{"id":630770,"date":"2024-12-18T19:46:17","date_gmt":"2024-12-19T00:46:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=630770"},"modified":"2026-04-06T14:15:46","modified_gmt":"2026-04-06T18:15:46","slug":"zyrtec-not-working","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/zyrtec-not-working\/","title":{"rendered":"If Zyrtec doesn\u2019t work what should I try?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Zyrtec<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>cetirizine<\/span><\/a>) is an <\/span>over-the-counter<\/span> (<\/span>OTC<\/span>) medication and <\/span>antihistamine<\/span><\/a> used to <\/span>treat <\/span>allergy symptoms<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Signs of allergic rhinitis, <\/span>hay fever<\/span>, and <\/span>seasonal allergies<\/span> include <\/span>sneezing<\/span>, <\/span>runny nose<\/span>, <\/span>stuffy nose<\/span>, swollen <\/span>nasal passages<\/span>, <\/span>itchy eyes<\/span>, and <\/span>watery eyes<\/span>. These conditions are similar to <\/span>nonallergic rhinitis<\/span> in that they cause the same symptoms, but they are different in that the latter isn\u2019t caused by contact with an <\/span>allergen<\/span>. Rather, it\u2019s caused by other factors, such as a virus or irritants.<\/span><\/p>\n

Zyrtec<\/span> (and other <\/span>allergy medicines<\/span>) may not be able to fully treat those symptoms for several reasons; other treatment options may be needed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why is <\/span>Zyrtec<\/span> not working?<\/span><\/h2>\n

First, it may help to explain how the <\/span>immune system<\/span> responds to <\/span>allergens<\/span>. Basically, when it recognizes an <\/span>allergen<\/span>, it releases <\/span>histamines<\/span>, the chemical that causes <\/span>allergy symptoms<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Allergy medicines<\/span> such as <\/span>Zyrtec<\/span> may not effectively treat <\/span>allergy symptoms<\/span><\/a> for various reasons: It\u2019s peak <\/span>allergy season<\/span>, a person\u2019s allergies are changing, their symptoms are actually a <\/span>side effect<\/span>, or they have a medication tolerance.<\/span><\/p>\n

When people take <\/span>Zyrtec<\/span> matters, too. \u201c<\/span>Antihistamines<\/span>, like <\/span>Zyrtec<\/span>, have been shown to be the most effective if taken at least one to two hours before exposure to <\/span>allergens<\/span>,\u201d says Dr. Luke Hentrich, Pharm.D., BCPS, an assistant professor with the department of clinical pharmacy and translational science at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center.<\/span><\/p>\n

He says symptoms may begin as late as three to five hours after exposure and peak as late as 12 to 24 hours after. This could also make a person believe their <\/span>Zyrtec<\/span> isn\u2019t working, which explains why it\u2019s helpful to take <\/span>antihistamines<\/span> preemptively.<\/span><\/p>\n

People may also want to take <\/span>Zyrtec<\/span> at night since it can cause <\/span>drowsiness<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Additionally, <\/span>allergy symptoms<\/span> are not always <\/span>histamine<\/span>-related (back to <\/span>nonallergic rhinitis<\/span>). \u201cExposure to pollution, smoke, cleaning, or fragrance chemicals, for example, can cause similar symptoms to allergies, but the release of <\/span>histamine<\/span> is not involved,\u201d says Dr. Aaron Emmel, Pharm.D., BCPS, a pharmacist and founder at Pharmacy Tech Scholar. \u201cIn these cases, taking an <\/span>antihistamine<\/span> will not be effective.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

According<\/span> to Dr. Brian Greenberg, MD, an <\/span>allergist<\/span>, immunologist, and formulator for 1MD Nutrition, allergic reactions are inflammatory. While <\/span>antihistamines<\/span> can block <\/span>histamine<\/span>, he says\u2014aka reduce itching, swelling, and redness\u2014their benefits end there. \u201cThey do nothing for the inflammation, and that also produces many of the symptoms.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Antihistamines<\/span> can also become less helpful over time. \u201cIf used daily for more than six months, they lose their effectiveness,\u201d Dr. Greenberg adds. (More on this ahead.)<\/span><\/p>\n

