Is Zyrtec Good For Food Allergies

Which Antihistamine Is Best

The best antihistamine depends on each individual. Some people swear by Allegra, while others love Xyzal. Its really a matter of trial and error, based on how effective the medicine is for you and what kind of side effects you experience. Your healthcare provider can help you select an antihistamine to try.

Symptoms Of A Food Allergy

The symptoms of a food allergy almost always develop a few seconds or minutes after eating the food.

Some people may develop a severe allergic reaction , which can be life threatening.

The most common type of allergic reaction to food is known as an IgE-mediated food allergy.

Symptoms include:

• tingling or itching in the mouth
• a raised, itchy red rash in some cases, the skin can turn red and itchy, but without a raised rash
• swelling of the face, mouth , throat or other areas of the body
• difficulty swallowing

• failure to grow at the expected rate

Common Questions About Cetirizine

Cetirizine is a type of medicine called an antihistamine. When you come into contact with something you’re allergic to, such as pollen, animal hair or fur, your body produces a chemical called histamine.

Usually histamine is a useful substance, but in an allergic reaction it causes unpleasant symptoms including itchy, watery eyes, a running or blocked nose, sneezing and skin rashes.

Cetirizine blocks the effects of histamine and reduces these symptoms.

You should start to feel better within an hour.

It depends on why you’re taking cetirizine.

You may only need to take it for a short time or as a one-off dose.

For example, if you have a reaction to an insect bite, you may only need to take cetirizine for a day or two.

You may need to take cetirizine for longer if you’re taking it to prevent symptoms for example, to stop hay fever when the pollen count is high.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you’re unsure how long you need to take cetirizine for.

Cetirizine is unlikely to do you any harm if you take it for a long time.

However it’s best to take cetirizine only for as long as you need to. If you take it regularly over a long period there’s a very small chance of severe itching if you stop treatment suddenly.

If you’ve been taking cetirizine every day for a long time, talk to your doctor before stopping it.

It’s best not to drink alcohol while you’re taking cetirizine as it can make you feel sleepy.

You can eat and drink normally while taking cetirizine.

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Zyrtec Vs Claritin: Side Effects And Interactions

Claritin is unlikely to cause CNS side effects such as sedation, or confusion when used at dosages of 10mg/day. Side effects may be more likely when used at higher dosages. Zyrtec is 3.5 times more likely than Claritin to cause sedation, particularly when used at dosages higher than 10mg/day. However, Zyrtec is still much less sedating than older antihistamines such as promethazine.

Side effects are generally mild with second-generation antihistamines and include a headache and rarely dry mouth, and nausea. All the second generation antihistamines currently on the market appear free from adverse cardiovascular effects. Few major interactions have been reported with either Zyrtec or Claritin however, there is the possibility that side effects such as sedation, confusion, and mental alertness may be enhanced if given with other drugs with this side effect. More studies are needed to determine if there are any interactions between second generation antihistamines and herbal products or food. Always speak with your doctor of pharmacist before using any drugs in combination.

Zyrtec For Dogs: A Useful Tool In The Fight Against Allergies

Luckily, Zyrtec can be used in dogs. Plus, as a second-generation antihistamine, it does not cause drowsiness, and pets do not grow a tolerance to its active ingredient when used long-term.

Keep reading to learn more about Zyrtec for dogs and see whether cetirizine is a beneficial addition to your dogs allergy management plan.

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A Note About Severe Allergic Reactions

Antihistamines like Zyrtec and Benadryl can only help relieve symptoms of a mild allergic reaction. These medicines cannot stop severe allergic reactions or life-threatening anaphylaxis.

Epinephrine is the only medication that can stop anaphylaxis. So, if your child has a food allergy, its vital to have two Epi-Pens available at all times, in case of an allergy emergency.

The only way to stop anaphylaxis is with an epinephrine injection .

As Dr. Marks-Cogan explains, I only recommend Zyrtec or Benadryl for children who are having a mild allergic reaction, such as localized hives or mild congestion. Zyrtec or Benadryl will not stop anaphylaxis — only epinephrine will. Its important to educate parents about this, because many parents think that Zyrtec will actually stop anaphylaxis, but that is not the case.

How Long After Taking Cetirizine Can I Drink Alcohol

It is best to wait until cetirizine completely leaves your body before you drink alcohol, which may take up to 40 hours . This is because alcohol can increase the nervous system side effects of cetirizine such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. Some people may also find it difficult to think or make good judgements. This calculation is based on the half-life of cetirizine, which is 8.3 hours, and experts say it takes 4 to 5 half-lives for a drug to fully leave your body which works out to 33 to 40 hours.

