Zyrtec

Zyrtec (Cetirizine) is an orally administered non-drowsy anti-histamine which can clear up respiratory allergies or hay fever. It acts on the H1 receptors and prevents the action of histamine. The redness, sneezing, teary eyes, itchy throat and blocked nose that commonly occur in those with seasonal allergies is caused by the body reacting to histamine. By stopping the histamine from working on its receptors, this medicine is able to temporarily relieve allergies. In addition to seasonal or year round allergies, some patients have used this medicine for the treatment of urticaria (either chronic or acute). Physicians generally believe it to be more effective than other antihistamines for urticaria, due to the fact that it exhibits less anticholinergic side effects.

Zyrtec (Cetirizine) comes in 10mg strength tablets which are taken by the oral route. Your physician will carefully asses the seriousness of your allergies so that the best treatment options can be determined. The tablets are meant to be swallowed with water. Adult patients taking this medicine for the symptomatic relief of allergies are sometimes instructed by their physician to administer a single tablet (10mg) per day. If you fail to see any signs of an improvement in your allergies after the initial few days of treatment, it will be necessary to visit your physician to further discuss whether or not to continue treatment or if alternative forms of treatment are needed.

Use of Zyrtec (Cetirizine) to tackle the symptoms of allergies or any other conditions might result in the occurrence of side effects. Visit your physician if this happens. Side effects which may occur include:

• Diarrhea
• Irritated throat
• Fatigued sensation
• Dry feeling in the mouth
• Pain and discomfort in the stomach

Other side effects that have not been included in the list above are also possible, some of which could be severe in nature. Patients who suffer from visual disturbances, abnormal restlessness, hyperactive behavior or any other dangerous and serious reactions will be required to attend the hospital as soon as possible.

Zyrtec (Cetirizine) may not be suitable for patients with kidney or renal function problems, or else they may need a lower than normal dosage. Ask your physician for more details.

This medicine is not used to prevent the occurrence of hives, as it is not effective at this.