Last but not least, <\/span>antihistamines<\/span> can\u2019t work as effectively if the person taking them is still surrounded by what they’re allergic to.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cReducing <\/span>allergen<\/span> exposure may increase the effectiveness of <\/span>over-the-counter<\/span> antihistamines<\/span>, like <\/span>Zyrtec<\/span>,\u201d Dr. Hentrich says. \u201cOne key nonpharmacologic recommendation in treating <\/span>allergy symptoms<\/span> is to identify and limit exposure to common <\/span>allergens<\/span> through activities like closing windows during pollen season, cleaning, dusting, doing laundry as frequently as needed, and preventing pets from being on couches and beds.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Allergy testing<\/span> can help a person determine what <\/span>irritants<\/span> they’re allergic to, which allows the patient to figure out avoidance strategies. An <\/span>allergic reaction<\/span><\/a> can be more serious; it can cause <\/span>hives<\/span>, swelling, chest tightness, and trouble breathing, which can be life-threatening and require emergency medical help.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Common <\/span>allergens<\/span> include high <\/span>pollen counts<\/span>, <\/span>dust mites<\/span>, <\/span>pet dander<\/span>, stress, and changes to the environment. The presence of these can prevent <\/span>Zyrtec<\/span> from effectively treating <\/span>allergy symptoms<\/span> because, well, the <\/span>allergen<\/span> is still there, bothering the <\/span>immune system<\/span>. Being mindful of whether these are present\u2014and if and how a person can avoid them\u2014is key.<\/span><\/p>\n

One of those <\/span>allergens<\/span> is not like the others, though: stress. How can it make allergies worse?<\/span><\/p>\n

There are a couple of explanations. For one, experiencing <\/span>allergy symptoms<\/span> can be bothersome, which can exacerbate the situation (or at least make it feel that way). On the physical side, the stress hormone cortisol can increase the <\/span>immune system<\/span>\u2019s response to <\/span>allergens<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Stressing less\u2014especially in the presence of <\/span>allergy symptoms<\/span>\u2014is easier said than done, however. Implementing stress reduction techniques (in addition to <\/span>allergy medications<\/span>) is within a person’s control. Examples of the former include exercise, meditation, guided imagery, yoga, tai chi, and deep breathing exercises.<\/span><\/p>\n

What to do when <\/span>Zyrtec<\/span> stops working\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

When <\/span>Zyrtec<\/span> isn\u2019t working, people can alleviate <\/span>allergy symptoms<\/span> with neti-pots, HEPA filters, knowing and avoiding <\/span>allergens<\/span>, and inhaling steam.<\/span><\/p>\n

They can also try similar medications. \u201cIt is always reasonable to try other <\/span>antihistamines<\/span> within the same class as <\/span>Zyrtec<\/span>, such as <\/span>Claritin<\/span>, if <\/span>Zyrtec<\/span> is not effective,\u201d Dr. Hentrich says.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Other <\/span>antihistamines<\/span> include:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Drug name<\/b><\/td>\nCoupons<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Benadryl (diphenhydramine<\/span>)<\/span><\/td>\nDiphenhydramine coupons<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Claritin (loratadine<\/span>)<\/span><\/td>\nLoratadine coupons<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Xyzal (levocetirizine dihydrochloride)<\/span><\/td>\nLevocetirizine coupons<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Allegra (fexofenadine<\/span>)<\/span><\/td>\nFexofenadine coupons<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Each person responds to different medicines differently, so it may take some trial and error to find the best medicine for you.<\/span><\/p>\n

He also suggests talking to a doctor or pharmacist about intranasal <\/span>corticosteroids<\/span>, such as Flonase (fluticasone), intranasal <\/span>antihistamines<\/span>, or nasal or oral <\/span>decongestants<\/span> such as Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) that can directly benefit specific symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dr. Greenberg believes the best option is to use anti-inflammatory medications, like nasal steroids, routinely, then <\/span>antihistamines<\/span> on an as-needed basis. He says anti-inflammatory medications take longer to work but do work well, while <\/span>antihistamine<\/span> tolerance can be built.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dr. Emmel recommends following up with a <\/span>healthcare provider<\/span> and investigating differential diagnoses. Testing may be needed to determine what\u2019s driving the symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis may identify an opportunity to avoid <\/span>allergen<\/span> exposure and manage symptoms without pharmacologic treatment,\u201d he says. (AKA, washing bedding, HEPA filters, limiting time outdoors, etc.)<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf symptoms persist despite this, patients may benefit from switching <\/span>antihistamines<\/span> or adding therapies such as intranasal <\/span>corticosteroids<\/span>, leukotriene modifiers, and\/or <\/span>immunotherapy<\/span>,\u201d Dr. Emmel adds.<\/span><\/p>\n

