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Zyrtec D vs Allegra D
Introduction
For individuals with allergies, certain drugs that counteract the body's histamine response can alleviate symptoms such as sneezing, itching, watery eyes and runny nose. Zyrtec D and Allegra D are two such medications used for allergy relief. Both interfere with the effects of histamines in your body but have slightly different ingredients and mechanisms of action. Zyrtec D contains cetirizine hydrochloride which is an antihistamine, along with pseudoephedrine hydrochloride which acts as a nasal decongestant. Allegra D on the other hand combines fexofenadine hydrochloride (an antihistamine) with pseudoephedrine hydrochloride (a decongestant). While both provide relief from allergy symptoms including congestion due to their addition of a decongestant, they may have different side effects or efficacy depending on individual patient factors.
Zyrtec D vs Allegra D Side By Side
| Attribute | Zyrtec d | Allegra d |
|---|---|---|
| Brand Name | Zyrtec D | Allegra D |
| Contraindications | Should not be taken if using or have used MAO inhibitors within the past 14 days | Should not be taken if using or have used MAO inhibitors within the past 14 days |
| Cost | Approximately $0.62 - $1 /day for the generic version | Approximately $0.83 - $1.16 /day for the generic version |
| Generic Name | Cetirizine-Pseudoephedrine | Fexofenadine-Pseudoephedrine |
| Most Serious Side Effect | Severe reactions such as hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat | Symptoms of an allergic reaction such as hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat |
| Severe Drug Interactions | MAO inhibitors | MAO inhibitors |
| Typical Dose | One tablet (5mg of antihistamine and 120mg of decongestant) every 12 hours for adults and children over 12 | One tablet (60 mg fexofenadine and 120 mg pseudoephedrine) every 12 hours |
What is Zyrtec D?
Cetirizine and pseudoephedrine (the generic names for Zyrtec D) marked a significant advancement from the first generation of antihistamines. Cetirizine was initially approved by the FDA in 1995. Zyrtec D works to alleviate allergy symptoms by blocking histamine, a substance produced during an allergic response, thereby effectively “trapping” it before it can affect your body. It is prescribed for the relief of seasonal allergies like hay fever. Unlike its predecessor drugs, Zyrtec D has a selective impact on H1 receptors with only minor influence on muscarinic receptors which results in fewer side effects such as drowsiness compared to other antihistamines that have stronger effects on these receptors.
On the other hand, Fexofenadine and pseudoephedrine (the generic names for Allegra D) similarly work to mitigate allergy symptoms but are known for their non-sedating effect due to minimal permeability into the brain thus reducing the likelihood of drowsiness - a common side-effect with many antihistamines.
What conditions is Zyrtec D approved to treat?
Zyrtec D and Allegra D are both approved for the treatment of various allergy symptoms, including:
- Seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
- Perennial allergic rhinitis (year-round allergies)
- Nasal congestion due to colds or allergies In addition, these medications also contain a decongestant to relieve nasal stuffiness. Please note that despite their similarities, they contain different active ingredients and may have different side effects or drug interactions, so it's important to discuss with your healthcare provider which one is more suitable for you.
How does Zyrtec D help with these illnesses?
Zyrtec D helps manage allergies by blocking the action of histamine in the body. It does this by acting as an antagonist at the H1 receptor, a site where histamine commonly binds to exert its effects. Histamine is involved in many physiological responses, including inflammation and allergic reactions that can lead to symptoms such as sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose. By preventing histamine from binding to these receptors, Zyrtec D effectively reduces allergy symptoms. In addition to cetirizine (the antihistaminic component), it also contains pseudoephedrine which acts as a decongestant providing relief for nasal and sinus congestion.
On the other hand, Allegra D also works similarly; it has fexofenadine that blocks H1 receptors reducing allergenic symptoms along with pseudoephedrine for alleviating congestion. However, each medication may work better or be more tolerable depending on individual characteristics of patients due to differences in their metabolism or potential side effects.
What is Allegra D?
