What is the difference between piriton and benadryl

We also compare them to two other popular brands of antihistamines: Benadryl and Allegra. Zyrtec and Claritin are brand-name medications that people can buy over the counter. They are available in various forms, including pills, chewable tablets, and syrups. Zyrtec contains cetirizine hydrochloride, also called cetirizine HCL, while Claritin contains loratadine. Zyrtec and Claritin are second-generation antihistamines. They are less likely to make a person feel drowsy or otherwise affect alertness than older, first-generation antihistamines.

The labeling of Zyrtec says that a person should not take it when driving a vehicle or using machinery. People should avoid taking Zyrtec with alcohol or other medicines that could cause drowsiness. Zyrtec and Claritin are effective for about 24 hours.

A person should only take one dose per day. The body absorbs both antihistamines quickly, but Zyrtec seems to work faster for some people. A study found that both drugs were absorbed into the bloodstream within 1—2 hours of taking the medication. Researchers are often studying, comparing, and improving antihistamines.

Other popular brands on the market today are Allegra and Benadryl. 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. Claritin and Zyrtec are effective and safe for most people with minor allergies.

However, as with all medications, there may be some side effects. Loratadine—present in Claritin—may not be safe for people with severe liver conditions. The liver has to break down loratadine. The kidneys break down cetirizine—found in Zyrtec—and the body excretes it in the urine, largely unchanged.

Claritin is more likely to interact with other drugs than Zyrtec. Claritin is broken down in the liver by enzymes that other drugs can inhibit. This may lead to Claritin building up in the body, which increases the risk of side effects. Everyone reacts to medications differently, but Claritin and Zyrtec may have the following side effects:.

Children and adults Children and adults Conditions treated by Zyrtec and Benadryl When the FDA approved Zyrtec as a prescription product in , it had three indications: to treat seasonal allergic rhinitis, perennial allergic rhinitis, or chronic urticaria. Zyrtec has been available over the counter since Benadryl is also used to treat runny noses and sneezing from the common cold. There is very little data comparing the oral forms of Zyrtec and Benadryl.

One study compared the two medications for food allergies. Zyrtec also had a longer duration of action lasted longer. A literature review of Benadryl compared to non-sedating antihistamines concluded that all antihistamines were similarly effective, but that the newer antihistamines, like Zyrtec, caused less sedation.

They state that Benadryl is associated with significant side effects like sedation, poor sleep, and motor impairment, potentially leading to accidents and death, and should only be used as a last resort.

Because both Zyrtec and Benadryl are OTC, the most effective medication for you can be determined by trial and error to see which medication helps your symptoms while causing the least side effects.

Your healthcare provider can guide you with product selection as well. Because they are available over-the-counter, Zyrtec and Benadryl are not usually covered by insurance or Medicare Part D or Advantage plans. Some exceptions may apply. Get the SingleCare prescriptions discount card.

Zyrtec and Benadryl have similar side effects. The most common side effects are sleepiness or drowsiness, fatigue, dry mouth, dizziness, and headache. This is not a full list of side effects. Other adverse effects may occur. Consult your healthcare provider for professional medical advice. The combination could cause slowed breathing as well as excess dizziness, drowsiness, and psychomotor impairment. Benadryl also should not be taken with potassium products in solid dosage forms due to the risk of ulcerative lesions.

This chart is not a full list of drug interactions. Other drug interactions may occur. Consult your healthcare provider for a complete list of drug interactions. Zyrtec is a second-generation antihistamine. It contains the ingredient cetirizine.

It is available OTC in brand and generic form. Benadryl is a first-generation antihistamine, containing the ingredient diphenhydramine. You can purchase Benadryl over-the-counter in brand or generic form. Zyrtec and Benadryl are both antihistamines that help relieve allergy symptoms. Benadryl is a first-generation antihistamine and tends to cause more side effects. Zyrtec is a second-generation antihistamine and causes fewer side effects. If you no longer have the leaflet that came with your medicine, you can search for an online version of it using our medicines guide.

You may also find information on individual antihistamines on these websites:. Page last reviewed: 28 February Next review due: 28 February Types of antihistamine There are many types of antihistamine. They're usually divided into 2 main groups: antihistamines that make you feel sleepy — such as acrivastine , chlorphenamine Piriton , hydroxyzine and promethazine non-drowsy antihistamines that are less likely to make you feel sleepy — such as cetirizine , cinnarizine , diphenhydramine , fexofenadine and loratadine They also come in several different forms — including tablets, capsules, liquids, syrups, creams, lotions, gels, eyedrops and nasal sprays.

Which type is best? How to take antihistamines Take your medicine as advised by the pharmacist or doctor, or as described in the leaflet that comes with it. Before taking an antihistamine, you should know: how to take it — including whether it needs to be taken with water or food, or how to use it correctly if eyedrops or a nasal spray how much to take the dose — this can vary depending on things such as your age and weight when to take it — including how many times a day you can take it and when to take it some types should be taken before bedtime how long to take it for — some types can be used for a long time, but some are only recommended for a few days what to do if you miss a dose or take too much overdose The advice varies depending on the exact medicine you're taking.

Side effects of antihistamines Like all medicines, antihistamines can cause side effects. Side effects of antihistamines that make you drowsy can include: sleepiness drowsiness and reduced co-ordination, reaction speed and judgement — do not drive or use machinery after taking these antihistamines dry mouth blurred vision difficulty peeing Side effects of non-drowsy antihistamines can include: headache dry mouth feeling sick drowsiness — although this is less common than with older types of antihistamines Check the leaflet that comes with your medicine for a full list of possible side effects and advice about when to get medical help.

Taking antihistamines with other medicines, food or alcohol Speak to a pharmacist or GP before taking antihistamines if you're already taking other medicines. Examples of medicines that could cause problems if taken with antihistamines include some types of: antidepressants stomach ulcer or indigestion medicines cough and cold remedies that also contain an antihistamine Try not to drink alcohol while taking an antihistamine, particularly if it's a type that makes you drowsy, as it can increase the chances of it making you feel sleepy.

Who can take antihistamines Most people can safely take antihistamines. But speak to a pharmacist or GP for advice if you: are pregnant — read about taking hay fever medicines in pregnancy are breastfeeding — read about taking hay fever medicines while breastfeeding are looking for a medicine for a young child are taking other medicines have an underlying health condition, such as heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease or epilepsy Some antihistamines may not be suitable in these cases.

How antihistamines work Antihistamines block the effects of a substance called histamine in your body. Find out more about your medicine The leaflet that comes in the packet with your medicine will have detailed information about it, including how to take it and what side effects you might get.