to provide fast-acting, non-drowsy relief from common allergy symptoms. And, like Zyrtec, it allegedly performs very quickly , though you only need to take one dose per day. Its another strong choice for anyone dealing with common pet-related or outdoor allergies.

What Form Does This Medication Come In

Vicks DayQuil SEVERE Product Information | Non-Drowsy Daytime Cold Medicine

Tablets

5 mgEach white , film-coated, scored, ovoid tablet contains 5 mg of cetirizine HCl. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch, hypromellose, lactose, magnesium stearate, polyethylene glycol, povidone, and titanium dioxide.

10 mgEach white , film-coated, scored, ovoid tablet contains 10 mg of cetirizine HCl. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch, hypromellose, lactose, magnesium stearate, polyethylene glycol, povidone, and titanium dioxide.

20 mgEach white , film-coated, scored, ovoid tablet contains 20 mg of cetirizine HCl. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch, hypromellose, lactose, magnesium stearate, polyethylene glycol, povidone, and titanium dioxide.

Capsules

Each clear, oval, liquid-filled, soft gelatin capsule contains 10 mg of cetirizine. Nonmedicinal ingredients: gelatin, glycerin, lecithin, mannitol, medium chain triglycerides, pharmaceutical ink, polyethylene glycol 400, purified water, sodium hydroxide, sorbitan, and sorbitol.

Syrup

Each 5 mL of colourless, banana-grape flavoured preparation contains 5 mg of cetirizine HCl. Nonmedicinal ingredients: acetic acid, artificial grape flavour, artificial banana flavour, glycerin, methyl paraben, propyl paraben, propylene glycol, purified water, sodium acetate, and sugar syrup .

Reactine Fast Melt Junior

Reactine Rapid Dissolve

Reactine Allergy

Syrup

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Talking With Your Doctor

The best antihistamine choice for any one person is based on the degree of symptom relief desired and the degree of side effects you’re willing to tolerate.

For mild to moderate allergy symptoms, Allegra may be preferable to drugs such as Zyrtec since these other drugs are more sedating. Yet for severe symptoms that are interfering with work, school, or play, a medication such as Zyrtec may be needed.

Note that every person is different. This means that despite what studies say, there are many people who do not experience any fatigue on Zyrtec or Xyzal. Likewise, there are people who do experience fatigue on Allegra.

It’s sometimes helpful to try different medications to see which works best for you as an individual. If you try this, though, talk with your doctor first.

You might keep a journal to get an objective measure of which drug works best. For instance, you can write down your most annoying symptoms, and rank them from 1 to 10 based on how well they are controlled by different medications.

Talk with an allergist about the possibility of allergy testing and allergy shots. While allergy shots require more follow-up they can sometimes cure allergies so that medications are no longer needed. In addition, it’s thought that allergy shots may sometimes help prevent the development of new allergies.

How Should I Use This Medication

The recommended dose for adults and children 12 years of age and older is 5 mg to 10 mg once daily taken by mouth depending on the severity of the symptoms and circumstances of the person taking the medication. If 10 mg once daily is not enough to control your allergy symptoms, talk to your doctor.

For adults 65 years of age and over, the recommended dose is 5 mg once daily.

For children 6 to 12 years of age, the recommended dose is 10 mg once daily or 5 mg in the morning and in the evening.

For children 2 to 6 years of age, the recommended dose is 5 mg given once daily, or 2.5 mg of syrup in the morning and evening.

Use an oral syringe to measure each dose of the liquid, as it gives a more accurate measurement than household teaspoons.

All forms of cetirizine may be taken with or without food.

Seniors, and people with kidney or liver problems, may need lower doses of this medication.

Children should not use this medication for more than 14 days at a time unless recommended by a doctor.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Read Also: Can Allergies Cause Lip Blisters

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