What cold medications can be taken with Claritin?
By
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii, PhD, is a Pharmacist with expertise in Drug Design and Development, Enzymes, Molecular Modelling, and Photodynamic Therapy. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii’s Highlights:
- Postdoctoral fellow at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo, emphasizing therapy of neglected diseases using light.
- PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Six months as an international researcher at the Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases (University of California San Diego)
- Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes – São Paulo / Brazil
Professional Experience:
2012 – 2018 Project manager at University of São Paulo – Pharmacy Department
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii has worked with computational studies, synthesis, biological evaluation, design, and development of new inhibitor candidates for Chagas Disease and Leishmaniasis.
2017 – 2017 International research fellow at University of California San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences – Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases.
She used Virtual Screening (VS) and High-Throughput Screening (HTS) Integration in the Discovery of new drugs against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
2018 – 2019 Faculdades Oswaldo Cruz
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a professor in the Faculty of Pharmacy, teaching the subjects of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Drug Development.
2019 – 2021 Researcher in Biochemistry University of São Paulo – Biochemistry Department
She applied Photodynamic Therapy in Leishmaniasis Treatment, mentored undergraduate students in scientific activities, and wrote, executed, translated, and reported scientific projects with funding agencies.
2023-2023 UniPiaget – University Center.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a Biology, Nutrition, Physiotherapy, and Pharmacy professor.
Education:
2018 -2021 Postdoctoral at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo
2013 -2018 PhD of Science: Drugs and Medicines at Department of Pharmacy at University of São Paulo
2012 -2013 M.Sc. of Sciences: Drugs and Medicines at the Department of Pharmacy at the University of São Paulo
2005-2008 Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes
The leading publications of Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii are:
Vital-Fujii, D.G, Baptista, M.S. (2021). Progress in the photodynamic therapy treatment of Leishmaniasis. Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research, 54, 1-11.
Gatti, F. M., Gomes, R.A., da Fonseca, A.L., Lima, E.J.C., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Taranto, A.G., Varotti, F.P., Trossini, G.H.G. (2020). Antiplasmodial activity of sulfonylhydrazones: in vitro and in silico approaches. Future medicinal chemistry, 13, 233-250.
Silva, E.J., Bezerra-Souza, A., Passero, L.F., Laurenti, M.D., Ferreira, G.M., Fujii, D.G.V., et al. (2018). Synthesis, leishmanicidal activity, structural descriptors and structure-activity relationship of quinoline derivatives. Future medicinal chemistry, 10, 2069-2085.
Leite, F.H.A., Froes, T.Q., da Silva, S.G., de Souza, E.I.M., Vital-Fuji,i D.G., Trossini, G.H.G., et al. (2017). An integrated approach towards the discovery of novel non-nucleoside Leishmania major pteridine reductase 1 inhibitors. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 132, 322-332.
Vital, D.G., Damasceno, F.S., Rapado, L.N., Silber, A.M., Vilella, F.S., Ferreira, R.S., et al. (2017). Application of bioisosterism in design of the semicarbazone derivatives as cruzain inhibitors: a theoretical and experimental study. Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, 35, 1244–1259.
Mello, J. F.R., Gomes, R.A., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Ferreira, G.M., Trossini, G.H.G. (2017). Fragment-based drug discovery as alternative strategy to the drug development for neglected diseases. Chemical Biology & Drug Design, 90, 1067-1078.
Pantaleao, S.Q., Fujii, D.G.V., Maltarollo, V.G., da C. Silva, D., Trossini, G.H.G., Weber, K.C., et al. (2017). The Role of QSAR and Virtual Screening Studies in Type 2 Diabetes Drug Discovery. Medicinal Chemistry, 13, 706-720.
Vital, D., Arribas, M., Trossini, G. (2014). Molecular Modeling and Docking Application to Evaluate Cruzain Inhibitory Activity by Chalcones and Hydrazides. Letters in Drug Design and Discovery, 11, 249-255.
