Is it better to take antihistamines at night or in the morning? (2024)

Is it better to take antihistamines at night or in the morning?

For many people with allergies, symptoms are the worst around 4 a.m. to 6 a.m. Taking an antihistamine at bedtime may help you or your child feel better in the morning during allergy season.

What is the best time of day to take antihistamines?

As well as taking a non-drowsy antihistamine during the day (such as cetirizine or loratadine), your doctor may advise that you take a drowsy antihistamine at night time if the itching is making it difficult to sleep.

Is it better to take a 24-hour allergy pill in the morning or at night?

To sum it up, all first-generation H1 antihistamines should be taken close to bedtime or when you're able to sleep. Second-generation H1 antihistamines and H2 blockers can typically be taken at any time of the day. One exception to this is cetirizine, which can cause drowsiness for up to 14% of those who take it.

Is it good to take antihistamine before bed?

While some over-the-counter antihistamines can cause drowsiness, routinely using them to treat insomnia isn't recommended. Antihistamines, mainly used to treat symptoms of hay fever or other allergies, can induce drowsiness by working against a chemical produced by the central nervous system (histamine).

Should you take Claritin in the morning or at night?

What time of day should I take Claritin®? Claritin® products are non-drowsy and can be taken at any time. Do not take more than one dose every 12 hours if you are using a 12-hour product, or one dose every 24 hours if you are using a 24-hour product. Always follow the label directions.

What should you not mix with antihistamines?

When should antihistamines be avoided?

Patients with impaired renal or hepatic function should use antihistamines with caution. Hypertension, cardiovascular disease, urinary retention, increased ocular pressure are relative contraindications to the use of antihistamines.

Why is it better to take allergy medicine at night?

Many allergy medications, such as Zyrtec, are recommended every 24 hours. By taking the medication before bedtime you're more likely to get through the night without the active ingredients wearing off or becoming less effective closer to the end of the 24 hour period.

What is the safest antihistamine to take long term?

Newer antihistamines like Allegra and Claritin are generally safe for daily use. But allergy medications with decongestants, such as Claritin-D or Benadryl-D, could make your allergies worse with long-term use.

Can I take Claritin at night and Zyrtec in the morning?

Interactions between your drugs

No interactions were found between Claritin 24 Hour Allergy and Zyrtec.

What is the strongest antihistamine?

Zyrtec. Zyrtec (cetirizine) is the strongest of the second-generation antihistamines, says Dr. Garcia-Ibáñez. And because there is less chance of toxicity with this medication, the dosage can be increased substantially, at the discretion of your doctor, he says.

What are the side effects of long term antihistamine use?

Prolonged use of some antihistamines can also lead to other rare side effects such as dry mouth, drowsiness, and blurred vision. Overall, antihistamines are generally safe and effective for managing allergic conditions but prolonged use can have some risks.

Can I take Benadryl at night and Zyrtec in the morning?

It is never safe to take multiple antihistamine medications such as Zyrtec and BENADRYL^® or Claritin and BENADRYL^® together. Combining BENADRYL^® with other antihistamine medications can lead to serious complications or, in rare cases, an antihistamine overdose.

Why are allergies worse at night?

Allergen exposure, lying down, and humidifier use can all be why your allergies worsen at night. What's more, allergies are linked to sleep problems in general, including sleep apnea. There are many ways to get allergy relief at night, like moving a pet to another room to sleep or using an air purifier.

What is the best antihistamine for allergies?

Allergists recommend long-acting, non-sedating antihistamines — ones that won't make you sleepy — for everyday use. Though you may know them by their brand names, the generic versions tackle the same problems: Cetirizine (Zyrtec®, Aller-Tec®, Wall-Zyr®). Fexofenadine (Allegra®, Aller-ease®, Aller-Fex®, Wal-Fex®).

What is the most common side effect of loratadine?

Common side effects

The most common side effect of loratadine is feeling sleepy. This happens in more than 1 in 100 people. Side effects in children may include: headaches.

Is there a downside to antihistamines?

Sedating antihistamines can cause many short-term effects such as urinary retention, constipation, dry mouth, increased appetite, and worsen narrow-angle glaucoma via their action on cholinergic receptors. However, most side effects are mild and stop when the drug is no longer used, or the dose is reduced.

Why is it bad to take two antihistamines?

Overdosing on antihistamines, the most common line of defense against seasonal allergies, can lead to increased drowsiness, nausea, vomiting and—in the case of first-generation sedating antihistamines—seizures and coma.

Is it OK to take antihistamines every day?

Depending on your symptoms, you can take antihistamines: Every day, to help keep daily symptoms under control. Only when you have symptoms. Before being exposed to things that often cause your allergy symptoms, such as a pet or certain plants.

What is the best thing to take at night for allergies?

Take an Antihistamine

Taking an antihistamine before bed, especially one with a decongestant if experiencing congestion, can help relieve the allergy symptoms that keep you up at night.

Is Claritin or Zyrtec better?

“Claritin is a 24-hour antihistamine that works in the same way as Zyrtec, however, research has found that Claritin may be less potent than Zyrtec and therefore less effective,” explains Dr.

Is Flonase an antihistamine?

Unlike an antihistamine pill, which only blocks histamine, FLONASE nasal sprays work by helping to block 6 inflammatory allergic substances. * FLONASE nasal sprays work right in your nose to relieve your allergy symptoms. In fact, barely any of it travels through your body.

Do antihistamines cause weight gain?

When antihistamines block histamine, our appetite can increase. This, plus side effects like drowsiness, could lead to weight gain. Your risk of gaining weight from antihistamines may depend on many factors. But a healthy diet, physical activity, and other lifestyle factors can help you manage your risk.

Is Claritin or Zyrtec better for sinus infection?

Studies have shown equal effectiveness for Zyrtec and Claritin for allergic rhinitis and urticaria. Studies have not compared the effects of Zyrtec and Claritin for conditions such as postnasal drip, but research suggests intranasal antihistamines such as azelastine are more effective.

When is the best time of day to take loratadine?

No, you can take loratadine at any time of day. But if you're taking it for more than 1 day, it's best to take it around the same time each day. This helps the medication work effectively.