John asked
I am still having some major problems with Allergies. Can I do Claritin and Allegra at the same time?
Answer
Typically, it is not recommended to use loratadine
(Claritin) and fexofenadine (Allegra) at the same time. Both medications are second-generation
antihistamines used for allergy relief. Taking them together would not provide much added benefit,
but could lead to side effects such as drowsiness.
Flonase As An Alternative
Another option, beside taking Claritin and Allegra together, would be to switch or add fluticasone (Flonase) nasal spray. Flonase was approved by the FDA in 1990, but has only been available over-the-counter since 2014. Flonase is a type of steroid that blocks inflammation, itching, and congestion.
According to the Flonase website, it has some advantages over Claritin including
working better for nasal congestion. Flonase can be used once daily with 1 or 2
sprays into each nostril or may be used as needed instead of every day.
Zyrtec As An Alternative
Another antihistamine that could be tried instead is cetirizine
(Zyrtec). In some patients, Zyrtec may
work better, however, it also may also cause drowsiness. Zyrtec, Claritin,
and Allegra are second-generation antihistamines and are still less likely to
cause drowsiness than first-generation antihistamines such as Benadryl
(diphenhydramine). This is because first-generation antihistamines cross the
blood-brain barrier, whereas the second-generation antihistamines usually do
not.
How Antihistamines Work
Antihistamines bind to histamine receptors that are found in the nose, lungs, eyes, and skin without activating the histamine response. By binding and changing the shape of the histamine receptor, antihistamines inhibit histamine from binding and creating its response. Histamine creates an immune response to essentially attempt to remove the offensive allergen.
Histamine can be triggered by a variety of things including
pollen, dust, and pet dander. Some people are more sensitive to this response
and may not even know what triggers their allergies. Antihistamines are useful
in preventing the immune cascade so common in people suffering from allergies.
Conclusion
To conclude, it is not recommended to take both Claritin and
Allegra together due to the possibility of drowsiness without additional
benefit. Another antihistamine that could be considered is Zyrtec, but may
slightly increase the chance of drowsiness. Finally, Flonase nasal spray may be
another option to provide another mechanism of action against allergies.
