Does Claritin Help With Food Allergies - AllergyProGuide.com (2023)

Coverage And Cost Comparison Of Benadryl Vs Claritin

Seasonal Allergies: Which Medication is Right for You?

Benadryl can be purchased as an over-the-counter drug. Most Medicare and insurance plans may not cover Benadryl for this reason. Benadryl is widely available in its generic form diphenhydramine. Many pharmacies, grocery stores, and big-box retailers also carry diphenhydramine in their own store brand. The cost of Benadryl can be up to $18. If prescribed by your doctor, Benadryl can cost under $2 with a SingleCare coupon.

Claritin comes in boxes with quantities ranging from 5 tablets to 100 tablets. It is purchased over-the-counter as brand-name Claritin or generic loratadine. Most Medicare and insurance plans may not cover Claritin so its best to check with your insurance. The average retail cost of Claritin is around $30. With a prescription, the SingleCare cost is $4-$10

$4-$10

Zyrtec Vs Claritin: Administration

The antihistamine effects of Zyrtec and Claritin last for at least 24 hours, therefore, they are both given once daily. Cetirizine, the active ingredient of Zyrtec works within one hour. Claritin may not reach its peak effect for two to three hours since most of its antihistamine activity is attributable to its active metabolite desloratadine, which loratadine is metabolized to in the liver.

Pathogenesis Of Food Allergy

It is well reported that a few specific foods cause the majority of the food reactions. The most common triggers of a food reaction in adults include peanuts, fish, shellfish, tree nuts , and sesame. Problematic foods for children are eggs, milk , and peanuts. Chocolate, long thought by some parents to cause food allergies in children, rarely triggers a food allergy.4

In a true food allergy, the immune system mistakenly identifies a specific food or an additive in food as a harmful substance. The immune system cells then release certain antibodies known as immunoglobulin E to fight the allergens originating from the problematic food or food substance. The next time the smallest amount of that food is eaten, the IgE antibodies that circulate in the blood sense it and signal the immune system mast cells to release histamine and other cytokines into the bloodstream. These chemicals are responsible for a range of allergic signs and symptoms. Histamine contributes to inflammation and causes swelling on the skin and itching. It is responsible for the hives that appear on the skin when the patient is tested for allergy. These hives show the presence of IgE and are one of the best indications of allergy.5

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Pet Allergens Are Everywhere

Many people are allergic to pet dander, which can be suspended in the air like pollen . They are called aeroallergens. Dander collects on surfaces like carpets, upholstered furniture, curtains and mattresses. Because it travels easily through the air, these allergens may also cling to your clothes and hair and are easily transferred in public settings where animals arent present, like schools and offices. If you suddenly start sneezing at work, one of the causes may be your new cat-loving co-worker.

How Do I Know Which Antihistamine To Take

Because there are so many antihistamine products, both over-the-counter and prescription, and because they are used to treat so many different conditions, you may need help figuring out which medication to take. For minor ailments, you can probably take over-the-counter products. You can read the package labeling and match your symptoms to the labeled symptoms. Also, never hesitate to ask the pharmacist. They are highly schooled in the actions and effects and side effects of drugs. You may need to try different antihistamines to find the best medication to manage your symptoms.

If you need a prescription antihistamine, you and your healthcare provider will work together to figure out what medication will be best for you. Many drugs interact with antihistamines, so your healthcare provider will want to know what medical conditions you have and medications you are currently taking. They will also want to know if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding. Some antihistamines are not recommended in pregnancy because they may cause birth defects in very high doses. Antihistamines can pass into breast milk, so you should consult with your healthcare provider before using antihistamines if you are breastfeeding.

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Whats The Difference Between First

Just like the name implies, the first generation antihistamine were the first type approved by the Food and Drug Administration . They began to be approved in the United States in the 1930s and are still prescribed today.

They work on histamine receptor in the brain and spinal cord along with other types of receptors. Most notable about this generation of antihistamines is that they cross the blood-brain barrier, which results in drowsiness.

