Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs that help alleviate allergy symptoms include Benadryl (diphenhydramine) and Claritin (loratadine). When you come into touch with allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, or pollen, your body produces histamine. This chemical is to blame for sneezing, a runny nose, and itchy, watery eyes. Antihistamine medications cure and prevent these symptoms by inhibiting histamine.
Side-Effects of Benadryl
- Drowsiness,
- fatigue,
- exhaustion,
- sleepiness,
- dizziness,
- impaired coordination,
- constipation,
- dry mouth/nose/throat,
- trouble urinating or an enlarged prostate,
- upset stomach,
- blurred vision,
- double vision,
- tremor,
- lack of appetite,
- headache,
- or nausea are all symptoms of an enlarged prostate.
Side-Effects of Clartin
- headache,
- sleepiness,
- tiredness,
- drowsiness,
- fatigue,
- anxiousness,
- stomach discomfort,
- diarrhea,
- dry mouth,
- sore throat,
- hoarseness,
- eye redness,
- blurred vision,
- nosebleed,
- or skin rash.
Inform your doctor if you have significant Claritin side effects such as fast or irregular heart rate, feeling dizzy, jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes), or seizures (convulsions).
How does Claritin and Benadryl work?
Benadryl (diphenhydramine) belongs to the first generation of antihistamines. It was the first antihistamine medication created to treat allergic symptoms such as nasal congestion and itching, as well as seasonal allergic rhinitis. Claritin (Loratadine), on the other hand, is a second-generation antihistamine. This indicates it belongs to a newer family of antihistamine medications that have been designed to treat allergic responses and seasonal allergic rhinitis.
The primary distinction between the two generations of medicines is that one is a non-sedative antihistamine (non-drowsy) and the other is a sedative antihistamine (drowsy). Loratadine acts by inhibiting histamine receptors (H-1 receptors) found outside the brain and spinal cord, resulting in a non-drowsy approach to histamine inhibition. Diphenhydramine also inhibits H-1 receptors, but in a different way, which affects other physiological functions such as serotonin reuptake – a natural mood stabilizer – and causes sedative and sleepy effects.
According to a study of the literature, second-generation antihistamines such as cetirizine (Zyrtec) have “the fastest onset of action among the newer antihistamines.” These solutions outperform their older equivalents for consumers looking for faster results.
Conditions Treated by Claritin and Benadryl
Both Benadryl and Claritin are FDA-approved allergy medications.
Both allergy drugs are effective in the treatment of allergic rhinitis, generally known as hay fever. Allergic rhinitis is a set of nasal symptoms such as congestion and sneezing. Both medications can be used to treat allergic conjunctivitis, which causes inflammation and irritation in the eyes. Antihistamines such as Benadryl or Claritin can also be used to treat allergic skin hives (urticaria) and itching (pruritus).
Because of its sedative qualities, Benadryl is frequently used alone or in combination with other medications to treat sleeplessness. It is occasionally used as a single dosage to aid those who have difficulty sleeping.
Benadryl may also be used to treat Parkinson’s disease symptoms such as stiffness and tremors. Benadryl can be used to reduce nausea, vomiting, and dizziness in people who have motion sickness.
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