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Allergy is a group of ailments that very often appear in spring. Of course, allergy sufferers and asthmatics do not have a problem with allergies only in spring, unfortunately the allergy season lasts all year round. Hay fever, red eyes and itchy skin can also appear in winter.
Allergy is divided into several types depending on what kind of allergen we are dealing with. Symptoms that appear in allergies are, first of all, watery, transparent hay fever, red eyes, itchy skin, watery eyes, and breathing problems. Advanced allergy requires treatment by an allergist who starts therapy after the diagnosis of the allergen. One of the drugs available on the pharmaceutical market is cetirizine. What is cetirizine? How is it used? Does cetirizine have any side effects?
Cetirizine – properties
Cetirizine is a chemical that works to block the H1 receptor. What is this receptor? In combination with histamine, it causes inflammation, an allergic condition. The H1 receptor and histamine can cause swelling, skin lesions and even bronchospasm, which can be dangerous especially for those with asthma. In such situations, cetirizine may turn out to be a good solution, as it should block the histamine H1 receptor, thus preventing the development of an allergic reaction.
Cetirizine is a second-generation antihistamine drug. It has an extended duration of action, which means that it stays in the bloodstream for a long time. In most cases, cetirizine should not make you feel tired, but of course this is an individual matter and also depends on the degree of allergy development. Cetirizine, like other antiallergic drugs, must be prescribed by the attending physician.
Cetirizine – application
Cetirizine is recommended for people diagnosed with chronic hay fever, allergic urticaria or conjunctivitis. It is a drug that cannot be used by patients allergic to the active substance, cetirizine is not recommended for people with renal insufficiency. Particular caution is recommended when using antihistamines, especially in people with liver problems. It is also important that cetirizine is discontinued three days before scheduled allergy testing.
Other medications you take may interact with cetirizine, so it is very important to inform your allergist about all medications you are taking at the moment. Cetirizine primarily reacts with drugs that affect the neurological system. Of course, cetirizine cannot be combined with alcohol and other nutrients.
How should cetirizine be dosed? It all depends on the severity of allergic ailments, but also on the age group in which the patient is. Doses should be determined by a specialist, the drug should not be taken on your own. Cetirizine can be taken by children as young as 2 years old, therefore it is available in two versions, in syrup and tablets.
Cetirizine may cause undesirable effects. In the case of incorrect dosing, the following may occur, for example:
- diarrhea
- vomiting
- nausea
- dizziness
- inflammation of the nasal mucosa
- dry mouth
- skin reactions
- feeling tired
- impaired concentration
You must read the leaflet before taking the drug. Cetirizine should not be taken by pregnant and lactating women.
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.