I have been dealing with seasonal medical problems ever since I was a teenager. It is really nothing serious, but runny nose does give me slight breathing problems, which are not bothering, except when I am exercising and I do that at least three times a week. I have been using Loratadine and I have heard that cetirizine dihydrochloride might also be helpful. What is the difference between those two drugs?
I think there are no big differences. Levocetirizine dihydrochloride is a generic name of Xyzal, antihistamine drug used for dealing with seasonal rhinitis. It helps with sneezing, runny and itchy nose and eyes too. As for Loratadine, it also works by blocking histamine in our body. So, I guess you can try Xyzal too and stick to the drug that is more helpful.
Loratadine and Cetirizine are both 2nd generation* anti-histamines, but there are structural differences between the two molecules, which leads to some differences in the way the body is affected.
Cetirizine reduces driving ability, and this is degraded further if taken with alcohol. Neither effect was noticed with Loratadine.
Cetirizine increases levels of daytime sleepiness and reduces motivation, compared to Loratadine.
Personally, I find Loratadine cures my hay fever the best, however, I'm sure that other people would find Cetirizine works best for them.
references:
***edited by moderator*** web addresses not allowed
* i.e. they are meant to be 'non-drowsy'
Cetirizine reduces driving ability, and this is degraded further if taken with alcohol. Neither effect was noticed with Loratadine.
Cetirizine increases levels of daytime sleepiness and reduces motivation, compared to Loratadine.
Personally, I find Loratadine cures my hay fever the best, however, I'm sure that other people would find Cetirizine works best for them.
references:
***edited by moderator*** web addresses not allowed
* i.e. they are meant to be 'non-drowsy'