Does Claritin cause dry eye?
The antimuscarinic action of the oral antihistamines Claritin (loratadine, Schering) and Zyrtec (cetirizine, Pfizer) may diminish the aqueous phase of the tear film, leading to exacerbated signs and symptoms of dry eye, according to a study by Gaurav Gupta and colleagues in North Andover, Md.
Do antihistamines dry out your eyes?
Antihistamines If you are allergic to pollen, dust, or pets, antihistamines can help relieve symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes. However, these medications can dry out the watery tear film that keeps the eye lubricated and healthy.
Is it safe to take Claritin D daily?
These antihistamines are non-drowsy and can be used very safely once or twice a day. The amount of decongestant in these products is generally small, but they can cause sleep problems, heart racing and anxiety in some people with sensitivities.
How long does dry eye last?
These symptoms generally last three to six months, but may last longer in some cases. Dry eye can result from chemical and thermal burns that scar the membrane lining the eyelids and covering the eye. Allergies can be associated with dry eye.
What causes dry eye syndrome?
Reasons for tear film dysfunction are many, including hormone changes, autoimmune disease, inflamed eyelid glands or allergic eye disease. For some people, the cause of dry eyes is decreased tear production or increased tear evaporation.
What is the best allergy medicine for dry eyes?
Cetirizine (Zyrtec) and loratadine (Claritin) tend to be less sedating than some older drugs, and they provide longer-lasting relief. Keep in mind, though, that oral antihistamines do dry the eyes and can make a dry eye condition worse. If you need more help, a doctor can prescribe other eye drops.
Do seasonal allergies cause dry eyes?
Seasonal allergies result in similar symptoms to chronic dry eye disease. Pollen allergies cause discomfort during the spring. It just so happens that dry eye disease also peaks during the spring. Pollen and other seasonal particles may trigger dry eye disease or make existing symptoms even worse.
Who should not take Claritin D?
Claritin D is available in 12-hour and 24-hour dosing. Do not use if you are taking an MAOI or have taken an MAOI in the past 2 weeks. Claritin D should not be used by patients with severe high blood pressure (hypertension), glaucoma or severe coronary artery disease without physician supervision.
Is Claritin hard on your kidneys?
In general, anti-histamines do not cause kidney problems. Some, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) can cause retention of urine in your bladder. Others such as Claritin and Zyrtec are generally very safe.
Why can’t you buy Claritin D over the counter?
Why is Claritin-D® behind the pharmacy counter? Claritin-D® contains pseudoephedrine as an active ingredient. The Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act of 2005 was signed into law to regulate retail over-the-counter sales of pseudoephedrine because of its use in the manufacture of illegal drugs.