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Xyzal vs Claritin

By: Author Health Guide's Editorial

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Compare Xyzal vs Claritin:

Introduction

Allergies are a type of an “exaggerated or pathological immunological reactions (such as difficulty breathing, sneezing, skin rashes, or itching) or a “bodily reactivity to an antigen in response to a first exposure.”

According to statistics, over 25 percent of the population suffers from allergic disorders.

Causes

Some of the most common causes of allergies include:

  • latex, like the type used to make latex condoms or gloves;
  • certain medications, like antibiotics;
  • pollen, from plants, trees, and grass;
  • mold;
  • animal dander and fur;
  • dust, including the type of dust that is found around the home;
  • insect stings and bites;
  • certain foods, particularly those known to cause the most food allergies, including dairy products, gluten, eggs, peanuts, shellfish, and soy.

Risk Factors

  • emotional stress;
  • gut microbiota imbalance;
  • urbanization;
  • environmental pollution;
  • genetics.

Symptoms

Allergies can cause a number of symptoms, including:

  • asthma;
  • sneezing;
  • swelling;
  • a runny nose;
  • rashes;
  • itching.

When to Call the Doctor

You should see a doctor if:

  • you often feel tightness in the chest;
  • you are frequently short of breath;
  • you frequently wheeze or cough;
  • you occasionally have to struggle to catch your breath;
  • your allergies decrease the quality of your life;
  • your allergies are interfering with your capacity to carry on day-to-day activities;
  • you experience allergy symptoms a few months out of the year.

Complications

One of the most serious allergic complications is anaphylaxis, which is usually linked with allergies involving food, insect venom, and drugs such as penicillin.

Treatment

Home Remedies For Allergies

Frankincense Essential Oil

It may help against perennial allergic rhinitis since it contains alpha-pinene, a natural compound that helps reduce allergic symptoms.

Eucalyptus Essential Oil

To reduce your allergy symptoms, you can add eucalyptus essential oil to each load of wash during allergy season.

Peppermint Essential Oil

It has anti-inflammatory properties which reduce the symptoms of allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma, according to a 1998 study. Also, combining lavender with peppermint creates an effective allergy relief combination.

Foods Rich In Vitamin C

Practitioners of natural medication suggest that eating 2 grams of vitamin C per day reduces histamine levels and seasonal allergy symptoms.

Quercetin

It is naturally found in cauliflower, broccoli, capers, green tea, oranges, pineapples, apples, or papayas. According to research, quercetin helps to control allergy symptoms by stabilizing the release of histamine.

Stinging Nettle

One study suggested that stinging nettle might help to relieve the symptoms of allergic rhinitis.

Spirulina

Dietary spirulina has antiallergic protective effects on allergic rhinitis, as per a 2015 study.

Dehumidifiers

By removing moisture from the air, a dehumidifier can limit the growth of mold and mildew, which can negatively impact allergies.

Probiotics

Probiotics are live microorganisms that are intended to provide various health benefits when consumed. A recent review of studies concluded that probiotics may help improve symptoms of allergic rhinitis.

Bromelain

It is an enzyme found in papaya and pineapple. It is said to be effective at treating respiratory distress linked with allergies.

Butterbur

According to research, butterbur is equally effective for itchy eyes as oral antihistamines.

HEPA Filters

By trapping airborne irritants like – dust, pollen, and pet dander, HEPA filters reduce allergens in the home.

Saline Nasal Irrigation

Saline nasal irrigation has beneficial effects on people with allergic rhinitis.

Medications

If your symptoms can’t be well-controlled with the help of natural remedies, your healthcare professional may recommend medications that reduce sneezing, nasal congestion, and a runny and itchy nose.

Here Is A Comparison Between Two Antihistamines That Are Effective In Relieving The Symptoms Associated With Allergic Rhinitis:

Xyzal

Its active ingredient is a drug called levocetirizine, a 3rd-generation non-sedative antihistamine, which is developed from the 2nd-generation antihistamine cetirizine.

