What is El Zyrtec for?

The Zyrtec is an antihistamine drug prescribed to relieve symptoms of nasal, ocular or different types of immune reactions of the organism against external agent either by ingestion, inhalation or physical contact congestion.

The effects it produces on the body are prolonged, which facilitates its dosage, its use is recommended to treat the symptoms caused by hay fever, nasal congestion, itching or tearing in the eyes, itching in the nose or also in the throat, sneezing and some symptoms caused by the common cold.

It occupies a position among second-generation antihistamines, so the drug is much more selective with H1 receptors and in less proportions with the cholinergic and histaminergic receptors of the nervous system, producing fewer adverse effects in the patient, such as one of them. the somnolence.

In the next article we will tell you more about its uses, its effects, indications, what you should take into account before consuming the product, warnings and much more about this recognized drug, so I invite you to continue reading.

What is the Zyrtec for?

It is used to treat:

• Symptoms produced by seasonal or perennial allergic rhinitis, among the most common symptoms: runny or runny nose, constant sneezing, redness and itching of the nose, eyes or throat, swelling of the eyelids and tear discharge.
• Symptoms caused by hay fever (allergy to dust, pollen, dust mites, animal dander, among others).
• Relief of urticaria caused by immune phenomena of the body.

Zyrtec Mechanism of Action

The drug works by blocking the action of histamine (a substance that is released in the body during an allergic reaction) making it an antagonist of the H1 receptor, inhibiting the production of the hormone and decreasing its neurotransmitter capacity.

Composition

The active ingredient in Zyrtec is cetirizine dihydrochloride and is formulated according to its presentation:

Each tablet contains, prescribed for adults and children over 6 years:

• Cetirizine dihydrohydrate 10 mg.
• Receiving cbp 1 table.

Children’s solution, each 100 ml contains:

• Cetirizine dihydrohydrate 100 mg.
• Vehículo c.b.p 100 ml.

Pediatric solution, each 1 ml contains:

• Cetirizine dihydrohydrate 10 mg.
• Vehículo c.b.p. 1 ml.

Recommended dose

In tablets:

• For adults and children over 6 years of age, 10 mg of cetirizine dihydrochloride per day or 1 capsule, it is advisable to provide liquid to the individual who ingests it.

In solution:

• Children 1 to 2 years: 2.5 mg of solution every 12 hours.
• Children 2 to 6 years: 2.5 mg of solution every 12 hours.
• Adults and children over 6 years: 10 mg once a day

What should you know before taking this medicine?

In case of presenting certain pathological conditions, it is necessary to notify the doctor in advance, among these are:

• Heart diseases.
• Severe kidney disease
• Urinary tract problems or obstruction.
• Diabetes.
• Glaucomas.
• Thyroid gland disorder.
• If you suffer from epileptic seizures or convulsions.
• Liver disorders
• High blood pressure or cardiovascular disease.

If you have an allergy to cetirizine dihydrochloride.

If you are consuming antidepressant, tranquilizer or sedative medications, it is important to consult your doctor or specialist beforehand, providing a complete list of the drugs that are consumed.

In case of carrying out some type of allergic test, since the medicine can significantly alter the results of the same.

This drug is in pregnancy category B according to the FDA pharmacological bulletin, so it is not considered harm caused to the fetus by its consumption, however, a doctor should be consulted first.

The drug can be present and excreted in breast milk, the use of this in lactation is not recommended.

Regarding its side effects, they tend to appear more frequently in older adults.

Side effects

Like any other drug, the use of Zyrtec can produce some side effects on the body, it should be noted that the effects do not usually manifest in all individuals who consume it.

The following effects mentioned below are very rare, however, if you are being treated with this medicine and then observe some similarity with them, it is recommended that you stop using the medicine immediately and contact your doctor.

Common effects (probably 1 in 10 people)

• Fatigue.
• Diarrhea.
• Sickness.
• Dry mouth
• Dizziness.
• Headache.
• Numbness
• Drowsiness.
• Pharyngitis, rhinitis.

Uncommon effects (probably 1 in 100 people)

• Extreme fatigue
• Rashes and itchy skin.
• Paraesthesia
• Agitation.
• Abdominal pain.

Uncommon effects (probably 1 in 1,000 people)

• Severe allergic reactions
• Seizures
• Urticaria.
• Depressions
• Hallucination.
• Confusion and disorientation.
• Aggressiveness.
• Weight gain.
• Abnormal liver function
• Tachycardia.
• Swelling in different parts of the body.

Very rare effects (probably 1 in 10,000 people)

• Difficulty or loss of control in urine.
• Angioedema or Quincke’s edema.
• Platelets decreased.
• Spontaneous spasms
• Fluid retention and difficulty urinating
• Amnesia.
• Depression and difficulty falling asleep, nightmares.
• Blurry vision.

Contraindications

In case of suffering some pathologies such as:

• Severe kidney damage
• Liver disorder
• Epilepsy and seizures

The FDA considers the drug in category B, however, it recommends asking your doctor beforehand about its use during pregnancy.

.- During the lactation period, caution should be exercised with the supply of the drug as it is eliminated through breast milk.

.- It is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to its components.

.- People who suffer from fructose intolerance should not consume this drug, unless under medical supervision.

.- Not recommended for use in children under 6 years.

Interactions with medications and other sources.

• Studies have shown that the use of Zyrtec with high doses of theophylline decreases the cleansing effect of the body on the compound by 16%.
• With high doses of ritonavir, the exposure rate of this drug showed an increase of 40% without any other effect.
• The absorption rate of the components decreases with certain foods, but there is no reduction in their rate.

General precautions

• It is recommended to use with caution in patients suffering from seizures and convulsions.
• The pill form should not be used in children under 6 years of age.
• The pediatric solution should not be used in children under 1 year of age.
• The children’s solution is not recommended for use in children under 2 years of age.
• Although no negative effect has been shown on the ability to drive vehicles and heavy machinery, it is advisable to exercise caution when ingesting the drug.
• Alcohol or psychotropic substances should not be consumed.

Storage and preservation

• Keep the product in its original container, closed and out of the reach of children.
• Do not store the product in humid places or expose to high temperatures, the medicine should never be stored in a bathroom.
• If the product is used and three months have passed since its first use, it should not be ingested later.
• If three months have passed from the expiration date of the drug, it should not be consumed.
• Do not dispose of the drug through the trash or throw the product down the well or drain, it is recommended to always ask the nearest pharmacy for the collection and disposal plans of unused products.

In case of overdose

In case of an overdose, go immediately to the nearest health center or call the doctor, if the person has collapsed and presents seizures or difficulty breathing, the emergency service should be called for help.

Some common symptoms of an overdose are usually:

• Irritability.
• Restlessness and despair.
• Drowsiness and difficulty sleeping

Aspects to consider

You never have to self-medicate, it is essential to consult the treating doctor or specialist before starting to consume any type of medicine.

A list of medications that are supplied to the body, including vitamins and dietary supplements, should be on hand, and thus take the list to the doctor when resorting to a regular consultation. At the time of an emergency, it is always good to have a list with this information on hand.

If you have any doubts, you should ask your doctor about the use of this medicine, and inform them if you notice any change or abnormal situation in the body.