Full Answer
How long does Zyrtec ® work?
And ZYRTEC ® will continue to work for 24 hours. Do I need a prescription to take ZYRTEC ®? No. Since 2008, ZYRTEC ® has been available over the counter, without a prescription. Is the over-the-counter version of ZYRTEC ® the same as the prescription strength? Yes.
What can I do to make Zyrtec work faster?
Another option would be to add another medication to supplement the effect of Zyrtec. First, Zyrtec dosing may be split into twice daily dosing to have a more consistent effect. Since the maximum dose is 10 mg daily, taking 5 mg in the morning and 5 mg prior to bedtime may help.
What is the best time of day to take Zyrtec?
First, Zyrtec dosing may be split into twice daily dosing to have a more consistent effect. Since the maximum dose is 10 mg daily, taking 5 mg in the morning and 5 mg prior to bedtime may help. Another option would be to switch to taking the full 10 mg prior to bedtime.
How long does it take for Zyrtec to relieve symptoms?
Most people experience at least 24 hours of relief after a single dose. Zyrtec, on the other hand, is fast acting. People who take it may feel relief in as little as one hour. Antihistamines like Zyrtec and Claritin are designed to calm the histamine reaction your body has when it's exposed to an allergen.
How long does it take for anti histamine to work?
Antihistamine tablets typically start to work within 30 minutes. They may reach their maximum effect in about two hours. Antihistamine nasal sprays work faster, but only affect your nose.
What symptoms does Zyrtec cure?
What Conditions does ZYRTEC Treat?inflammation of the nose due to an allergy.non-seasonal allergic stuffy and runny nose.seasonal runny nose.a type of allergy that causes red and itchy skin called atopic dermatitis.persistent hives of unknown cause.hives.allergic conjunctivitis.
What happens when allergy medicine doesn't work?
You may need immunotherapy. If you don't get relief from medicines alone, it might be a good option for you. This long-term treatment exposes you to what you're allergic to. Over time, it can reduce or prevent your allergy symptoms. It could stop your body from overreacting to allergens all together.
What to do when antihistamines dont work?
After seeing little to no results from an antihistamine, your doctor may suggest that you try the following treatments, usually in the following order:Increasing the dose of your current antihistamine.A different antihistamine or a combination of several different antihistamines. ... Oral corticosteroids.More items...
Does Zyrtec relieve inflammation?
Its use is safe and well-tolerated, even though the most common side effects are mild somnolence and dry mouth, both of them dose-dependent. Cetirizine has also an antiallergic and anti-inflammatory activity that could be fruitfully used in clinical practice.
Is Zyrtec good for sinus problems?
Along the same lines as OTC options, antihistamine medications, such as Sudafed, Claritin, Zyrtec or Benadryl, can also offer sinus infection symptom relief. While these medications specifically target allergy symptoms, sinus infection symptoms can be similar, making antihistamines worth a try.
Does Zyrtec lower inflammation?
Antihistamines have recently been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties that are more extensive than simply the blocking of histamine receptors.
Can you take Benadryl and cetirizine together?
Benadryl should not be taken at the same time as cetirizine because it can increase side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty conc...
Does cetirizine make you drowsy?
Cetirizine is classed as a non-drowsy (non-sedating) antihistamine, but it does make some people drowsy. In clinical trials, this side effect appea...
How long after taking cetirizine can I drink alcohol?
It is best to wait until cetirizine completely leaves your body before you drink alcohol, which may take up to 40 hours (almost 2 days). This is be...
Can cetirizine raise blood pressure?
Cetirizine does not increase blood pressure and blood pressure is not listed as a side effect in the product information. But cetirizine can be fou...
How long for zyrtec (cetirizine) to work?
About 1 hour: The onset of action for zyrtec ( cetirizine) to clinically improve symptoms is about 1 hour. The reference is listed here: http://www.Ncbi.Nlm.Nih.Gov/pubmed/11770694.
How long does zyrtec (cetirizine) take to work?
About 1 hour: Onset of relief with zyrtec ( cetirizine) is about 1 hour.
How long does zyrtec (cetirizine) last?
Effects: The effects of zyrtec ( cetirizine) should last up to 24 hours.
How long can you take zyrtec (cetirizine)?
Zyrtec (cetirizine) use: Zyrtec ( cetirizine) can be taken daily indefinitely, there are no long term side effects from accumulated drug.
How long does it take for zyrtec (cetirizine) to be out of your system?
Effects of Zyrtec (cetirizine): The half-life of Cetirizine (the time it takes for your body to get rid of half of the drug) is about 8 hours. The vast majority should be gone within about 24 hours.
How does zyrtec (cetirizine) (reactine) 10 mg work?
Zyrtec (cetirizine) = Cetirizine: Zyrtec ( cetirizine) is a long action, non- sedating antihistamine. It works well for many people. It functions by blocking histamine release from cells, thereby stopping allergic symptoms.
How long does it take for Zyrtec to work?
The onset of effect occurs within 20 minutes in 50% of people and within an hour in 95%. Effects persist for at least 24 hours following a single dose of Zyrtec. No tolerance has been found to Zyrtec's antihistaminic effect. Once discontinued, the skin recovers its normal reactivity to histamine within three days.
What is Zyrtec used for?
2. Upsides. Used to treat allergic-type reactions due to perennial or seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever).
What medications interact with Zyrtec?
Common medications that may interact with Zyrtec include: anticonvulsants, such as fosphenytoin, lamotrigine, levetiracetam, phenytoin, or valproic acid. antidepressants, such as clomipramine, escitalopram, or fluvoxamine. antipsychotics, such as aripiprazole, chlorpromazine, or clozapine. baclofen.