If the best <\/span>treatment plan<\/span> for <\/span>allergy relief<\/span> includes changing to another <\/span>OTC<\/span> allergy med<\/span>, several are available: <\/span>Benadryl (diphenhydramine<\/span>), <\/span>Allegra (fexofenadine<\/span>), or <\/span>Claritin (loratadine<\/span>). Other treatment options include <\/span>eye drops<\/span>, <\/span>decongestants<\/span>, <\/span>steroid nasal sprays<\/span>, different kinds of <\/span>nasal sprays<\/span>, and <\/span>allergy shots<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

But again, the best bet involves a consultation with a <\/span>healthcare provider<\/span> for individualized treatment options.<\/span><\/p>\n

Do people develop resistance to <\/span>allergy medications<\/span>?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Can taking too much medicine be a problem, causing the development of <\/span>antihistamine<\/span> resistance?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Dr. Emmel wouldn\u2019t call it \u201cresistance,\u201d per se, but more of a \u201ctolerance\u201d that can arise over time.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis doesn\u2019t happen in all patients, and time to tolerance varies,\u201d he adds. \u201cIf tolerance does occur, patients can try switching <\/span>antihistamines<\/span> or moving to a non-<\/span>antihistamine<\/span> based treatment.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Dr. Hentrich agrees that <\/span>some<\/span><\/i> people can become tolerant to <\/span>Zyrtec<\/span>, in which the medicine isn\u2019t as effective. He says it \u201ccan occur days to weeks after taking the medication each day.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

If that happens, he recommends talking to a healthcare professional about alternative medications and identifying factors that contribute to symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n

Can you increase your <\/span>Zyrtec<\/span> dosage?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Examples include increased sedation or sleepiness, dry mouth, urinary retention, muscle weakness, dry eyes, excessive thirst, an overdose, and more.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In other words, increasing your <\/span>Zyrtec<\/span> dosage is more serious than it may seem. And, as mentioned earlier, it may not even be helpful.<\/span><\/p>\n

The bottom line<\/span><\/h2>\n

Zyrtec<\/span> may not work for multiple reasons\u2014for example, the person is surrounded by their <\/span>allergens<\/span>, it\u2019s <\/span>allergy season<\/span>, the symptoms aren\u2019t caused by a <\/span>histamine<\/span> release, and more. If <\/span>Zyrtec<\/span> is not effectively managing <\/span>allergy symptoms<\/span>, people can try other medications, such as nasal steroids and <\/span>Claritin<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Other beneficial practices include putting HEPA filters in the home, regularly washing bedding, and inhaling steam. The most beneficial option for someone is to work with their <\/span>healthcare provider<\/span>. Professionals can help people find the most effective, individualized allergy solution.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Zyrtec (cetirizine) is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication and antihistamine used to treat allergy symptoms. Signs of allergic rhinitis, hay fever, and seasonal allergies include sneezing, runny nose, stuffy nose, swollen nasal passages, itchy eyes, and watery eyes. These conditions are similar to nonallergic rhinitis in that they cause the same symptoms, but they are different […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":137,"featured_media":630771,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4589],"tags":[554],"coauthors":[21001],"class_list":["post-630770","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drug-info","tag-allergies","wpautop"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nZyrtec not working: What to do and why it may be happening<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"There are several reasons why Zyrtec might not be working, including a person\u2019s allergies changing and symptoms that are actually medication side effects.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" 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Popping another <\/span>Zyrtec<\/span> when one isn\u2019t cutting it can be tempting. However, <\/span>taking <\/span>Zyrtec<\/span> twice a day<\/span><\/a> or generally upping the dosage can lead to serious <\/span>side effects<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n