Blau, L., Menegon, R.F., Trossini, G.H.G., Molino, J.V.D., Vital, D.G., Cicarelli, R.M.B., et al. (2013). Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of new aryl thiosemicarbazone as antichagasic candidates. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 67, 142-151.
You can view some of Dr Drielli’s work below and links to her professional profile.
Orcid: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9270-0466
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Drielli-Gomes-Vital-Fujii
Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=55829534000
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=F9U50AEAAAAJ&hl=pt-BR
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/driellivital
Escavador: https://www.escavador.com/sobre/6101380/drielli-gomes-vital
CDIPD: https://cdipd.org/index.php/about-us/visiting-scientists
What cold medications can be taken with Claritin?
Any cold medication can be taken with Claritin, as long as the formulation does not contain another antihistamine. Claritin, a brand name for Loratadine, is an antihistamine medication that can be used for the management of a number of allergy symptoms (1).
However, these meds should not be paired with another med of the same kind because of the potential health risks. It’s best to check for ingredients before you take any OTC cold and flu medication and see if it contains an antihistamine (1).
If it does, that’s not the right choice of medication for you. If it doesn’t, you can safely take it with Claritin. Other antihistamines like Zyrtec, Benadryl, etc should not be taken with Claritin.
If you’re struggling with understanding the ingredients, talk to the pharmacist. The cold meds which are commonly used safely with Claritin include:
- Dextromethorphan, which is an antitussive agent (cough reliever)
- Pseudoephedrine, a decongestant
- NSAIDs, as painkillers and fever reducers.
- Guaifenesin, which helps loosen the mucus and clears up your airways
- Acetaminophen, a painkiller and fever reducer.
What are the risks of combining two antihistamines together?
Combining two antihistamines together can be risky and should generally be avoided without proper medical guidance. The potential risks may include (2):
- Increased drowsiness: Taking two antihistamines at the same time can intensify their sedative effects, leading to excessive drowsiness, impaired coordination, and difficulty in performing daily activities.
- Impaired cognitive function: The combination of antihistamines may negatively affect cognitive function, making it difficult to concentrate, think clearly, or react quickly.
- Dry mouth and other side effects: Taking multiple antihistamines can increase the likelihood of experiencing side effects such as dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, and urinary retention.
- Overdose: Taking more than the recommended dose of antihistamines can lead to an overdose, which can be dangerous and may require immediate medical attention.
- Interactions with other medications: Antihistamines can interact with other medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and herbal supplements, leading to unexpected and harmful effects
Natural remedies for cold and flu to safely pair with Claritin
Some safe and simple natural remedies that may help alleviate cold and flu symptoms while using Claritin include (3):
- Gargle with warm saltwater. It can ease throat discomfort and reduce inflammation.
- Mix honey and fresh lemon juice in warm water. This soothing drink can help soothe a sore throat and provide relief.
- Drink plenty of water, herbal teas, and clear broths to keep yourself hydrated. This helps thin mucus and soothes a sore throat.
- Inhale steam from a bowl of hot water, as it can help ease congestion and make breathing easier. You can also add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to the steam water.
- Allow your body to rest and recover. Proper rest supports your immune system’s efforts to fight off the cold or flu.
- Try ginger Tea. Ginger has natural anti-inflammatory properties. Drinking ginger tea can provide comfort and alleviate symptoms.
- Consume foods rich in vitamin C, like oranges and strawberries. They can support your immune system.
- Some studies suggest that zinc supplements may reduce the duration and severity of cold symptoms.
Remember, natural remedies may complement your treatment, but it’s essential to talk to your healthcare provider before using them, especially if you are on other medications or have underlying health conditions.
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References
1.-
Sidhu G, Akhondi H. Loratadine. 2023 Mar 13. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 31194418. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542278
2.-
Borowy CS, Mukherji P. Antihistamine Toxicity. 2023 Apr 29. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 29493943. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482318
3.-
Turner RB. Studies of “natural” remedies for the common cold: pitfalls and pratfalls. CMAJ. 2005 Oct 25;173(9):1051-2. doi: 10.1503/cmaj.051208. PMID: 16247101; PMCID: PMC1266329. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1266329/
