Allegra and Zyrtec are antihistamines that relieve symptoms of allergies such as hay fever, conjunctivitis, and reactions to insect bites and stings. However, these medications can make you feel drowsy and experience other side effects.
To ensure you are properly informed, this article compares Allegra and Zyrtec by examining how quickly they work, their recommended dosages, and their side effects.
Allegra vs. Zyrtec: Which Makes You Sleepier?
When exposed to an allergen like pet dander or dust mites, your immune system releases histamines. To counter this, antihistamines like Allegra and Zyrtec block histamines and calm your allergic response.
Allegra is non-sedating, which means it is unlikely to make you sleepy. On the other hand, Zyrtec can cause sedation in a minority of people who take it.
Allegra vs. Zyrtec: Which Works Quicker?
Allegra and Zyrtec work quickly when used to treat allergic rhinitis and hives. They work within less than an hour and effectively treat hay fever.
Allegra vs Zyrtec Dosage
First, you should contact your healthcare provider on the best way to take any medications. That said, there are standard dosing recommendations for these antihistamines. For instance, Zyrtec is dosed once a day for people of all ages.
Alternatively, Allegra is dosed twice daily for children ages 2 to 11 and once daily for adults and children ages 12 and older. It can also be used in children as young as 6 months old.
Comparing Side Effects: Allegra vs. Zyrtec
Both drugs can cause mild side effects, including stomach pain, dizziness, and headaches. However, Allegra can cause other mild side effects, including:
● Hives
● Itching
● Rash
● Hoarseness
● Difficulty swallowing or breathing
Zyrtec can also cause:
● Dry mouth
● Drowsiness
● Cough
● Sore throat
Based on Symptoms, How Do You Choose Between Allegra and Zyrtec?
For mild to moderate allergy symptoms, you might prefer using Allegra, seeing as other drugs could be more sedating.
If you start experiencing more severe symptoms that could affect work or school, a medication such as Zyrtec might be required. However, your choice will depend on how much symptom relief you need and the degree of side effects you can manage.
You should also note that your reactions to these drugs may vary from someone else’s. For instance, most people do not feel fatigued after using Zyrtec. Similarly, some people feel sleepy from Allegra medications.
Conclusion
Allegra and Zyrtec are good antihistamine options that most people generally tolerate. However, some differences between them could make one better for you than the other.
