Can you take Zyrtec in the morning and Hydroxyzine at night?
By
Dr Natalia Marceli Stephanes (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes PhD is a Pharmacist with expertise in Drugs Administration and Toxicity; Discovery of New Drugs; Cancer Treatment; Biochemical Analyzes and Hematological Analyzes. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes’ Highlights:
- Pharmacist at the Department of Health of Santa Catarina State, Brazil
- PhD with a focus on oncology treatment
- Years of experience in commercial pharmacy
- Bachelor, Master and PhD degrees in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina
Professional Experience:
From her undergraduate studies to her Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Pharmacy, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes has participated in numerous scientific studies in the field of oncology and onco-hematology at the University Hospital of the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil. Her research has focused on understanding the molecular and biochemical bases of malignant neoplasms and investigating safer and more effective therapeutic alternatives.
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes has also served as an assistant professor of haematology for undergraduate students at the Federal University of Santa Catarina. Additionally, she held the position of professor of Hospital Pharmacy at the Qualificar Technical School in Brazil, where she developed instructional materials for use in the Pharmacy Postgraduate Program at the Leonardo Da Vinci University Center.
In addition to her academic experiences, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes possesses a strong expertise in commercial pharmacy, with in-depth knowledge of medications, their routes of administration, desired effects, adverse effects, and toxicity.
Currently, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes works as a Pharmacist at the Health Department of Santa Catarina State, where her role entails providing pharmaceutical scientific consulting services to judges.
Education:
- 2016 Bachelor in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
- 2018 Master in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
- 2023 PhD in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
The main publications of Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes are:
Falchetti M ; Delgobo M, Zancanaro H, Almeida K, Das Neves RN, Dos Santos B, Stefanes NM, et al. Bishop Omics-based identification of an NRF2-related auranofin resistance signature in cancer: Insights into drug repurposing. Comput. Biol. Med [Internet]. 2023; 152:106347.
Feuser PM, Matos dos Santos PC, Cordeiro AP, Stefanes NM, Walter LO, Maioral MF, Santos-Silva MC, et al. Antineoplastic activity of free 4-nitrochalcone and encapsulated in poly(thioether-ester) nanoparticles obtained by thiol-ene polymerization in two human leukemia cell lines (Jurkat and K562). J Drug Deliv Sci Technol [Internet]. 2022; 67:102924.
Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Walter LO, Perondi DM, Efe FL, Souza LFS, Sens L, et al. Synthesis of chalcones derived from 1-naphthylacetophenone and evaluation of their cytotoxic and apoptotic effects in acute leukemia cell lines. Bioorg. Chem [Internet]. 2021; 116:105315.
Duarte BF, Vieira DSC, Lisboa ML, Stefanes NM, Grando LJ, Santos-Silva MC. Características clínico-epidemiológicas de pacientes portadores de carcinoma de células escamosas de boca. Arquivos Catarinenses de Medicina. 2021; 50(2): 232–245.
Machado V, Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Santos-Silva MC, Biavatti MW. Anti-leukemic activity of semisynthetic derivatives of Lupeol. Nat. Prod. Res. 2021; 35(22):4494-4501.
Bigolin A, Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Mascarello A, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Nunes RJ, Yunes RA, et al. A novel sulfonamide derivative as a strong and selective apoptotic agent against hematological malignancies. Chem. Pap. 2020; 74:2965–2976.
Bigolin A, Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Zatelli GA, Philippus AC, Falkenberg MB, Santos-Silva MC. Cytotoxic mechanisms of primin, a natural quinone isolated from Eugenia hiemalis, on hematological cancer cell lines. Anticancer Drugs. 2020; 31(7):709-717.
Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Neufeldt PD, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Nunes RJ, Santos-Silva MC. Aldehyde biphenyl chalcones induce immunogenic apoptotic-like cell death and are promising new safe compounds against a wide range of hematologic cancers. Future Med. Chem. 2020; 12(8):673–688.
Perondi DM, Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Maioral MF, Sens L, Pacheco LA, Cury NM, et al. A novel thiosemicarbazone as a promising effective and selective compound for acute leukemia. Anticancer Drugs. 2019; 30(8):p 828-837.
Rengifo AFC, Stefanes NM, Toigo J, Mendes C, Argenta DF, Dotto MER, Santos-Silva MC, et al. PEO-chitosan nanofibers containing carboxymethyl-hexanoyl chitosan/dodecyl sulfate nanoparticles loaded with pyrazoline for skin cancer treatment. Eur. Polym. J. 2019; 119:335-343.
Rengifo AFC, Stefanes NM, Toigo J, Mendes C, Santos-Silva MC, Nunes RJ, Parize AL, et al. A new and efficient carboxymethyl-hexanoyl chitosan/dodecyl sulfate nanocarrier for a pyrazoline with antileukemic activity. Mater. Sci. Eng. C [Internet]. 2019; 105:110051.
Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Bigolin A, Zatelli GA, Philippus AC, Falkenberg MB, Santos-Silva MC. Miconidine acetate, a new selective and cytotoxic compound with synergic potential, induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in leukemia cells. Invest. New Drugs. 2019; 37:912–922.
Srefanes NM, Toigo J, Maioral MF, Jacques AV, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Perondi DM, Ribeiro AAB, et al. Synthesis of novel pyrazoline derivatives and the evaluation of death mechanisms involved in their antileukemic activity. Bioorg. Med. Chem. 2019; 27(2):375-382.
Maioral MF, Bodack CN, Stefanes NM, Bigolin A, Mascarello A, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Yunes RA, et al. Cytotoxic effect of a novel naphthylchalcone against multiple cancer cells focusing on hematologic malignancies. Biochim. 2017; 140:48-57.
You can view some of Dr Natália’s work below and links to her professional profile below.
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Natalia-Stephanes
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliamarceli/
In this article, we will discuss taking Zyrtec (Cetirizine) in the morning and Atarax/Vistaril (Hydroxyzine) at night – both of which are antihistamines, medicines used to manage allergy symptoms. We will also discuss the potential risks of this treatment approach and some appropriate alternatives to use.
Can you take Zyrtec in the morning and Hydroxyzine at night?
It is generally not recommended to take Zyrtec and Hydroxyzine on the same day or at the same time unless advised by your healthcare provider.
Both Zyrtec and Hydroxyzine are antihistamines, and while they work in slightly different ways, they share similarities in their mechanism of action (1,2). Combining them on the same day can increase the risk of side effects, as you’d essentially be doubling up on similar medications.
In most cases, one antihistamine is sufficient to manage allergy symptoms effectively. It’s crucial to avoid taking two antihistamines simultaneously unless it’s been specifically recommended by your doctor for a particular medical reason.
Always follow your healthcare provider’s directions when it comes to managing your allergies or any other medical condition to ensure your safety and the effectiveness of your treatment.
Potential risks of taking Zyrtec in the morning and Hydroxyzine at night
Taking Zyrtec in the morning and Hydroxyzine at night can pose certain risks. Both of these medications are antihistamines, and when taken together, they may lead to additive side effects, such as drowsiness, dizziness, and dry mouth (1,3).
While Zyrtec is considered a second-generation antihistamine and is generally less sedative than first-generation antihistamines, it can still cause some drowsiness, especially in some individuals.
Hydroxyzine, on the other hand, is known for its sedative properties, which means it can cause significant drowsiness (2). Taking both of these medications in one day can potentially result in excessive sedation, making it challenging to stay awake and alert during the day.
This sedation can affect your ability to drive, operate machinery, or engage in activities requiring mental alertness. Furthermore, combining these antihistamines may not necessarily provide additional relief from allergy symptoms.
In most cases, one antihistamine is sufficient to manage allergies effectively. Using two different antihistamines simultaneously can increase the risk of side effects without offering a significant increase in symptom relief.
What are the alternatives to taking Zyrtec and Hydroxyzine on the same day?
When it comes to managing allergy symptoms, there are alternative approaches to taking both Zyrtec and Hydroxyzine on the same day.
One effective alternative is the use of nasal sprays containing corticosteroids, such as Flonase (Fluticasone) or Nasacort (Triamcinolone) (4).
These nasal sprays can help reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms like nasal congestion, sneezing, and runny nose. Additionally, for more severe allergies or when a single antihistamine isn’t providing adequate relief, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider.
Your doctor can recommend alternative antihistamines or medications that can safely manage your symptoms. It’s important not to self-medicate with multiple antihistamines without medical guidance, as this can increase the risk of side effects and complications.
Seeking professional advice ensures that you receive the most appropriate treatment plan for your allergies while minimizing any potential risks.
Conclusion
In this article, we have discussed the use of Zyrtec (Cetirizine) in the morning and Atarax/Vistaril (Hydroxyzine) at night. We have also discussed the potential risks associated with this treatment approach and what one should use as an alternative to these meds.
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References
1.-
Naqvi A, Gerriets V. Cetirizine. 2023 Jan 30. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 31747183. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549776
2.-
PubChem [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US), National Center for Biotechnology Information; 2004-. PubChem Compound Summary for CID 3658, Hydroxyzine; [cited 2023 Aug. 25]. Available from: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Hydroxyzine
3.-
MedlinePlus. Hydroxyzine. MedlinePlus drug information [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US). Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682866.html
4.-
Kobayashi RH, Kiechel F 3rd, Kobayashi AL, Mellion MB. Topical nasal sprays: treatment of allergic rhinitis. Am Fam Physician. 1994 Jul;50(1):151-7, 161-2. Erratum in: Am Fam Physician 1994 Dec;50(8):1656-8. PMID: 7517094. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7517094/
