Alertec – action, indications, contraindications, precautions

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Allertec is an antihistamine that is intended to alleviate the troublesome symptoms of allergies. It helps to reduce the allergic symptoms dependent on histamine, such as sneezing, runny nose, itching and swelling of the mucous membranes of the nose as well as skin edema. Allertec is used orally. Check what is worth knowing about Allertec.

Allertec – action

The active substance of Allertec is cetirizine. This substance has antihistaminic properties, selective for type 1 receptors. Cetirizine does not penetrate or does not cross the blood-brain barrier to a small extent. In addition, it blocks H1 receptors and the peripheral effects of histamine.

Allertec is a second-generation antihistamine, which means that it lasts longer than the first-generation drugs. Moreover, the second-generation drugs taken in the recommended doses practically do not show any hypnotic or sedative effect. Allertec has histamine-dependent soothing properties such as sneezing, runny nose, swelling and itching of the mucous membranes and possible skin reactions.

The active substance of Allertec is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, and the maximum concentration is reached after 30-90 minutes. It should be remembered that Allertec taken with a meal may be absorbed more slowly, but a meal does not reduce the amount of the absorbed substance. Cetirizine is excreted 2/3 from the body unchanged in the urine.

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Allertec – indications

Allertec should be used in adults and children over 6 years of age. This drug is designed to soothe:

1. symptoms of an allergic reaction from the side of the eyes and nose in the course of chronic or seasonal allergic rhinitis;
2. symptoms of chronic idiopathic urticaria.

Allertec – contraindications

Allertec should not be used in all situations, even when indicated. A contraindication to the use of Allertec is:

1. hypersensitivity (allergy) to the active substance of Allertec or any other component of the drug, hydroxyzine or piperazine derivatives;
2. severe renal impairment – creatinine clearance below 10 ml / min.

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Allertec – precautions

In the case of certain diseases or other circumstances, special care should be taken as they may constitute a contraindication to use or require a change in the dose of Allertec. In certain cases, it may be necessary to perform additional check-ups.

People should exercise particular caution:

1. patients at risk of urinary retention, i.e. with a damaged spinal cord or an enlarged prostate – cetirizine may increase the risk of urinary retention;
2. have epilepsy or are at high risk of seizures.

Allertec may also interfere with the results of skin allergy testsTherefore, the drug should be discontinued 3 days before the planned tests.

During treatment, you should not take drugs that depress the central nervous system, i.e. hypnotics and sedatives. Allertec may intensify their effects, which limits the ability to react, psychophysical efficiency and concentration. In addition, alcohol should not be consumed.

When you stop taking Allertec, you may experience itching and hives, which may vary in severity. In such a case, consideration should be given to resuming the preparation in order to eliminate these symptoms.

Children under 6 years of age should not use the preparation in the form of film-coated tablets, as there is no possibility to adjust the dose in their case. It is worth choosing preparations for children that contain cetirizine.

Allertec may affect the ability to drive vehicles, therefore special care should be taken to check the body’s reaction to the use of Allertec. The drug may impair psychophysical abilities and cause drowsiness. People who notice these symptoms should refrain from driving or engaging in other activities that require mental alertness.

The manufacturer of Allertec does not recommend exceeding the recommended dose of the drug, as it may increase the effect on the central nervous system. Cetirizine may also potentiate the effects of alcohol and painkillers, sleeping pills and sedatives. This may additionally impair psychomotor performance, concentration and reaction speed.

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Allertec – dosage

Allertec is available as film-coated tablets and should be taken orally with a glass of water. Importantly, you should not exceed the permitted doses, as this does not increase the effectiveness of the drug and may have a negative impact on health and life. If you have any questions about the use of Allertec, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

The dosage of Allertec is as follows:

1. adults and children over 12 years of age should take 10 mg in 1 daily dose;
2. children between 6 and 12 years of age should take 5 mg, i.e. half a tablet of Allertec twice a day.

Allertec film-coated tablets should not be given to children under 6 years of age. In the case of young children, it is recommended to administer drugs containing cetirizine in the form of drops or syrup.

Elderly people do not need to modify the dose, as long as they do not have kidney problems. In the case of moderate or severe kidney problems, the dose of Allertec is adjusted individually by the doctor depending on the condition of the kidneys. In children with kidney problems, the dose of Allertec is adjusted to the work of the kidneys, age and weight of the child.

Hepatic impairment is not an indication for dose adjustment Allertec.

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Allertec – pregnancy and breastfeeding

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not take any medications without consulting their doctor. It is very important that you explain the risks and benefits of the medicine with your doctor before taking Allertec. Therefore, always inform your doctor if you are pregnant before prescribing Allertec.

Unfortunately, there are no data on the safety of the active substance for pregnant women. It is known, however, that cetirizine passes into breast milk. Therefore, the use of the drug is only allowed when absolutely necessary, when the benefits outweigh the risks.

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Allertec – interactions

Before starting to use Allertec, inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter medications. In some people, cetirizine may, in combination with other drugs or alcohol, cause psychophysical abilities and poor concentration.

Food intake has not been found to affect the absorption of cetirizine, but it may slow down its absorption. Allertec may interfere with the results of allergy skin tests.

Allertec – side effects

Allertec, like all medicines, may cause certain side effects. However, it should be remembered that they do not appear in everyone. The benefits of using Allertec usually outweigh the possible risks associated with its use. It should also be remembered that severe itching and / or hives may appear after discontinuation of Allertec.

Among the common side effects are:

1. headache and dizziness;
2. tiredness and sleepiness, but sometimes also agitation;
3. dry mouth;
4. pharyngitis;
5. difficulty urinating;
6. problems with eye accommodation and blurred vision;
7. liver problems and increased liver enzymes.

The uncommon side effects of Allertec include:

1. sensory disturbances;
2. prickling or tingling sensation (paraesthesia);
3. diarrhea;
4. weakness;
5. bad mood;
6. skin reactions (rash, hives, itching).

Rarely or very rarely, the following may appear:

1. thrombocytopenia;
2. increased appetite;
3. aggressive behavior;
4. hallucinations;
5. confusion;
6. insomnia;
7. depression;
8. pick up;
9. seizures;
10. taste disturbance;
11. fainting;
12. dystonia;
13. dyskinesia;
14. trembling;
15. increase in heart rate (tachycardia);
16. painful urination or involuntary urination;
17. swelling and weight gain;
18. anaphylactic reactions (very rare, serious reactions, potentially life-threatening, including swelling of the throat, larynx, bronchospasm, hypotension, anaphylactic shock).

Other side effects may also occur during the use of Allertec, but their frequency is unknown. These are:

1. thoughts of suicide;
2. nightmares;
3. memory impairment;
4. amnesia;
5. hepatitis;
6. acute generalized pustular eruption;
7. arthralgia;
8. urinary retention.

Before use, read the leaflet, which contains indications, contraindications, data on side effects and dosage as well as information on the use of the medicinal product, or consult your doctor or pharmacist, as each drug used improperly is a threat to your life or health. Do you need a medical consultation or an e-prescription? Go to halodoctor.pl, where you will get online help – quickly, safely and without leaving your home.