Zyrtec
Zyrtec is one of the more specialised antihistamines with fewer approved and off-label applications than some of the other antihistamines
About Zyrtec
Zyrtec is an antihistamine used to relieve or prevent the symptoms of hay fever and allergic reactions to other substances in the environment. It is popular because it causes less drowsiness than some of the other antihistamines. Zyrtec is one of the more specialised antihistamines with fewer approved and off-label applications than some of the other antihistamines. Thus, it is mainly used either seasonally or as required.
Seasonally, Zyrtec relieves symptoms in adults and children who are at least two years old during the times when the pollens from grass, trees and plants like ragweed are released into the air. If you are unlucky enough to be allergic to these pollens, you will sneeze, your nose will run, your eyes will get red and painful, and you will often feel restless. But, this exposure is limited to the relevant seasons. Some of you are allergic to allergens that are in the environment all year round. This may be the all-pervasive dust or the mites, moulds or the dander that comes from animals. Food and other substances can also cause the allergic reactions listed above.
Zyrtec is also effective as a treatment for chronic urticaria in both adults and children who are at least six months old. Urticaria is a fairly violent and persistent skin reaction of very itchy wheals, hives or a rash accompanied by a burning sensation.
Histamine can also trigger a constriction of the respiratory tract and make breathing difficult. Hence, Zyrtec is sometimes used by asthma sufferers alongside the usual bronchodilators. In addition, since one of the side effects of antihistamines is drowsiness, people use them to encourage sleep.
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Administration and side effects
Zyrtec is supplied as a conventional tablet, a capsule, a chewable tablet or syrup. To decide whether to use this medication and, if so, at what dosage, you should discuss the pros and cons with your physician. The first step will usually be to have skin tests to determine the range of substances you are allergic to. You should also adjust your diet and lifestyle so far as possible to avoid exposure to any foods or other substances that give you an adverse reaction. Then your physician will adjust the dosage if you have:
• an enlarged prostate or any problem with your urinary tract that makes urination difficult — Zyrtec may make urination problems worse;
• glaucoma — Zyrtec may slightly increase the pressure in the inner eye and worsen the condition; and
• stomach or intestinal ulcers, kidney or liver disease.
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There is no need to limit your use of Zyrtec during pregnancy, but when breast-feeding, small amounts of antihistamines can pass into the breast milk. Some babies may experience some of Zyrtec’s side effects.
Generally, children and older adults are more likely to be affected by Zyrtec’s side effects. In particular, they may become more restless and excitable, sometimes experiencing nightmares. The older you are, the greater the chances of a dry mouth, painful urination, confusion and agitation.
Zyrtec will add to the effects of alcohol and other medications that slow down the central nervous system to cause drowsiness. You should therefore avoid taking any tranquilliser, sedative, sleeping pills, analgesics, narcotic or barbiturate medications. Although drowsiness is less likely with Zyrtec, you should take greater care if you plan to do anything potentially dangerous.
Zyrtec may cause dryness of the mouth nose, and throat. To relieve the problem in the short term, you should chew sugarless gum or use a saliva substitute (some people melt ice cubes in their mouths). But if this continues for more than a week, you should stop taking Zyrtec. Dryness increases the chances of tooth decay, gum disease and fungal infections.
Finally, if you are taking one of the Monoamine oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) such as Matulane, allow a washout period of at least two weeks before taking Zyrtec.