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.

What happens if you take too much Zyrtec?

Taking too much cetirizine (Zyrtec) or using more than one medication containing an antihistamine (including products used on the skin) can lead to an accidental overdose and cause serious side effects, such as seizures, hallucinations, or even death. To prevent an accidental overdose, read package labels carefully.

What happens if I take 2 Zyrtec allergy pills?

Cetirizine is generally very safe. Taking more than the usual dose is unlikely to harm you or your child. If you take an extra dose, you might get some of the common side effects. If this happens or you're concerned, contact your doctor.

Can I take 3 Zyrtec in one day?

Children's Zyrtec^® Chewables 2.5 mg

Do not give more than 2 tablets (5 mg) in 24 hours. Adults and children 6 years and over may chew and swallow 2 tablets (5 mg) or 4 tablets (10 mg) once daily depending upon severity of symptoms; do not take more than 4 tablets (10 mg) in 24 hours.

What is the max amount of Zyrtec you can take?

Adults and children 6 years and over:

One 10 mg tablet once daily; do not take more than one 10 mg tablet in 24 hours. A 5 mg product may be appropriate for less severe symptoms.

What's the Issue with the Allergy Medicine Zyrtec?

Is it OK to take 4 Zyrtec?

Children's Zyrtec (ages 2+) chewable tablets contain 2.5 mg of cetirizine per tablet. If you're under 65 years old, chew and swallow 2 to 4 tablets (5 mg to 10 mg) once daily. Don't take more than 4 tablets in 24 hours. If you're 65 or older, only take 2 tablets per day.

What is the downside of taking Zyrtec?

Drowsiness, dizziness, tiredness, dry mouth, nausea, headache, or trouble sleeping may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

What happens if you take too many antihistamines?

At any point following ingestion, seizures may occur, but they typically occur within the first one to two hours. Visual disturbances may manifest as mydriasis, blurred vision, and diplopia. Cardiovascular findings include tachycardia and both hypertension and hypotension.

Which is the strongest antihistamine?

Cetirizine is the most potent of the antihistamines having the strongest binding to histamine receptors but can have a mild sedative effect in some individuals, so it'd be best to take at nighttime. That said, cetirizine may not have the strongest effect in everyone's body.

How long does Zyrtec take to kick in?

Response and effectiveness. Peak concentrations are reached within one hour of administration of Zyrtec tablets or syrup. The onset of its effect occurs within 20 minutes in 50% of people and an hour in 95%. Effects persist for at least 24 hours following a single dose of Zyrtec.

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

What's the best time of day to take ZYRTEC^®? Any time of day works. And ZYRTEC^® will continue to work for 24 hours.

Can Zyrtec cause anxiety?

Side effects can include drowsiness, dry mouth, sore throat, dizziness, and stomach pain. Serious side effects can include rapid or irregular heartbeat, mood changes such as anxiety, and problems urinating. Zyrtec is an effective option for treating seasonal allergies and other allergic conditions.

Why is my Zyrtec not working?

Your body's reaction to certain allergens can change over time, which means the medications you were taking might not be as effective. To get to the bottom of why your allergy meds aren't working, you'll want to talk to your healthcare provider. It's possible that it might be time for a specific IgE blood test.

Can I double up on allergy meds?

Combining two or more oral antihistamines can lead to additional side effects and potentially an antihistamine overdose. Signs of an overdose may include the following: Fast or racing heartbeat. Dry mouth.

Can Zyrtec cause liver damage?

Acute liver injury from cetirizine and levocetirizine is rare and usually self-limited. Acute liver failure and vanishing bile duct syndrome have not been linked to these second generation antihistamines. Recurrence of liver injury has been described in patients who restart cetirizine.

Is it okay to take two allergy pills in 24 hours?

You should not double up on antihistamines or take two different types in one day, unless your doctor specifically directs you to do so. Antihistamine dosage is based on rigorous testing, and exceeding the recommended daily amount can cause unintended side effects like hallucinations or seizures.

Is Benadryl stronger than Zyrtec?

Several antihistamines, like cetirizine (Zyrtec), loratadine (Claritin), and fexofenadine (Allegra), are considered equally effective or stronger than Benadryl without causing as much sedation.

Is Zyrtec stronger than Claritin?

Zyrtec (cetirizine) and Claritin (loratadine) are two popular brands. They contain different compounds but appear to be equally effective. Antihistamines can reduce allergy symptoms, such as watering eyes, itchy skin, hives, and swelling.

Is it bad to take Zyrtec 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 happens if you take 3 Zyrtec at once?

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.

Can I take 2 Zyrtec a day?

For relief of symptoms from seasonal or yearly allergies: Adults and children 12 years of age and older—Take one tablet two times a day with or without food. Children 4 to 12 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor. Children and infants up to 4 years of age—Use is not recommended .

What happens if you accidentally take an extra antihistamine?

Taking too much antihistamine can lead to adverse side effects and a potential antihistamine overdose. Signs may include fast heart rate, fever, and dilated pupils.

What should you not mix with Zyrtec?

• antihistamines and other medicines for allergy, cough and cold.
• ergot alkaloids like dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, methylergonovine.
• herbal or dietary supplements containing ephedra or ephedrine.
• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate.

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Who should avoid Zyrtec?

Kidney disease. Liver disease. An unusual or allergic reaction to cetirizine, hydroxyzine, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives. Pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

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What happens if you take Zyrtec before bed?

ZYRTEC^® can be taken at any time of day. If your allergies are particularly bothersome at night, taking ZYRTEC^® at night or before bed can help you get a good night's sleep and wake up feeling refreshed.

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