Allegra D is a brand name for fexofenadine with pseudoephedrine, an antihistamine and decongestant combination that effectively treats symptoms of allergies and the common cold. Fexofenadine works by blocking histamines in the body to reduce allergy symptoms, while pseudoephedrine acts as a nasal decongestant to alleviate sinus pressure. Allegra D became available over-the-counter in 2011 following its approval by the FDA. Unlike other antihistamines like diphenhydramine (found in Benadryl), fexofenadine does not cross into the brain from the blood and therefore causes less drowsiness—a major advantage compared to some competitors such as Zyrtec D. Its side-effect profile is also different from that of many older antihistamines; it doesn't lead to weight gain or sexual dysfunction, which are common issues related to certain classic allergy medications. The effects on histamine receptors can be beneficial for treating seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever), especially in patients who do not respond well or have adverse reactions to alternative treatments like Zyrtec D.
What conditions is Allegra D approved to treat?
Allegra D is an FDA-approved medication used to help alleviate the symptoms of:
- Seasonal allergies, including hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies
- Chronic idiopathic urticaria or hives, with its ability to reduce itching and redness In addition, it also contains a decongestant for relieving sinus pressure and nasal congestion.
How does Allegra D help with these illnesses?
Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that shrinks blood vessels in the nasal passages. Dilated blood vessels can cause nasal congestion (stuffy nose). Fexofenadine, one of the active ingredients in Allegra D, is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms such as sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose. Allegra D works by combining these two actions to relieve allergic symptoms and nasal congestion.
Allegra D doesn't typically make you feel drowsy unlike other antihistamines - a significant advantage over Zyrtec D for example. However, because it includes pseudoephedrine as part of its formulation (the 'D' stands for decongestant), it may have stimulating properties leading to potential sleep disturbances or feelings of jitteriness for some individuals.
This dual action makes Allegra D effective at not only combating allergic reactions but also addressing their side effects like stuffy noses which are often overlooked but still disruptive aspects of allergies. Because it does not significantly induce drowsiness like many first-generation antihistamines do (including Zyrtec-D), it's often prescribed when patients need symptom relief without feeling fatigued or cloudy-headed.
How effective are both Zyrtec D and Allegra D?
Both cetirizine (Zyrtec D) and fexofenadine (Allegra D) are FDA-approved second-generation antihistamines that came to the market within a few years of each other. Both have established histories of effectiveness for treating symptoms related to allergies such as runny nose, sneezing, itching eyes/nose, and hives. They differ slightly in their pharmacokinetics; while both act on histamine receptors, cetirizine may cross the blood-brain barrier more readily than fexofenadine, which can lead to mild drowsiness in some users.
A 2001 double-blind clinical trial comparing cetirizine with Fexofenadine found that both drugs are effective at controlling symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis over a two-week period. However, patients receiving cetirizine reported significantly greater relief from individual allergy-related discomforts like runny nose and eye itchiness.
As per a review published in 2015 looking at several studies involving these medications, Cetirizine is an effective treatment for allergic rhinitis starting from the first day of use and shows minimal side effects making it suitable across different age groups including children and elderly populations. It has become widely prescribed due to its overall safety profile.
On the other hand, fexofenadine also provides significant relief from nasal congestion associated with seasonal allergic rhinitis as demonstrated by multiple placebo-controlled trials cited in a 2017 meta-analysis report. While it's often recommended after or alongside other first-line treatments due to its non-sedating properties making it less likely to interfere with daily activities or work performance. Despite concerns about interactions between grapefruit juice or meals high in fats affecting absorption levels of Fexofenadine leading clinicians being cautious when prescribing this medication.
In conclusion both Zyrtec D & Allegra D bring benefits depending on individual patient needs such as avoiding sedation during daytime hours where Allegra-D could be preferred whereas Zyrtec-D might provide better symptom control especially if taken before bedtime where any potential sleep-inducing effect would not be disruptive.
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At what dose is Zyrtec D typically prescribed?
