Which is best claritin zyrtec or allegra?

When you are looking for an over-the-counter medication to relieve your allergy symptoms, there are many different options available. Among these options, Claritin®, Zyrtec®, and Allegra® are among the most popular choices. But which one of these medications is really the best? In this article, we will take a closer look at each of these drugs so that you can figure out which one is right for you.

The Basics

All three of these medications work by blocking histamine receptors in your body. Histamine is a chemical messenger that plays a critical role in triggering allergy symptoms like sneezing, itching and watery eyes. When histamines bind with receptor sites on cells throughout your body – including those lining your nasal passages- they set off an inflammatory response that leads to all those annoying symptoms.

Here’s how each drug compares:

Clarity on Claritin

Claritin’s active ingredient loratadine belongs to the class of antihistamines preferring peripheral histamine H1-receptors rather than central nervous system (CNS) ones. Research has indicated its minimal interaction with other CNS receptors like muscarinic, cholinergic alpha-adrenergic or serotonin types[1]. Approved by FDA in 1993 as prescription medicine; now sold OTC it may calm allergies leaving drowsiness behind.

Amazingly awesome Allegra

Allegra® contains fexofenadine hydrochloride, works similar as claritirin whereas inhibiting H1-histamine receptor binding consequently decreasing swelling and watering effects due to allergies etc . It boasts itself about not crossing blood brain barrier helping individuals avoiding neurological side effects such as sedation even though minor interactions shown during some previous trials[2].

Sweetness Overload: Zzyrtec!

Finally,Zyrtec® comes loaded with cetirizine hydrochloride, with NO affinity for H1-receptors in central nervous system, hence allows OTC sales . On Sets of tests fewer participants reported drowsiness compared to the other two and exhibited no interaction with cimetidine (modifies several enzyme functions) suggesting suitability towards individuals on concurrent medications[3].

How Effective Are They?

All three of these drugs have been found to be highly effective at relieving allergy symptoms. In numerous studies, patients who took Claritin®, Zyrtec® or Allegra® showed significant reductions in their allergic responses when compared with a placebo.

In one study conducted by GlaxoSmithKline, which makes allegra(2), over 500 patients suffering from seasonal allergies were given either Allegra® or placebo pills once a day for six weeks. Those who took Allegra saw substantial improvements in both nasal congestion and itching symptoms

A similar trial by Schering-Plough Research shows that people who used Claritin experienced more improvement than those taking a placebo during the first ten days.

Likewise, many real-world experiences posted online show each drug has its merits but can vary person to person leading us into considering different factors such as time-to-relieve, insurance coverage eligibility etc.

Dosing Details

Chewable tablets come pre-mixed only in case of children’s formulations available under special licensed circumstances: claritians’ chewable are berry-flavored; whilst every generic manufacturer creates it’s own form factor after gaining healthy approval grounds..

Claritin Allegra Zyrtec
10 mg daily 180mg homogenous doses required once per 24 hours dosage requirements

The Side Effects

As with any medication, there is always some risk of side effects associated with using Claritin®, Zyrtec®, or Allegra® .

Some of the most common side effects of these drugs include fatigue, dry mouth and headache, though Claritin may be considered more likely to cause a persistently antihistaminic effect leading to sedation or loss of concentration[1]. Some individuals taking Allegra may experience nausea and dizziness, while Zyrtec is inclined towards causing mild diarrhea. Serious side-effects are fairly rare however have been observed under extreme circumstances.

If you’re concerned about using one of these medications because of possible side effects or if you are pregnant/ lactating; it is best recommended that you speak with your physician since he/she will help determine which medication will be suitable for your allergy symptom relief without compromising personal wellbeing.

Conclusion

All three of these medicines are great options when it comes to relieving allergy symptoms. However, each drug has its own unique benefits and drawbacks–making it important for patients to consider their individual needs before selecting prescription.

Wishing you all well-being!

Sources:

  • [1]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6342013/
  • [2]https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jphp.12394
  • [3]https://www.mdedge.com/chestphysician/article/168214/allergy-immunology/exploring-safety-and-efficacy-nonprescription

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