Second-generation antihistamines were approved by the FDA and first came to market in the 1980s. The second-generation antihistamines do not cross the blood-brain barrier to the extent that first-generation do and therefore do not cause drowsiness at standard dosage levels. Second-generation antihistamines are considered to be safer than first generation antihistamines because they dont cause drowsiness and interact with fewer drugs.

Warnings Of Benadryl And Claritin

Benadryl or Claritin should not be used if you have had allergic reactions to any of the active ingredients labeled on the package. Taking these medications may cause a hypersensitivity reaction, such as trouble breathing or severe rash, if you have an allergy to the medicine.

Since antihistamines can cause increased drowsiness and sleepiness, their use is cautioned when engaging in certain activities such as driving a car or operating machinery.

Benadryl is not recommended in elderly adults 65 years and older. Taking Benadryl may increase the risk of dementia or cognitive impairment, delirium, and fainting.

Talk to your doctor before using Benadryl or Claritin if you have asthma, liver disease, or kidney disease.

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Potential Side Effects And Risks Of Claritin For Dogs

Unlike most antihistamines, Loratadine does not cross the blood-brain barrier meaning it is not associated with drowsiness. However, it can still trigger some side effects, including:

Loratadine medications and formulations should not be used in:

• Dogs allergic or sensitive to Loratadine
• Dogs on meds with established drug interactions
• Dogs with dry keratoconjunctivitis, kidney, and liver disease
• Young pups and pregnant and nursing females

Is It Ok To Take Claritin And Benadryl / Can I Take Benadryl 12 Hours After Claritin

Understanding Food Allergy

Its not recommended to take Claritin and Benadryl together. Because they have similar side effects, taking them together can increase the risk of adverse effects. Claritin has a relatively long half-life so it may not be safe to take Benadryl 12 hours after Claritin. Consult a doctor for medical advice before taking multiple antihistamines.

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Which Is More Sedating Zyrtec Or Claritin

Zyrtec and Claritin are second-generation antihistamines. Second-generation antihistamines were first developed in the 1990s to provide allergy relief without the unwanted side effect of sedation common to first-generation antihistamines such as promethazine and diphenhydramine. However, it soon became apparent that not all second-generation antihistamines were equal when it came to not causing drowsiness or affecting other thought processes. Cetirizine was significantly more likely than loratadine to cause drowsiness and have a negative effect on motivation in one study of 60 patients with allergic rhinitis.

Managing A Severe Food Reaction With Epinephrine

A wheat allergy reaction can cause symptoms that range from mild to life-threatening the severity of each reaction is unpredictable. People who have previously experienced only mild symptoms may suddenly experience a life-threatening reaction known as anaphylaxis. In the U.S., food allergy is the leading cause of anaphylaxis outside the hospital setting.

Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis, which can occur within seconds or minutes, can worsen quickly and can be deadly. In this type of allergic reaction, exposure to the allergen causes the whole-body release of a flood of chemicals that can lead to lowered blood pressure and narrowed airways, among other serious symptoms.

Once youre diagnosed with a food allergy, your allergist will likely prescribe an epinephrine auto-injector and teach you how to use it. Check the expiration date of your auto-injector, note the expiration date on your calendar and ask your pharmacy about reminder services for prescription renewals.

If you are uncertain whether a reaction warrants epinephrine, use it right away, because the benefits of epinephrine far outweigh the risk that a dose may not have been necessary.

Your allergist will provide you with a written emergency treatment plan that outlines which medications should be administered and when . Be sure that you understand how to properly and promptly use an epinephrine auto-injector.

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Common Side Effects Of Allegra Vs Claritin

Allegra and Claritin share some mild side effects such as headache, drowsiness, and fatigue. These side effects are common with other second-generation antihistamines like Zyrtec . However, Allegra may produce less drowsiness than Claritin and other antihistamines.

Other common side effects of Allegra include dizziness, nausea, stomach ache, and back pain. Claritin may also cause dry mouth.

