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Cetirizine is an active ingredient found in many over-the-counter allergy medications. It soothes hay fever, itching and conjunctivitis. How does cetirizine work, what are the indications for its use and who should not use drugs containing cetirizine?
Cetirizine( Cetirizinum, cetirizine dihydrochloride ) is a relatively new substance that was introduced to the market in the 1980s. Drugs containing cetirizine aresecond-generation antihistamineswhich have fewer side effects.
It prevents the release of histamine, a substance produced in our body that is responsible for the symptoms of an allergic reaction. Cetirizine is used in many allergic conditions, such as chronic and seasonal rhinitis, hay fever, chronic rhinitis, urticaria, pruritus, dermographism, allergic conjunctivitis, and Quincki's edema. It is administered in the form of tablets, syrups and drops depending on the age of the patient. Some characters are prescription only.
Cetirizine - advantages
As a second-generation antihistamine drug, cetirizine does not cross the blood-brain barrier. This allows you to avoid many side effects characteristic of first-generation drugs, such as excessive sedation or impaired motor coordination.
It also does not increase appetite, so it does not contribute to weight gain. Thanks to its strong and long-lasting effect, it can only be taken once a day. Effectively eliminates itching of the skin, reduces sneezing, nasal discharge and watery eyes.
It is sometimes given as an aid in the treatment of bronchial asthma, because it reduces bronchial hyperreactivity, i.e. prevents bronchial contraction caused by histamine release. It can be used as an aid in infections of the upper and lower respiratory tract.
Cetirizine - disadvantages
Cetirizine may cause headache, dizziness, agitation, fatigue, or sleepiness. During its use, slight disturbances in the digestive system in the form of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain can be observed. Sometimes there is a cough and a dry mouth or an inflamed throat. Rarely, as a symptom of hypersensitivity, they canskin reactions and angioedema appear.
Cetirizine - be careful
Cetirizine is a substance well tolerated by most people with allergic ailments. However, it may interact with other medications. The preparations containing it should not be combined with sedatives and neuroleptics, as they may intensify their effects.
Alcoholic beverages should be avoided while taking cetirizine. It must be used with caution by drivers and people working with motor vehicles and machines (it may cause drowsiness). The physician should always decide on administration during pregnancy. It is not recommended during breastfeeding (it passes into breast milk). It is not used in children under two years of age. Renal failure is also a contraindication.
A symptom of cetirizine overdose may be somnolence and may also cause agitation in children. In this case, gastric lavage is used.
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