Oral dosages of Zyrtec D and Allegra D vary based on age, but for adults and children over 12 years old, one tablet (containing 5mg of antihistamine and 120mg of decongestant) every 12 hours should suffice for relieving allergy symptoms. For children under the age of 12, it's recommended to consult with a healthcare provider before use. In any case, dosage can be adjusted depending on the severity of symptoms or individual response to treatment. Always remember that exceeding two tablets in a 24-hour period is not advised under any circumstances.
At what dose is Allegra D typically prescribed?
Allegra D treatment is typically initiated at one tablet (60 mg fexofenadine and 120 mg pseudoephedrine) every 12 hours. Do not take more than two tablets in a 24-hour period. It's critical to maintain a consistent dosing schedule, with doses spaced approximately 12 hours apart for optimal symptom management. If symptoms persist beyond a few weeks despite taking Allegra D as directed, it would be prudent to consult your healthcare provider. Remember that just like any other medication, the maximum dose should never be exceeded without medical guidance due to potential side effects and interactions.
What are the most common side effects for Zyrtec D?
When comparing Zyrtec D to Allegra D, some common side effects might include:
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Fatigue (general weakness and tiredness)
- Insomnia (difficulty sleeping) or somnolence (sleepiness/drowsiness)
- Headache
- Nervousness, restlessness or excitability
- Throat irritation -Stomach pain or discomfort -Diarrhea -Sinusitis (inflammation of the sinus cavities in the head) -Tremor (unintentional trembling or shaking)
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list. Each individual may react differently to these medications. If you experience any unusual symptoms while taking either Zyrtec D or Allegra D, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Are there any potential serious side effects for Zyrtec D?
While Zyrtec D and Allegra D are both effective for treating allergies, they can occasionally cause serious side effects. For Zyrtec D these may include:
- Severe reactions such as hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Fast heartbeats or fluttering in your chest
- High blood pressure - severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears
- A light-headed feeling like you might faint
- Problems with vision (blurred or tunnel vision)
For Allegra-D some rare but serious side effects could be:
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Mood changes - restlessness, confusion
- Uncontrolled shaking (tremor)
- Irregular heartbeat
If you experience any of these symptoms after taking either medication it is important to seek immediate medical attention.
What are the most common side effects for Allegra D?
Some of the common side effects associated with Allegra D include:
- Dry mouth or throat
- Nausea or upset stomach
- Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
- Headache, dizziness, or nervousness
- Increased heart rate
- Ringing in the ears
- Muscle or joint pain
However, it's important to note that not everyone who takes this medication will experience these symptoms. If any of these side effects persist or worsen, contact your healthcare provider promptly. As always, weigh the benefits and potential adverse effects when deciding on a medication.
Are there any potential serious side effects for Allegra D?
While Allegra D is generally well-tolerated by most people, some may experience severe side effects. Signs of a serious reaction to Allegra D can include:
- Symptoms of an allergic reaction such as hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Severe dizziness or nervousness
- Trouble sleeping and restlessness due to the decongestant component
- Persistent dry mouth despite adequate hydration
- Unusually weak or tired feelings which are not alleviated with sleep.
If you notice any of these symptoms while taking Allegra D, it's important that you stop using it and seek medical attention immediately.
Contraindications for Zyrtec D and Allegra D?
Both Zyrtec D and Allegra D, along with most other antihistamine-decongestant combination medications, may cause side effects such as dry mouth, dizziness, nervousness, or sleep problems. If you notice these symptoms becoming severe or persistent after taking either of these drugs, please seek immediate medical attention.
Neither Zyrtec D nor Allegra D should be taken if you are using or have been using monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors within the past 14 days. Always share your medication history with your healthcare provider; MAOIs will require a period of about two weeks to clear from the system in order to prevent dangerous interactions with Zyrtec D and Allegra D.
How much do Zyrtec D and Allegra D cost?
For the brand name versions of these drugs:
- The price of 24 tablets of Zyrtec-D (5-120 mg) averages around $20, which works out to approximately $0.83/day.
