Seasonal allergies are more common during spring and summer, but it’s possible to experience allergy symptoms year-round. Although pollen levels are lower in the winter, indoor environments can house other allergens such as airborne dust particles, dust mites, mould, pet dander and cockroach droppings.
Because winter allergy symptoms are so similar to a normal cold, many people mistakenly believe they’ve gotten a bug. If this sounds familiar, whether you have a temperature is the easiest method to detect the difference between allergies and a cold. If you’ve been sick for 7 days or more without a fever, you’re most likely suffering from seasonal allergies.
While the most effective way to relieve allergy symptoms is to take preventive measures such as adopting healthy lifestyle habits to keep your immune system strong, you can still find relief for your allergy symptoms even if they are already at their peak. Zyrtec, for example, is a type of medication that has shown to be highly effective at reducing seasonal allergy symptoms.
What Exactly Does Zyrtec Do?
When exposed to an allergen, such as pollen or dust, your body starts to produce histamine to aid in its elimination. Histamine is a chemical in the body that triggers allergic reactions. By blocking the production of histamine, Zyrtec helps to prevent or reduce seasonal allergy symptoms. Runny nose, sneezing, itchy red eyes, and an itchy nose or throat are some of the symptoms. Hives can also be treated with Zyrtec medication to relieve redness and itching. It’s important to note that this drug won’t protect you from hives or other allergic skin responses.
Zyrtec is part of the second-generation antihistamines. Antihistamines from the first generation, such as Benadryl and Vistaril, are also effective at treating allergies, but they cause a lot of drowsiness, which limits their use. Second-generation antihistamines usually cause milder symptoms and are preferred by people who need to drive, focus or are otherwise active throughout the day.
You can buy the Zyrtec medication in different forms, such as a tablet that can be swallowed, a chewable tablet and as a liquid. Individuals are recommended to take it once a day with or without water (keep in mind that staying hydrated can help minimise the allergy symptoms). According to research, Zyrtec has shown to be more effective at treating seasonal allergies when compared to Claritin or Allegra. Zyrtec is a better antihistamine than these since it acts faster, is more effective, and lasts longer.
How to Take Zyrtec?
Read all of the directions on the package before using this medication. Speak with your pharmacist if you have any questions. Take this drug once a day, or as directed by your doctor.
If you choose chewable tablets, chew them well before swallowing. Allow the tablet to dissolve on the tongue before ingesting it, with or without water. When taking the liquid form, make sure you use the right measuring device/spoon to get the right dose. You might not receive the exact dose if you use a standard spoon.
The correct dosage will depend on your age, medical condition, and response to treatment. Do not use this medication in higher doses or more frequently than recommended. If your allergy symptoms do not improve after 3 days of treatment or if your hives last longer than 6 weeks, contact your doctor. Get medical help right once if your condition worsens or you fear you have a serious medical problem (such as a severe allergic reaction).
The typical dosing for Zyrtec is:
- Adults and children (6 years +) can take Zyrtec once a day by mouth in doses ranging from 5 mg to 10 mg, depending on the severity of their allergy symptoms. An individual can only take 10 mg in a 24-hour period.
- Adults aged 65 and over should take 5 mg of Zyrtec once a day by mouth. Unless advised differently by the healthcare professional, an individual should take no more than 5 mg in a 24-hour period.
- Zyrtec can be given to children aged 2 to 5 years old in a dose of 2.5 mg once a day by mouth. Children can take up to 5 mg in 24 hours if necessary, administered as 2.5 mg by mouth every 12 hours.
When it comes to how long Zyrtec takes to start working, in 50% of persons, the impact begins within 20 minutes, and in 95%, it begins within an hour. After a single dose of Zyrtec, the effects last at least 24 hours. The antihistaminic effect of Zyrtec has not been shown to be tolerable. Within three days of stopping the medication, the skin regains its natural sensitivity to histamine.
What Is the Best Time to Take Zyrtec – in the Morning or at Night?
This will depend on whether you experience any negative effects from the drug. If you experience allergy problems mostly during the day and you are not prone to side effects, you can take it first thing in the morning.
But if you have any side effects from the medication, such as tiredness, it’s best to take your dose before going to bed. You will be more alert in the morning if you do it this way. If it makes you sleepy, the impact will have worn off by the time you wake up, and because the prescription can last up to 24 hours, you will still feel better during the day.
Is Zyrtec Safe?
For most allergy sufferers, Zyrtec is safe, although it should be avoided by specific groups. Children under the age of two, anyone with a history of allergic reactions to Zyrtec or hydroxyzine/piperazine derivatives, and people with considerable renal impairment shouldn’t take this product.
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult their doctor before taking Zyrtec, as it has caused negative effects in some. If you’re on any other medications or use a sleeping aid to help you fall asleep, you should use Zyrtec with caution.
Consider starting taking Zyrtec at least two weeks prior to the onset of your symptomatic season to help prevent symptoms. Although it is safe to take Zyrtec on a daily basis, you may want to skip it if you aren’t experiencing allergy symptoms or if they are milder at particular times of the year.
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