Serious side effects are rare with Allegra and Claritin. However, allergic reactions to any of the ingredients in either drug are possible. Those with allergies to either drug may experience rash, swelling, or trouble breathing. Seek medical attention immediately if this occurs.

How Much Claritin Can I Give My Dog

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How Do Antihistamines Stop The Symptoms Of Allergies

If you have ever had seasonal allergies, you have probably taken antihistamines to feel better. Five out of every ten people deal with allergies of some kind. Allergens are the triggers for an allergic response. Allergens can be anything from the latex in gloves, to pollen, dust mites, animal dander, mold, insect stings, as well as ingredients in medications and in food.

The allergic response is caused by the protein, histamine the immune system makes and carries histamine in special lymphocytes called mast cells. Histamine is an inflammatory protein that causes blood to flow into the surrounding tissues of where the antigen is located. For instance, if you breathed in some dust particles and the immune system mistakes them for a pathogen, the tissues in your sinuses and nasal passages may begin to swell. You may start sneezing and your eyes might start watering this is caused by histamine.

To help reduce your allergy triggers, you need to reduce the amount of allergens that you are exposed to. A good way to do this is to keep your environment free of dust, dust mites, and mold. The spores of mold are airborne it is possible that you could breathe them into your lungs and have an allergic response. Dust mites live in the dust of your home they also live in your bed and bedding. A dust mite allergy can cause coughing, wheezing and sinus problems.

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How Should Benadryl Be Taken

A typical dose of Benadryl is 25-50 mg every 4-6 hours. Benadryl may interact with monoamine oxidase inhibitors , other over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, or insomnia medications, anxiety or sleep medicines, antidepressants, or any other medications that make you feel drowsy, sleepy, or relaxed. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use. Benadryl has not been adequately evaluated in pregnant women. Benadryl is secreted in breast milk. Because of the risk of stimulation and seizures in infants, especially newborns and premature infants, antihistamines should not be used by nursing mothers.

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How Is Allergic Rhinitis Treated In Children

Some corticosteroid nasal sprays can be used in children as young as 2 years.

Antihistamine tablets can be used for children with mild allergic rhinitis or young children who will not tolerate nasal sprays. Some can be taken by children as young as 12 months. Only newer antihistamines, which cause less sleepiness, should be given to children.

Montelukast tablets are effective for some children.

Your doctor may recommend other medicines.

Symptoms Of A Food Allergy

Food allergy app developed to help with eating out

The symptoms of a food allergy almost always develop a few seconds or minutes after eating the food.

Some people may develop a severe allergic reaction , which can be life threatening.

The most common type of allergic reaction to food is known as an IgE-mediated food allergy.

Symptoms include:

• tingling or itching in the mouth
• a raised, itchy red rash in some cases, the skin can turn red and itchy, but without a raised rash
• swelling of the face, mouth , throat or other areas of the body
• difficulty swallowing

• failure to grow at the expected rate

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Zyrtec Vs Claritin For Postnasal Drip

Post nasal drip may occur for various reasons – allergies , colds or flu, various drugs , cold temperatures, bright lights, hormonal changes and spicy foods.

Thin postnasal drip secretions caused by allergies may be treated with antihistamines. Second-generation antihistamines such as Zyrtec and Claritin may offer better relief than older-type antihistamines such as promethazine . Intranasal antihistamines, such as azelastine, have a faster onset of action and appear more effective than oral antihistamines although require more frequent administration. Other treatments include decongestants, cromolyn, and corticosteroid nasal sprays.

In the treatment of post nasal drip caused by nonallergic causes, oral second-generation antihistamines are not very effective. However, the intranasal antihistamine azelastine is effective. Azelastine improves all rhinitis symptoms including nasal congestion, postnasal drip, sneezing and sleeping difficulty. The most common side effect is a metallic after taste however, this is more likely at higher dosages and tends to dissipate with continued use.

If thin nasal mucus secretions become thick and turn yellow or green, bacterial infection is likely and a doctor should be seen to obtain antibiotics.

