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This
website was appraised in July 2004 by C-H-i-Q the Centre for Health
Information Quality ‘Working to maximise public confidence in health
information’.
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Trade name: Zirtek
Use and Mode of Action:
A non-sedating antihistamine. Used to relieve symptoms of allergy such as hay fever, perennial rhinitis and urticaria (“nettle rash”)
Dosage and Frequency (based on adult dosage):
10mg daily or 5mg twice daily
Form and Amount:
10mg Tablets, 5mg/5ml oral solution
Side Effects:
Drowsiness is considerably less of a problem with this newer antihistamine than with the older ones. Other side effects that have been reported include palpitations and arrythmias (irregular heart beat); headaches; dizziness; agitation; dry mouth; gastrointestinal discomfort; hypersensitivity (severe allergic) reactions; rashes ; blood disorders and liver dysfunction. Convulsions have very rarely been reported.
Contraindictions:
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Drug Interactions:
There are no known interactions with drugs. It is advisable to avoid excessive alcohol intake.
Onset of Action:
Symptoms of allergic reactions improve within 20 minutes of administration
Duration of Treatment:
Because conditions such as hay fever are chronic and recurrent, successful therapy may often require long-term intermittent use of cetirizine
Alternative Medicines:
Other non-sedating antihistamines include acrivastine, fexofenadine, loratidine, mizolastine and terfenadine (this has increased risk of side effects and drug interactions). Various nasal sprays and eye drops are also used in conjunction with antihistamines or alone to relieve the symptoms of allergy
Overdose Danger: Low
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Sat, Jul 31, 2010
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