Cetirizine is an antiallergy med which belongs to second-generation antihistamines. This medication is widely used to inhibit substances known as histamines. These are produced by your system when it encounters threats of foreign bodies. Histamines resist such threats by bringing about a sneeze or watery eyes. These are the same substances that make you itch your skin. Cetirizine is taken for allergies like urticaria, hives, hay fever, etc. Loratadine is another antihistamine med. In this light, it is important to know differences of cetirizine versus loratadine. Such knowledge can help prior to starting your doses of either of these drugs.
Antihistamine meds are essentially medications which aid in managing allergies. Active chemicals present in these antiallergic drugs inhibit a chemical called H1. This is type of histamine or antiallergic substance that your system makes naturally. This is one of the reasons for calling antihistamine meds as H1 inhibitors.
You need to know that your body makes histamines. These trigger antiallergy reactions like teary eye(s), sneezing, discoloration, itchiness, sneezing, etc. Upon blocking the making of these substances, you get needful relief from several allergic conditions caused by dander, dust, mites or pollen.
So, what is cetirizine?
Cetirizine is one of the widely taken antiallergic drug. It can be administered either as a prescribed med or as an over the counter drug (through self-medication). You can buy it directly from online drugstores as well as pharmacies. Cetirizine is sold both as tablets and as capsules. Both are taken through the oral route.
The good news is you can get the generic version of this med. This means you can avail at much cheaper prices than its branded equivalents. This med is known for its fast action. Hence, immediately after commencing the dosage plan, you are likely to experience needful remedial effects.
Cetirizine
What is loratadine?
Loratadine is grouped as an antihistamine med. It blocks natural reactions of your system on getting exposed to matters like pollen grain, pet hair, dust, etc. Your caregiving team may also administer this drug for treating other conditions such as itchiness, formation of rashes or hives.
Loratadine has the clearance of the US-based federal drug clearing body the FDA. As an extended use, this med is given to dogs for treating allergies. But this is an off-label application for which it does not have the needful clearance from FDA.
Loratadine
Cetirizine versus loratadine
One of the major difference in between these two meds under the class of antihistamines is their half-life periods. In case of cetirizine, the timeline is 10.6 hours. But, the half-life period of loratadine is 18 hours. These two meds are not known to cause any harm to humans. Owing to this, these carry a rating of Category B for women who are pregnant.
You are advised not to consume alcohol or drinks that may have some traces of alcohol in them, all through your dosage plan. If you take alcohol with cetirizine or loratadine, you may experience severe levels of drowsiness and may also become quite dizzy. One of the cautionary measures is: do not perform activities like jumping, running, or any other sporting actions. Stay away from driving or working on heavy machines.
Last but not least, inform your doctor of all your existing medical conditions. In the same light, tell your physician of meds you are currently taking. Make a list of such drugs and care to include over the counter drugs, prescription meds, herbal drugs and other forms of dietary aids as well as supplements.
If you are living with hepatic conditions and / or kidney-related conditions, tell your caregiver of such conditions before commencing treatment. You can also have more details about cetirizine versus loratadine by speaking to the caregiver.
Disclaimer
Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.
Education: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from New York University. Experience: 5 years of experience writing for physiotherapy and sports medicine blogs, providing expert insights on injury prevention and rehabilitation.
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