Is Claritin or Zyrtec better for asthma?
Zyrtec has a quicker onset of action compared to Claritin and may be more effective than Claritin in reducing allergy symptoms, according to one clinical trial.
Medications such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and cetirizine (Zyrtec) can stop your immune response to allergy triggers in its track, potentially lessening breathing difficulties.
Antihistamines are usually safe for people who have asthma to use, but they can cause side effects. Some antihistamines can't be taken with certain other medicines. Like any other medicine, read the warnings and instructions on the label and check with your doctor before you start taking an antihistamine.
Reports in the literature have suggested that antihistamines are contraindicated in asthma because they dry the secretions in the upper and lower respiratory tracts. However, the consensus is that this is not the case.
Background: Cetirizine, a highly specific H1 receptor antagonist with modest sedation and anticholinergic effects at the higher doses required for bronchodilation, may be useful for treating concomitant allergy and symptoms of asthma.
Interactions between your drugs
No interactions were found between albuterol and Zyrtec.
...
- Accupril®, quinapril.
- Aceon®, perindopril.
- Altace®, ramipril.
- Capoten®, captopril.
- Lotensin®, benazepril.
- Mavik®, trandolapril.
- Monopril®, fosinapril.
- Prinivil®, lisinopril.
Fluticasone works by calming your immune system. This reduces the swelling in your lungs that makes it difficult to breathe. It also stops symptoms such as wheezing and coughing developing. It does not help to treat an asthma attack when you suddenly get coughing, wheezing and breathlessness.
Discontinue Zyrtec once your allergy symptoms have resolved. Do not take Zyrtec during pregnancy or while breastfeeding unless on the advice of your doctor.
ZYRTEC-D® contains a nasal decongestant that narrows the blood vessels in the nose and sinus region, which shrinks the tissue in that area to allow air and mucus to flow normally.
Who should not use Zyrtec?
You should not use Zyrtec-D if you have narrow-angle glaucoma, severe high blood pressure (hypertension), severe coronary artery disease, if you are unable to urinate, or if you are allergic to hydroxyzine (Atarax, Vistaril). Do not use this medicine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days.
Conclusions: Cetirizine has a significant bronchodilatory effect in patients with mild-to-moderate asthma and can be used to treat concomitant conditions (e.g., allergic rhinitis) without concern that it will interfere with the bronchodilatory effect of albuterol or cause worsening of asthma by itself.

- Dust mites.
- Cockroaches.
- Pollen.
- Molds.
- Animal allergens (pet dander)
- Rodents.
“Treating your hay fever and your asthma at the same time could cut your risk of an asthma attack,” says Debby Waddell, asthma nurse specialist. “All these hay fever treatments are safe to use with your inhalers and other asthma medicines.”
Difficulty breathing or swallowing
While you may be taking Zyrtec to prevent allergy symptoms, it's possible to have a potentially deadly allergic reaction called anaphylaxis from the medication itself. (FYI: This is a risk will all medications, not just Zyrtec.)
Conclusions: Cetirizine has a significant bronchodilatory effect in patients with mild-to-moderate asthma and can be used to treat concomitant conditions (e.g., allergic rhinitis) without concern that it will interfere with the bronchodilatory effect of albuterol or cause worsening of asthma by itself.
Some people with allergic asthma may find symptom relief from using an antihistamine like Benadryl if they also experience symptoms of allergic rhinitis. But it's not a recommended treatment for allergic asthma.
- Tenormin (atenolol)
- Trandate (labetalol)
- Lopressor, Toprol XL (metoprolol)
- Corgard (nadolol)
- Inderal (propranolol)
- Lanoxin (digoxin)
- Epipen, Primatene Mist (epinephrine)
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology reports the foods that cause the majority of allergic reactions include tree nuts, wheat, soy, peanuts, eggs, fish, shellfish and cow's milk. If you're allergic to any of those foods, definitely avoid eating them—or anything that's cross-contaminated by them.
You should also avoid the use of cough products for a chronic cough that accompanies asthma, including such ingredients as dextromethorphan (e.g., Delsym) and guaifenesin (e.g., Mucinex). Asthma patients also must take care with nonprescription analgesics.
What daily medication will control asthma?
Theophylline. You take this bronchodilator daily in pill form to treat mild asthma. Theophylline (Theo-24) relaxes the airways and decreases the lungs' response to irritants.
Corticosteroid nasal sprays are the first line of treatment to relieve allergy symptoms (including ocular symptoms) in asthma sufferers who are allergic to pollen. As with the treatment of asthma, corticosteroid nasal sprays are most effective when used every day, for the whole duration of the pollen season.
The nose and not the mouth should be used for breathing as the nose has better air conditioning capacity. When air is inhaled through the mouth it may dry and cool the respiratory mucosa, which can lead to bronchoconstriction in sensitive patients with asthma.
In addition, there are a number of newer or alternative therapies that have theorized or demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects in asthma, including leukotriene modifier agents, anti-IgE, gold, nebulized lidocaine, cyclosporine, intravenous immunoglobulin, methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, dapsone, and troleandomycin.
First identify and avoid factors that trigger or aggravate asthma attacks First-line treatment for asthma is inhaled salbutamol: used on demand to relieve respiratory discomfort or to prevent attacks due to a known trigger; or on a daily basis if necessary, in combination with an inhaled corticosteroid such as ...
- Tobacco Smoke.
- Dust Mites.
- Outdoor Air Pollution.
- Pests (e.g., cockroaches, mice)
- Pets.
- Mold.
- Cleaning and Disinfection.
- Other Triggers.
For asthma sufferers, winter can be the most difficult time of the year. Cold, dry air and sudden shifts in the weather can irritate your airways, causing you to produce more mucus.
'Seasonal' asthma. Occupational asthma. Non-allergic asthma. 'Exercise-induced' asthma.
Long-term control medications such as inhaled corticosteroids are the most important medications used to keep asthma under control. These preventive medications treat the airway inflammation that leads to asthma symptoms. Used on a daily basis, these medications can reduce or eliminate asthma flare-ups.
- Sit upright. This opens your airway. ...
- Slow down your breathing by taking long, deep breaths. Breathe in through your nose. ...
- Stay calm. ...
- Get away from the trigger. ...
- Drink a warm, caffeinated beverage, such as coffee or tea. ...
- Get medical help.
What helps with asthma at night?
Try using anti-allergy bedding covers and keep pets away from the bedroom. Try using an air purifier to help with allergy symptoms that trigger your asthma. Avoid any food or drink asthma triggers close to bedtime, such as caffeine and alcohol. Relax and de-stress before bed using breathing exercises and yoga.