When To Seek Medical Advice

If you think you or your child may have a food allergy, it’s very important to ask for a professional diagnosis from your GP. They can then refer you to an allergy clinic if appropriate.

Many parents mistakenly assume their child has a food allergy when their symptoms are actually caused by a completely different condition.

Commercial allergy testing kits are available, but using them isn’t recommended. Many kits are based on unsound scientific principles. Even if they’re reliable, you should have the results looked at by a health professional.

Read more about diagnosing food allergies

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What Should Health Care Professionals Do

Health care professionals should consider the risks and benefits of montelukast when deciding to prescribe or continue patients on the medicine. Counsel all patients receiving montelukast about mental health side effects, and advise them to stop the medicine and contact a health care professional immediately if they develop any symptoms included but not limited to those listed in the table above. Be aware that some patients have reported neuropsychiatric events after discontinuation of montelukast.

Only prescribe montelukast for allergic rhinitis in patients who have an inadequate response or intolerance to alternative therapies.

Effectiveness And Speed Of Relief

Besides dosing, there are some slight differences in how quickly or how well the drugs work. Zyrtec and Allegra work quickly for the treatment of allergic rhinitis and hives, typically within less than an hour. By contrast, studies show that Claritin takes many hours to start working.

Studies also show that Allegra and Zyrtec are good at treating hay fever and hives. However, Zyrtec appears to be a better medicine for the treatment of hives.

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How To Help Reduce Mold

You can lessen your allergies with medication, cleaning up mold and preventing it at the source.

Take allergy medication.

• Keep medicine on hand. Antihistamine products like Claritin® and antihistamine plus decongestant products like Claritin-D® can be used for both, indoor and outdoor, allergies. Claritin® provides relief of symptoms triggered by over 200 indoor and outdoor allergens like those from pollen , animals, mold and dust. Claritin is an antihistamine , so it hinders the cascade triggered by allergens

Maintain low moisture.

• Eliminate sources of dampness. Check your basement for pipe leaks or groundwater seepage and fix any issues or call a plumber for help. Reattach disconnected dryer vents.
• Use a dehumidifier. If any area of your home smells musty or damp, youll want to bring the moisture level down. Keeping humidity levels below 50% in your home discourages mold growth.
• Don’t carpet bathrooms and basements. Mold likes the cool, damp atmosphere in these rooms, so avoid providing a place for mold to inhabit by skipping out on carpet.

Air it out.

• Use an air conditioner. Central air conditioning units with a high-efficiency particulate air filter can trap mold spores and prevent them from circulating in your home.
• Ventilate. Ensure your bathrooms and kitchens are properly ventilated. Use a bathroom ventilation fan during and after your shower. The exhaust fan over your stove will help remove steam from cooking.

Keep your space clean and decluttered.

Be observant.

Comparisons With Other Allergy Medications

Researchers are often studying, comparing, and improving antihistamines. Other popular brands on the market today are Allegra and Benadryl.

• Allegra contains the active ingredient fexofenadine. Allegra is non-sedating, so it should not make a person feel drowsy. Allegra is also a second-generation antihistamine.
• Benadryl contains the active ingredient diphenhydramine. This acts faster than the other three and aims to treat minor skin reactions, not seasonal allergies. Benadryl is a first-generation antihistamine, which makes it sedating, so people tend to feel drowsy after taking it.

When a person comes into contact with an allergen, their immune system reacts and produces a chemical called histamine.

Histamine causes many allergy symptoms, including inflammation of the skin or sinuses, pain, redness, and wheezing.

Immune responses also encourage extra mucus to develop, which helps to clear allergens from the nose and throat.

Allergy medications block histamine responses. This dulls the bodys response to minor or harmless allergens, such as pollen, dust, and pet dander.

Claritin and Zyrtec are effective and safe for most people with minor allergies. However, as with all medications, there may be some side effects.

Loratadinepresent in Claritinmay not be safe for people with severe liver conditions. The liver has to break down loratadine. The kidneys break down cetirizinefound in Zyrtecand the body excretes it in the urine, largely unchanged.

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