Reactions like allergic rhinitis, common cold and / or require treatment in a timely manner. In most cases, incidence of such reactions is due to an exposure to substances like mites, pollen, dust or other similar types of allergens. In this light, Claritin and Allegra are commonly administered meds for the treatment of allergies. You need to know that these drugs are grouped under a category of meds known as antihistamines. But, it is important to understand which of these meds help manage allergic conditions in an effective fashion.

Drugs belonging to a genre known as antihistamines help inhibit naturally occurring chemicals that your system produces to fight allergies. These natural chemicals are labelled as histamines. These make you to witness an inflammation or bring out a sneeze upon being exposed to a foreign body – like an allergen. Such anti-allergic responses are normal ways by which risk caused by an allergen are managed. Antihistamines are drugs – as the genre indicates – work to reduce the intensity of histamines, and thus decrease many forms of allergic reactions.

What is Claritin and what are its uses?


This med belongs to the genre called antihistamines. Like most antihistamines, this drug works to decrease the effects of allergic reactions – for example, inflammation / swelling, itchy skin conditions, nasal blocks, a runny nose, etc. This med is widely administered to treat skin conditions such as rashes, hives, and spells of sneezing.

This anti-allergic med must not be administered to patients below 2 years of age. Also, people living with prior ailments like liver-based problems, kidney problems or cardiac conditions need to keep their caregiver updated of all such disorders. Moreover, those who are experiencing adverse / undesired effects like headache or migraine, feeling dizzy or drowsy, abnormal heartbeats or pulse rates must tell their treating physician / pharmacist of all such discomforts prior to consuming Claritin.

What is Allegra and what are its uses?


The generic name of Allegra is fexofenadine, and it is a second generation version of antihistamine. Such drugs were introduced in 90s. The key advantage of the second generation is the absence of sedative properties which the first generation counterparts are known for. This antihistamine med is used for treating a runny nose, incessant spells of sneezing, watery-eyes, skin conditions such as itchiness and hives.

If you notice adverse effects like rise in body temperature, upset of stomach and coughing spells after taking Allegra, your treating doctor must be made aware of such problems. In some one-off instances, you may witness inflammation of oral parts, acute spells of drowsiness or dizziness, respiratory troubles like wheezing, panting or gasping. Upon noticing any of these counterproductive effects, you are advised to talk to your treating doctor without much delay.

Which is more effective? Claritin or Allegra


Claritin may A few studies indicate Allegra is more effective than Claritin while treating allergic rhinitis and associated discomforts in your eyes. For suppression of flares, Allegra is known to score better than Claritin in some comparative trials. Claritin may need more than 3 hours to start acting on the system. Also, Claritin is unlikely to trigger nerve-related problems or mental conditions such as restlessness or being in a confused state of mind. Prior to commencing the medication plan, it is highly recommended to consult with a qualified clinician. Also, as intake of a larger dosage can trigger a few acutely adverse conditions, is becomes essential to take needful guidance.

Upon sensing adverse effects, people living in US are advised to call 911 or reach out to the helplines run by the food and drug administration. Residents of Canada are recommended to call Health Canada or a poison control center functioning closer to where you reside.