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How Should I Use Zyrtec

Zyrtec is taken by mouth.

Use Zyrtec exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Older adults may need to take a lower than normal dose. Follow your doctor’s instructions.

You may take this medicine with or without food.

Do not swallow the Zyrtec orally disintegrating tablet whole. Allow the tablet to dissolve in your mouth without chewing. Swallow several times as the tablet dissolves. If desired, you may drink liquid to help swallow the dissolved tablet.

Measure liquid Zyrtec Syrup carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device .

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not allow liquid medicine to freeze.

What Causes Food Allergies

Food allergies happen when the immune system the body’s defence against infection mistakenly treats proteins found in food as a threat.

As a result, a number of chemicals are released. It’s these chemicals that cause the symptoms of an allergic reaction.

Almost any food can cause an allergic reaction, but there are certain foods that are responsible for most food allergies.

In children, the foods that most commonly cause an allergic reaction are:

Most children that have a food allergy will have experienced eczema during infancy. The worse the child’s eczema and the earlier it started, the more likely they are to have a food allergy.

In adults, the foods that most commonly cause an allergic reaction are:

• tree nuts such as walnuts, brazil nuts, almonds and hazelnuts
• fruits such as apples and peaches
• shellfish such as crab, lobster and prawns

It’s still unknown why people develop allergies to food, although they often have other allergic conditions, such as asthma, hay fever and eczema.

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What Other Drugs Will Affect Zyrtec

Using Zyrtec with other drugs that make you drowsy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.

Other drugs may interact with cetirizine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Why Is This Medication Prescribed

Cetirizine is used to temporarily relieve the symptoms of hay fever and allergy to other substances . These symptoms include sneezing runny nose itchy, red, watery eyes and itchy nose or throat. Cetirizine is also used to treat itching and redness caused by hives. However, cetirizine does not prevent hives or other allergic skin reactions. Cetirizine is in a class of medications called antihistamines. It works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms.

Cetirizine is also available in combination with pseudoephedrine . This monograph only includes information about the use of cetirizine alone. If you are taking the cetirizine and pseudoephedrine combination product, read the information on the package label or ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

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Can Dogs Take Zyrtec For Itching

Yes, you can give your dog Zyrtec. In fact, Zyrtec is one of the safest over-the-counter medications for dogs. It is an excellent first-aid choice and has wide safety margins it is not likely to cause any issues even if given in large doses. Zyrtec is the brand name for the antihistamine cetirizine hydrochloride.

Younger Than 2 Years Of Age

Only give Childrens Zyrtec to children under 2 years of age if your doctor recommends it.

If your doctor recommends Zyrtec for your child under 2 years of age, only give the liquid form of Childrens Zyrtec. Follow the exact dosing instructions your doctor gives you. Use the measuring cup that comes with the Zyrtec to measure out the right dose.

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Potential Side Effects And Risks Of Zyrtec For Dogs

All antihistamines are considered to be generally safe for dogs. However, medications have the potential to trigger some side effects in certain overly sensitive individuals. In those terms, the side effects associated with Zyrtec include:

• Urine retention

As already mentioned, the main side effect of antihistamines drowsiness is not common in dogs receiving Zyrtec. However, if a small dog is dosed with a significant Zyrtec amount, it may become sedated and lethargic.

Zyrtec should be used with extra caution on dogs with:

• Chronic heart, kidney, and liver problems
• Seizure disorders and thyroid conditions
• Prostatic enlargement and glaucoma
• Trouble urinating or constipation issues
• Puppies, seniors, pregnant, and nursing females

On the other hand, Zyrtec must not be used in dogs:

• Allergic or sensitive to the active ingredient or hydroxyzine
• Receiving other medications with known drug interactions
• Working dogs prone to sleepiness as a side effect

Finally, we should emphasize an important precaution never give your dog Zyrtec-D. This formulas main active ingredient is the same as in regular Zyrtec. However, Zyrtec-D contains another compound called pseudoephedrine .

In humans, pseudoephedrine helps with congestion, but in pets, it overstimulates the central nervous system and the heart, resulting in potentially life-threatening seizures and heart failure. Therefore, Zyrtec-D is considered to be toxic to dogs.

Coverage And Cost Comparison Of Zyrtec Vs Benadryl

Because they are available over-the-counter, Zyrtec and Benadryl are not usually covered by insurance or Medicare Part D or Advantage plans. Some exceptions may apply.

A box of 30 tablets of 10 mg cetirizine costs about $12. A SingleCare card can bring the price down to about $5 if you have a doctors prescription.

