Zyrtec (Cetirizine)

What is Generic Zyrtec?

Zyrtec is an antihistamine drug which is produced in the form of white oblong coated tablets.

It acts as a competitive antagonist of histamine - one of the principal mediators of allergy. The drug Zyrtec blocks specific H1-histamine receptors, thus contributing the oppression of an allergic reaction and its symptoms: mutes itching sensation and reduces swelling of tissues by reducing the permeability of the capillary walls (the smallest blood vessels of the body).

The drug is effective at the initial stages of allergy and the later stages of it. It should also be noted that Zyrtec is well absorbed in the digestive tract.

Reviews of Zyrtec characterize it as a highly effective antiallergic drug. After discontinuation of it its effect persists for 3 days.

In what kind of disease treatment Zyrtec is helpful?

Medicament is used in various allergic conditions such as:

• Allergic conjunctivitis;
• Allergic rhinitis (runny nose), year-round and seasonal;
• Hay fever (allergy to pollen);
• Allergic runny nose and watery eyes;
• Allergic dermatitis (allergic diseases of the skin and its appendages (hair and nails));
• Hives;
• Atopic asthma (as a component of complex therapy);
• Angioedema;
• Feeling itchy skin during the allergy.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take Generic Zyrtec?

Instructions indicate the following contraindications to its use:

• Increased sensitivity of the patient to the components of the drug;
• Women during childbearing (pregnant);
• Women during breastfeeding (lactation), as components of the drug are able to penetrate into breast milk.
• In experimental studies wasn’t found teratogenic or embryotoxic effect of the drug.

Is possible its use by children from the age of 6 months.

How should I take Zyrtec?

Take pills by mouth with liquid or food and before swallowing you should completely chew it.

Dosage information

1 tablet contains of 5 and 10 mg of Cetirizine hydrochloride.

Adults and children over 6 years are prescribed 10 mg (1 tab.) per day. Adults - 10 mg 1 time / day; children - 5 mg 2 times / day or 10 mg 1 time / day. Sometimes 5 mg starting dose may be sufficient.

Patients with moderate or severe renal insufficiency need to take half of the recommended dose.

Elderly patients with normal renal function do not require dose adjustment.

The recommended dose in renal failure in the night:

• Mild - 10 mg;
• Moderate - 5 mg;
• Severe - with an interval of 5 mg every other day.

What may interact with Zyrtec?

When using Zyrtec simultaneously with other drugs are observed:

Reduction of total clearance of Cetirizine by 16% with Theophylline (400 mg daily);

Adverse interaction with Ketoconazole, Cimetidine, Glipizide, Azithromycin, Erythromycin, Diazepam, Pseudoephedrine - have not observed;

ECG changes because of Ketoconazole and Macrolides are not mentioned.

What should I watch for while taking Zyrtec?

In recommended doses of Zyrtec it does not increase the effect of alcohol (up to 0.5 g / l), however it is recommended to abstain from alcohol during its using.

It wasn’t noticed any undesirable effects when using the drug at the recommended dose of 10 mg so patients can drive and control mechanisms but the use of Zyrtec in high doses (in doses exceeding the recommended daily dose) impairs the ability for fast reaction, violates attention so during the use of the drug should be careful during driving and if your work requires greater attention and perseverance.

What side effects may I notice from Generic Zyrtec?

The drug belongs to a new generation and with the right dosage and taking the risk of side effects is minimized.

CNS:

• Aggression;
• Headache;
• Excitation;
• Dizziness;
• Drowsiness;
• Depression;
• Confusion;
• Insomnia;
• Hallucinations;
• Dyskinesia;
• Convulsions;
• Fainting;
• Dystonia;
• Tremor;
• Teak;
• Paresthesia.

Hematopoietic system:

• Thrombocytopenia.

Cardiovascular system:

• Tachycardia.

Organs of vision:

• Blurred vision;
• Accommodation disorder;
• Nystagmus.

Respiratory System:

• Pharyngitis;
• Rhinitis.

Digestive System:

• Diarrhea;
• Nausea;
• Dryness of the mouth;
• Stomach ache;
• Disorder of the liver function (increased transaminases, bilirubin, GGT, AP).

Urinary system:

• Enuresis;
• Dysuria.

Metabolism:

• Weight gain.

Allergic reactions:

• Hives;
• Rash;
• Angioedema;
• Itching;
• Hypersensitivity, anaphylactic shock is possible.

Other:

• Edema;
• Malaise;
• Asthenia;
• Fatigue.

The drug was generally well tolerated. Side effects are rare; they are usually poorly defined and transient.

The following symptoms are noticed in case of overdose drug if is taken the dose of 50 mg:

• Dizziness;
• Diarrhea;
• Confusion;
• Fatigue;
• Malaise;
• Headache;
• Weakness;
• Itching;
• Drowsiness;
• Sedation;
• Tremor;
• Tachycardia;
• Urinary retention.

You need the following treatment: immediate gastric lavage or induced artificially vomiting. Specific antidote at the moment is absent.

Where can I keep Zyrtec?

The drug should be kept out of reach of children in a dry dark place at the temperature 25 degrees.