What is Zyrtec?
Zyrtec tablets are an anti-allergy
remedy containing the active ingredient Cetirizine
Hydrochloride 10mg.
The most common form of allergy is
hayfever, a seasonal disorder occurring during Spring and
Summer caused by airborne pollens.
Typical symptoms
include sneezing, runny nose and itchy watery eyes.
Other
allergies are caused by eating certain foods, through contact
with certain drugs or chemicals, or those caused by house dust
mites or animal fur.
These reactions are caused by an
allergic reaction between the allergen and certain cells in
the body.
This reaction triggers the release of a number
of chemical substances which irritate the body.
One of
these chemicals is histamine.
There are a number of
medicines available for treating allergies, the most common
being antihistamines. Some antihistamines also counteract the
effects of other irritating chemical substances as well as
those of histamine.
These are called anti-allergics.
Zyrtec is an anti-allergic used to treat hayfever and
other allergic reactions.
It is fast acting (10-20
minutes) non-sedating and lasts for 24 hours.
For children under 12 years, twice daily
dosage is recommended because the effect of Zyrtec does not
last as long in children.
Use:
Cetirizine or Zyrtec is a
non-sedating antihistamine. It is a metabolite of hydroxyzine,
an sedating antihistamine.
How It Works:
Cetirizine or Zyrtec blocks histamine -
specifically histamine 1 - sites. By blocking these sites
histamine is not released and the effects of histamine on the
body are not seen - runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes.
Side Effects:
While
Cetirizine or Zyrtec is classified as a non sedating
antihistamine, it is able to cause some sedation, but much
less than other antihistamines. As well, it can cause dry
mouth.
Cautions for People:
Because
Cetirizine or Zyrtec does have the potential to cause some
sedation, it should be carefully used in situations where
alertness is required - driving a car.
Drug Interactions:
Cetirizine or Zyrtec has an additive
effect with alcohol and thus should not be used with alcohol.
Cetirizine
or Zyrtec does not interact with antibiotics such as
erythromycin to cause heart beat irregularities.
Before taking
Zyrtec:
Pregnant or breast feeding
women should consult a doctor before taking ZYRTEC. People
with known hypersensitivity to ZYRTEC should AVOID taking it.
People with kidney problems should seek
medical advice before taking ZYRTEC, a smaller dose may be
necessary.
Zyrtec
Dosage:
Adults
Single daily dose of one table (Certizine
10mg)
Children over 6 years of age
Single daily dose of one table
(Certizine 10mg) although this may need to be broken up into 2
individual dosages of half a tablet
Children 2 to 6 years of age
A single daily dose of 5mg or half
a tablet although this may need to be taken as 2 individual
dosages of a quarter tablet each.
After Taking Zyrtec:
Occasionally some effects may
occur, such as feeling drowsy, dry mouthed or fatigued.
These are usually mild and tend to wear off as treatment
continues. Drowsiness occurs rarely, but if your feel drowsy
after taking Zyrtec, be cautious about driving or using
machinery for 8 hours.
In such cases it is better to take
your Zyrtec before you go to bed at night. If you have any
concerns consult your medical practitioner.
For More Information about Allergies and
Zyrtec visit: http://www.allergy-info.com
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