Is Zyrtec a loratadine?
Although drowsiness with Zyrtec is uncommon, Zyrtec is more likely than loratadine to cause drowsiness. 5. Tips. May be taken with or without food.
Can you take Zyrtec with kidney disease?
The dosage of Zyrtec should be reduced in kidney disease and caution should be exercised when Zyrtec is used in people with seizure disorders. Zyrtec, like all other antihistamines, may decrease the response to skin prick tests. Discontinue Zyrtec at least 72 hours prior to skin testing.
Is Zyrtec safe for children?
Zyrtec does not appear to interact with many drugs (theophylline slightly decreased the clearance of Zyrtec). Zyrtec has been demonstrated to be safe in children older than 6 months. No dosage adjustment is required in liver disease. Available over-the-counter.
Does Zyrtec cause drowsiness?
Because it acts on peripheral histamine receptors, Zyrtec is much less likely to cause drowsiness compared with some older antihistamines.
How to take Zyrtec?
Zyrtec is taken by mouth. Use Zyrtec exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Older adults may need to take a lower than normal dose. Follow your doctor's instructions. You may take this medicine with or without food.
What is zyrtec used for?
Zyrtec is used in adults and children to treat cold or allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, watery eyes, or runny nose.
What are the side effects of Zyrtec?
Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have: little or no urination. Common Zyrtec side effects may include: dry mouth, sore throat.
Can you drink liquid Zyrtec?
If desired, you may drink liquid to help swallow the dissolved tablet. Measure liquid Zyrtec Syrup carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon). Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, if they get worse, or if you also have a fever.
Can Zyrtec make you sleepy?
Tell your doctor if you regularly use other medicines that make you sleepy (such as other cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression, or anxiety). They can add to sleepiness caused by Zyrtec.
Can you drive while taking Zyrtec?
Before using Zyrtec tell your doctor about all your medical conditions or allergies, all medicines you use, and if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Zyrtec may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.
Answers
Zyrtec is a fast acting OTC allergy medication that begins to take affect in as little as one hour after taking the first dose and works for up to 24 hours.
Search for questions
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How long does it take for Zyrtec to work?
Effects of Zyrtec (cetirizine): The half-life of Cetirizine (the time it takes for your body to get rid of half of the drug) is about 8 hours. The vast majority should be gone withi ... Read More
Is zyrtec a good antihistamine?
Zyrtec (cetirizine) : Zyrtec is a safe anti-histamine with a relatively good tract record in long term users. But note that all medications have side effects. However, some ... Read More
How It Works
Upsides
Downsides
- If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include: 1. A headache, sore throat, abdominal pain, fatigue, drowsiness, or coughing. Other side effects are uncommon. Stop using Zyrtec if you develop an allergy to Zyrtec. 2. Generally does not cause drowsiness, although mor…
Bottom Line
- Zyrtec is an antihistamine that effectively treats allergic-type reactions such as hay fever or skin reactions caused by insect bites. Although drowsiness with Zyrtec is uncommon, Zyrtec is more likely than loratadine to cause drowsiness.
Tips
- May be taken with or without food. Zyrtec is usually taken once a day. During the pollen season, your doctor may advise you to take it every day if you suffer from seasonal allergic rhinitis.
- Although Zyrtec is unlikely to make you drowsy, some people are susceptible to this effect, especially if they are taking dosages at the upper end of the recommended dosage range. D…
- May be taken with or without food. Zyrtec is usually taken once a day. During the pollen season, your doctor may advise you to take it every day if you suffer from seasonal allergic rhinitis.
- Although Zyrtec is unlikely to make you drowsy, some people are susceptible to this effect, especially if they are taking dosages at the upper end of the recommended dosage range. Do not drive or o...
- Seek urgent medical advice if you have hives and develop swelling of the face, throat, or tongue, dizziness, drooling, difficulty speaking, or shortness of breath.
- Zyrtec is not a substitute for epinephrine which is used for the treatment of severe allergies and anaphylaxis.
Response and Effectiveness
- Peak concentrations are reached within one hour of administration of Zyrtec tablets or syrup. The onset of effect occurs within 20 minutes in 50% of people and within an hour in 95%.
- Effects persist for at least 24 hours following a single dose of Zyrtec. No tolerance has been found to Zyrtec's antihistaminic effect. Once discontinued, the skin recovers its normal reactivity to...
- Peak concentrations are reached within one hour of administration of Zyrtec tablets or syrup. The onset of effect occurs within 20 minutes in 50% of people and within an hour in 95%.
- Effects persist for at least 24 hours following a single dose of Zyrtec. No tolerance has been found to Zyrtec's antihistaminic effect. Once discontinued, the skin recovers its normal reactivity to...
- Taking 10mg of Zyrtec is more effective than taking 5mg; taking 20mg appears not to provide any additional effect.
- Food has no effect on the overall absorption of Zyrtec; however, it may increase the time it takes for peak levels of Zyrtec to be reached in the blood.
Interactions
- Medicines that interact with Zyrtec may either decrease its effect, affect how long it works for, increase side effects, or have less of an effect when taken with Zyrtec. An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of the medications; however, sometimes it does. Speak to your doctor about how drug interactions should be mana…
References
- Zyrtec [Package Insert] Revised 12/2020. McNeil Consumer Healthcare Division of McNeil-PPC, Inc. https://www.drugs.com/pro/zyrtec.html
Further Information
- Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Zyrtec only for the indication prescribed. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Copyright 1996-2022 Drugs.com. Revision date: June 28, 2021. Medical Disclai…