Zyrtec Vs. Claritin D
Zyrtec and Claritin-D are medications used to treat allergy symptoms such as sneezing, watery eyes, runny nose, hives and itching. According to drugs.com, Zyrtec works by reducing histamines that cause these symptoms. Claritin-D contains both a histamine blocker and a decongestant (desloratadine, which blocks histamines, and pseudoephedrine, which shrinks blood vessels in the nose that can cause congestion).
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Zyrtec: Warnings
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Before using Zyrtec, patients should speak to their doctors. Drugs.com explains that patients who are allergic to cetirizine should not take this medication. Medications such as muscle relaxers, anxiety pills or depression pills can cause adverse side effects, so if you are taking any of these medications, Zyrtec may not be right for you. Since this drug can impair your thinking, drugs.com states that patients need to be careful while driving a vehicle or while performing any activity that requires you to be alert. Zyrtec has not been shown to be harmful to unborn babies.
Zyrtec: Side Effects
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Drugs.com reports that there are many mild to severe side effects associated with Zyrtec use. Side effects include weakness, tremors, fast, pounding or uneven heartbeat, sleep problems, restlessness, hyperactivity, vision problems (blurred vision) and trouble urinating. Less severe side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, sore throat, cough, nausea, constipation and headache. If any of the more serious side effects occur and persist, contact your doctor immediately.
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Claritin-D: Warnings
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As explained by drugs.com, it is critical to talk with your doctor before using Claritin-D. In young children, misuse can lead to death. It is advised not to take Claritin-D while using MAO inhibitors, other cold medicines, allergy medicines or sleep medicines, as they can cause adverse side effects. If you have liver disease, glaucoma, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, enlarged prostate or trouble urinating, this drug may not be for you. Also, drugs.com states that you should not consume alcohol while using this drug, as it can worsen side effects.
Claritin-D: Side Effects
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Serious side effects associated with Claritin-D include irregular heart beat, confusion, hallucination, unusual behavior, severe dizziness, anxiety, nervousness, increase blood pressure, severe headache, blurred vision, chest pain, numbness, chills, fever, body aches, seizures, easy bruising and bleeding and urinary retention. Drugs.com explains that less serious side effects include dry mouth, upset stomach, diarrhea, loss of appetite, rash, restlessness, warm or red skin, mild drowsiness and dizziness, problems with memory or concentration and ringing in the ears.
Considerations
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It is important that you take both drugs as advised. If you are looking for a drug that will help to prevent common symptoms of allergies, then Zyrtec may be the best choice. But if you are looking for a medication that will help with allergy symptoms, as well as nasal congestion, Claritin-D is the best choice. However, it is up to you and your doctor to pick which drug will work best with you. If you overdose on these drugs, seek immediate medical attention.
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