About Allergies: Should You Take Claritin, Zyrtec or Allegra?

If you can't see this email, click here

Allergies Allergies Symptoms / Diagnosis Treatment Coping From Daniel More, MD, your Guide to Allergies My patients frequently ask me which over-the-counter antihistamine they should take -- Claritin, Zyrtec or Allegra? You might be thinking, "Aren't these antihistamines all the same?" -- well, they aren't. Depending on the allergic condition being treated, the age of the person, as well as other underlying issues (such as asthma or pregnancy), the best choice of antihistamine might be different. So, instead of thinking that these medicines are all the same, learn more about each one of them and figure out which choice is the best for you. All About Claritin Claritin (loratadine) is a second-generation oral antihistamine approved for the treatment of allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and urticaria (hives) for adults and children 2 years and older. Claritin is available over the counter without a prescription and in multiple generic forms, and comes in tablet and liquid forms, and as oral disintegrating tablets. The dosage of Claritin is 5 milligrams for children 2 to 6 years of age, and 10 milligrams for 6 years of age and older. Higher dosages have not been shown to be more effective for the treatment of hay fever, although may be more effective for the treatment of hives. Search Related Topics:  hay fever symptoms  hay fever treatment  allergy shots All About Zyrtec Zyrtec (cetirizine) is a 2nd generation antihistamine approved for the treatment of urticaria (hives) and allergic rhinitis (hay fever) for adults and children 2 years and older (previous prescription versions were approved for children as young as 6 months of age). Zyrtec is available without a prescription (over-the-counter) in brand name (Zyrtec) and generic (cetirizine) types, and comes in tablet, chewable and liquid forms. The dosage of Zyrtec is 5 milligrams for children 2 to 6 years of age, and 10 milligrams for 6 years of age and older. Larger doses have not been shown to be more beneficial for the treatment of hay fever, but may be more useful for the treatment of hives in some people. Search Related Topics:  hay fever  hay fever treatment  allergy shots All About Allegra Allegra is available in brand name and generic (as fexofenadine) forms, and comes in tablets, liquid, and oral disintegrating tablets. The dosage of Allegra is 15 milligrams twice a day for children 6 months to 2 years of age, 30 milligrams twice a day for 2 to 11 years of age, and 60 milligrams twice a day (or 180 milligrams once a day) for ages 12 years and older. Studies don't support higher dosages for the treatment of hay fever, but higher doages may be helpful for certain people with hives. Search Related Topics:  antihistamines  hay fever treatment  allergy shots Related Searches Pediatric Allergies Drug Allergies About Allergies Allergy or Allergies Allergies Treatment Featured Articles Insect Allergies Anaphylaxis Allergy Shots and Drops (Immunotherapy) Alternative Therapies in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Allergies Glossary of Terms Information on the Most Common Allergy Medications   More from About.com 10 Easy Ways to Look Thinner Don't wait until you've lost those first pounds to make these simple, slimming changes. Read more...> Create a Shared Photo Stream Sharing your photo stream with friends and family is a great way to keep in touch. Read more...> This newsletter is written by: Daniel More, MD Allergies Guide Email Me | My Blog | My Forum   Sign up for more free newsletters on your favorite topics You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About.com Allergies newsletter. If you wish to change your email address or unsubscribe, please click here. About.com respects your privacy: Our Privacy Policy Contact Information: 1500 Broadway, 6th Floor New York, NY, 10036 © 2012 About.com   Must Reads What are Allergies? Symptoms of Allergies Diagnosis of Allergies Treatment of Allergies Preventing Allergies   Follow me on: Advertisement