Can you take Zyrtec in the morning and Singulair at night?

In this article, we will discuss the use of Zyrtec (Cetirizine) in the morning and Singulair (Montelukast) at night. We will also discuss some research studies and potential side effects of this treatment approach.

Can you take Zyrtec in the morning and Singulair at night?

Yes, you can take Zyrtec (Cetirizine) in the morning and Singulair (Montelukast) at night. You can also take these two at the same time, as there is no known interaction between these two. 

Zyrtec is a second-generation antihistamine, used for the management and treatment of allergy symptoms (1). Singulair is also used for allergies and asthma by blocking substances in your body called leukotrienes (2). 

These leukotrienes are responsible for causing inflammation and tightening of the airways in asthma and allergy attacks. Both of these medications can be used together to manage various symptoms. 

However, make sure you avoid taking two antihistamines on the same day, like taking Zyrtec in the morning and Claritin at night, or any other antihistamine. 

What does research suggest?

Several research studies have indicated that the use of Montelukast – the active drug in Singulair – can provide additional benefits when taken with an antihistamine, such as Cetrizine – the active drug in Zyrtec.

In a 2004 study, researchers looked at the effects of pretreatment for seasonal allergic rhinitis (AR) using Cetirizine, Montelukast, or a combination of both. They studied 60 AR patients and gave them these treatments for 6 weeks before and 6 weeks into the grass pollen season (3).

The results showed that combining Montelukast and Cetirizine before the pollen season significantly reduced symptoms like sneezing, eye itching, nasal itching, rhinorrhea, and congestion (3). 

This combination was more effective than Cetirizine alone, particularly in preventing eye itching, rhinorrhea, and nasal itching. It also delayed the onset of AR symptoms (3).

The study also found that eosinophil counts in nasal lavage fluid increased during pollen season in the placebo and Montelukast-only groups, but not in the Montelukast-plus-Cetirizine group (3). 

This suggests that the combination treatment helped reduce allergic inflammation in the nasal mucosa during pollen exposure.

A recent research study looked at the impact of anti-allergy therapy on a kidney condition called minimal-change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS). MCNS often occurs alongside allergies and involves specific helper T-cell abnormalities (4). 

This study involved 51 patients with MCNS and found that those who were treated with the allergy medications cetirizine and montelukast, in addition to standard therapy, had significant benefits (4).

Research also shows that Montelukast can also be paired with the enantiomer of Cetirizine – Levocetirizine – for the management of seasonal allergic rhinitis (5).

These studies indicate that Zyrtec can be a good addition to Montelukast treatment, and you can safely space them out by taking one in the morning and one at night. 

Potential risks of taking Zyrtec in the morning and Singulair at night

There aren’t many potential risks of taking Zyrtec in the morning and Singulair at night and people generally tolerate them well. However, people are different and may respond differently to medications. 

The two meds may not interact with one another, but some people may experience drug-specific side effects. Some expected side effects include: (1,2)

• Headache
• Nausea
• Tiredness or drowsiness
• Upset stomach
• Constipation
• Dry mouth
• Dry eyes

These side effects can vary from person to person, and not everyone experiences them. If you do experience any bothersome side effects, please reach out to your healthcare provider. Singulair may affect blood pressure in some people, so it’s important to discuss this combination if you have hypertension.

How to ensure the proper use of Zyrtec in the morning and Singulair at night?

Some important points to ensure the safe and effective use of Zyrtec in the morning and Singulair at night include:

• Take Zyrtec in the morning and Singulair at night consistently at the same times each day. This helps establish a routine that’s easier to remember.
• Always follow the dosing instructions given by your healthcare provider. 
• Read the medication labels carefully to understand any specific instructions or warnings.
• It’s generally a good idea to avoid alcohol while taking these medications, as it can increase the risk of side effects.
• You can take these medications with or without food, depending on your preference.
• If you tend to forget, set alarms or reminders on your phone to prompt you when it’s time to take your medication.
• Store your medications in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and out of the reach of children.
• If you experience any unusual symptoms or side effects, don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider.

Conclusion

In this article, we have discussed the use of Zyrtec (Cetirizine) in the morning and Singulair (Montelukast) at night. We have also discussed some research studies and potential side effects of this treatment approach.

References