- The price of 30 tablets of Allegra-D (60-120 mg) is about $30, working out to roughly $1/day.
Thus, if you are in the lower dosage range for Zyrtec-D, then it's less expensive on a per-day treatment basis than Allegra-D. But remember that cost shouldn't be your only consideration when choosing between these two medications.
As for their generic versions:
- Generic Zyrtec D (Cetirizine-Pseudoephedrine) costs between $15 and $25 for a pack of 24 tablets which comes down to approximately $0.62 -1$ /day.
- Fexofenadine-Pseudoephedrine, the generic version of Allegra D has prices ranging from about $25 -35 for a package containing 30 pills with an average daily cost being somewhere around $.83-$1.16 depending on where it’s purchased.
Overall, both medications can be bought in cheaper generic forms but generally speaking Zyrtec D tends to be slightly less costly than its counterpart Allegra D.
Popularity of Zyrtec D and Allegra D
Cetirizine, in generic form as well as brand names such as Zyrtec-D, was estimated to have been used by about 4.8 million people in the US in 2020. Cetirizine accounted for just over 10% of antihistamine use in the US. However, it appears to be one of the most common second-generation antihistamines (not causing drowsiness like older antihistamines). The usage of cetirizine has been generally increasing since its introduction.
Fexofenadine, including brand versions such as Allegra-D, was taken by approximately 3.9 million people in the USA during 2020. In the US market, fexofenadine accounts for close to 15% of second-generation antihistamine uses and nearly under 7% overall when considering all types of allergy medications. The prevalence rate of fexofenadine has remained relatively steady over recent years.
Conclusion
Both Zyrtec-D (cetirizine and pseudoephedrine) and Allegra-D (fexofenadine and pseudoephedrine) have substantial records of usage in patients with allergies, and are supported by numerous clinical studies indicating their effectiveness against symptom relief. In some cases, the two drugs may be used interchangeably depending on individual response or tolerance to either medication. Due to their different active ingredients - cetirizine in Zyrtec-D acts slightly faster than fexofenadine in Allegra-D - they might be chosen based on how quickly relief is needed.
Both drugs are available over-the-counter, offering convenient access for those suffering from seasonal allergies or cold symptoms. Both medications also contain decongestants that can provide immediate relief but could take a few hours until full effect.
The side-effect profiles are similar between these two combinations, both being generally well-tolerated but with Zyrtec-D possibly causing more drowsiness compared to Allegra-D due to its sedative properties. For both medications, patients should monitor any changes especially when starting treatment as the decongestant component can cause increased blood pressure or heart rate. As always when considering new medication options it's encouraged to consult with a healthcare provider.
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Refrences
- Nathan, R. A., Finn, A. F., Jr, LaForce, C., Ratner, P., Chapman, D., de Guia, E. C., … Kramer, B. (2006, September). Comparison of cetirizine-pseudoephedrine and placebo in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis and concomitant mild-to-moderate asthma: randomized, double-blind study. Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Elsevier BV.http://doi.org/10.1016/s1081-1206(10)60806-x
- Singh-Franco, D., Ghin, H. L., Robles, G. I., Borja-Hart, N., & Perez, A. (2009, August). Levocetirizine for the treatment of allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria in adults and children. Clinical Therapeutics. Elsevier BV.http://doi.org/10.1016/j.clinthera.2009.08.015
- Naclerio, R. M. (1993, June). The Effect of Antihistamines on the Immediate Allergic Response: A Comparative Review. Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. Wiley.http://doi.org/10.1177/019459989310800615
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- Howarth, P. H., Stern, M. A., Roi, L., Reynolds, R., & Bousquet, J. (1999, November). Double-blind, placebo-controlled study comparing the efficacy and safety of fexofenadine hydrochloride (120 and 180 mg once daily) and cetirizine in seasonal allergic rhinitis☆☆☆. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. Elsevier BV.http://doi.org/10.1016/s0091-6749(99)70070-9