Springtime is right around the corner (thankfully!), but with the change of seasons comes dust, pollen, and other environmental allergens.
Two common brand name medications to use for seasonal allergies are Zyrtec (cetirizine) and Claritin (loratadine) and are typically prescribed to treat symptoms of hay fever and upper respiratory tract allergies. Both drugs are antihistamines that temporarily relieve sneezing, runny nose, itching, and watery eyes. Antihistamines work by reducing the production of a chemical called histamine in the body. Histamine is a substance that is responsible for causing symptoms when the body detects contact with an allergen. These drugs are non-habit forming and can be discontinued when allergy symptoms are resolved.
Although both Zyrtec and Claritin belong to an identical drug class, they have differences in the time of onset and in their side-effects profile. Zyrtec has a quick onset of action with relief usually felt within 1 hour. Claritin has a much slower onset of action than Zyrtec, usually 3 hours, and causes less sedation.
These over-the-counter allergy medications do not need a prescription and you can get them from your local pharmacy. Both Zyrtec and Claritin are also available in a generic form. Though these medications have an excellent safety history, it is always best to consult with your doctor before starting new medications.