A box of 24 tablets of 25 mg diphenhydramine costs about $9. A SingleCare card can drop the cost to approximately $4 if you have a prescription from a doctor.

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Can I Give My Dog Zyrtec

Yes, you can give your dog Zyrtec. In fact, Zyrtec is one of the safest over-the-counter medications for dogs. It is an excellent first-aid choice and has wide safety margins it is not likely to cause any issues even if given in large doses.

Zyrtec is the brand name for the antihistamine cetirizine hydrochloride. In veterinary medicine, Zyrtec is used off-label, meaning although safe, it is not FDA approved for use in pets. However, vets support the Zyrtec use in dogs because it is beneficial, inexpensive, and readily available.

Zyrtec is popularly known as an improved Benadryl version. This is because, unlike Benadryl, the active ingredient in Zyrtec does not cause sedation and lethargy. This is due to the fact that cetirizine does not cross the blood-brain barrier.

Is Children’s Zyrtec Safe

For children 2 years of age and older, Children’s Zyrtec is safe, as long as you give your child the correct type and dosage of Zyrtec for their age group.

Children’s Zyrtec is generally not safe to give to children under 2 years at home, unless your doctor explicitly recommends a dosage.

If your doctor does recommend Children’s Zyrtec for a child under 2, follow their dosage instructions exactly, and only give the liquid form of Children’s Zyrtec.

Children’s Zyrtec is also not recommended for children with liver disease or kidney disease, regardless of age. If your child has one of these conditions, ask your doctor before starting Children’s Zyrtec.

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Can I Give My Dog Cetirizine Twice A Day

Medication should never be administered without first consulting your veterinarian. Cetirizine is dosed in dogs at 0.5 mg per pound orally once to twice daily.

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Can I Use Zyrtec Or Benadryl While Pregnant

In animal studies, Zyrtec did not cause congenital anomalies. However, there are no adequate studies performed in women. Therefore, Zyrtec should only be used in pregnancy if clearly needed. Your healthcare provider can guide you in this situation.

As for Benadryl, its also recommended that it should be used in pregnancy only if clearly needed. Consult your healthcare provider for guidance.

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How Antihistamines Treat Allergies

When your body comes into contact with whatever your allergy trigger is — pollen, ragweed, pet dander, or dust mites, for example — it makes chemicals called histamines. They cause the tissue in your nose to swell , your nose and eyes to run, and your eyes, nose, and sometimes mouth to itch. Sometimes you may also get an itchy rash on your skin, called hives.

Antihistamines reduce or block histamines, so they stop allergy symptoms.

These medicines work well to relieve symptoms of different types of allergies, including seasonal , indoor, and food allergies. But they can’t relieve every symptom.

To treat nasal congestion, your doctor may recommend a . Some medicines combine an antihistamine and .

How Should Benadryl Be Taken

A typical dose of Benadryl is 25-50 mg every 4-6 hours. Benadryl may interact with monoamine oxidase inhibitors , other over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, or insomnia medications, anxiety or sleep medicines, antidepressants, or any other medications that make you feel drowsy, sleepy, or relaxed. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use. Benadryl has not been adequately evaluated in pregnant women. Benadryl is secreted in breast milk. Because of the risk of stimulation and seizures in infants, especially newborns and premature infants, antihistamines should not be used by nursing mothers.

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What Is Zyrtec And Why Would My Cat Need It

Zyrtec or the generic Certizine is the active antihistamine ingredient in Zyrtec. Cats with seasonal, food-related, and environmental allergies might benefit from the medication.

According to PetMD, Vets are also choosing it for more serious allergy-related conditions like asthma and eosinophilic diseases where long-term steroids used to be their go-to.

Can You Take Benadryl And Cetirizine Together

Benadryl should not be taken at the same time as cetirizine because it can increase side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. Some people, especially the elderly or children, may also find their thinking, judgement, and coordination impaired. You should also not drink alcohol while taking either of these medications because it can make these side effects worse.

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Whats The Difference Between First

Just like the name implies, the first generation antihistamine were the first type approved by the Food and Drug Administration . They began to be approved in the United States in the 1930s and are still prescribed today.

They work on histamine receptor in the brain and spinal cord along with other types of receptors. Most notable about this generation of antihistamines is that they cross the blood-brain barrier, which results in drowsiness.

Second-generation antihistamines were approved by the FDA and first came to market in the 1980s. The second-generation antihistamines do not cross the blood-brain barrier to the extent that first-generation do and therefore do not cause drowsiness at standard dosage levels. Second-generation antihistamines are considered to be safer than first generation antihistamines because they dont cause drowsiness and interact with fewer drugs.