Claritin

Its active ingredient is a drug called loratadine, which is part of the family of drugs called 2nd-generation antihistamines.

Uses

Xyzal is recommended for the treatment of chronic idiopathic urticaria. Also, it is prescribed for the relief of symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis in adults and children 6 years of age and older.

Claritin is recommended for the following symptoms:

  • itchy nose and throat;
  • sneezing;
  • itchy, watery eyes;
  • a runny nose.

Mechanism of Action

Xyzal blocks histamine, which the human body generates during the time of an allergic reaction, hence, relieving you of the symptoms of an allergic reaction. The effect of this medication lasts for an average of 24 hours.

Claritin blocks the effects of histamine on H1-receptors in the uterus, gastrointestinal tract, bronchial muscle, and large blood vessels. This antihistamine is absorbed into the bloodstream within 1 to 2 hours after intake.

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Side Effects

Possible side effects of Xyzal may include the following:

  • weight gain;
  • painful or difficult urination;
  • dry mouth;
  • little or no urinating;
  • constipation;
  • worsening allergy or urticaria symptoms;
  • diarrhea;
  • fever;
  • vomiting;
  • a light-headed feeling;
  • ear infection;
  • nosebleed;
  • weakness;
  • a cough;
  • drowsiness;
  • a sore throat;
  • sinus pain;
  • a stuffy nose;
  • fever;
  • feeling tired.

Possible side effects of Claritin may include the following:

  • nausea;
  • diarrhea;
  • vomiting;
  • drowsiness;
  • nervousness or restlessness;
  • heartburn;
  • dry mouth;
  • headaches;
  • fatigue.

Dosage

For Xyzal, the recommended doses are:

  • Children 6 to 11 years of age: 2.5 mg once per day in the evening;
  • Adults and children 12 years of age and older: 5 mg once per day in the evening.

For Claritin, the recommended doses are:

  • Children (2 to 5 years) – 5 mg once per day;
  • Adults & Children (>6 years) – 10 mg once per day.

Warnings & Precautions

Any child younger than 12 years old with kidney disease should not take Xyzal. Also, you should not take this medication if you are on dialysis or if you have end-stage kidney disease.

Claritin may not be safe for individuals with severe liver conditions.

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Drug Interactions

Xyzal may interact in a negative way with the following medications:

  • trimethobenzamide;
  • butalbital;
  • thalidomide (sold under the brand name Immunoprin);
  • codeine;
  • sodium oxybate;
  • doxylamine;
  • promethazine (a first-generation antihistamine of the phenothiazine family);
  • ethanol;
  • hydrocodone.

Claritin may interact in a negative way with the following medications:

  • amiodarone (an antianginal and class III antiarrhythmic drug);
  • erythromycin (an antibiotic useful for the treatment of a number of bacterial infections);
  • ketoconazole (an antifungal medication that is used to treat fungal infections).

Alcohol

Some people may suffer some degree of drowsiness, therefore, you need to be aware of how these medications affect your performance of skilled tasks.

Is It Safe During Pregnancy or Breastfeeding?

Xyzal

This antihistamine is not known to cause any harmful effects on the developing fetus. However, it is not recommended for use in females who are breastfeeding.

Claritin

The safety of this antihistamine has not been established for women who are breastfeeding. More importantly, women who are pregnant should not use this medication.

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Xyzal vs Claritin – Which Is The Best Antihistamine Medication For Allergies?

Both are popular OTC antihistamines. Also, both medications are associated with drowsiness, however, they are less sedating than first-generation antihistamines. In addition, Xyzal is a third-generation antihistamine.

Currently, there are no clinical studies regarding the effectiveness of these medications, but some people report better responses with one or the other. Their prices are almost the same.

Sources

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20350147
https://www.jacionline.org/article/S0091-6749(98)70172-1/fulltext
http://apjai-journal.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/2ADoubleBlindPlaceboControlledAPJAIVol19No3Sep2001P171.pdf
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/230727797_Effi_cacy_of_Montelukast_and_Levocetirizine_as_Treatment_for_Allergic_Rhinitis