What are the uses of Zyrtec? What is the recommended dosage of Zyrtec? What are the side effects of taking Zyrtec? What are the drug interactions with Zyrtec? What are the warnings and precautions to consider when taking Zyrtec.

Uses of Zyrtec (Cetirizine)

Cetirizine, the active ingredient in Zyrtec, is an antihistamine used to relieve allergy symptoms such as watery eyes, runny nose, itching eyes/nose, sneezing, hives, and itching. It works by blocking a certain natural substance (histamine) that your body produces during an allergic reaction. Cetirizine does not prevent hives or prevent/treat a serious allergic reaction (such as anaphylaxis). If your doctor has prescribed epinephrine to treat allergic reactions, you should always carry your epinephrine injector with you and not use cetirizine in place of your epinephrine.

Zyrtec Dosage

If you are taking the over-the-counter Zyrtec product to self-treat, read all directions on the product package before taking this medication. If you have any questions, consult your pharmacist. If your doctor has prescribed Zyrtec, take it as directed, usually once daily.

If you are using the chewable tablets, chew each tablet well and swallow. If you are using the rapidly-dissolving tablet, allow the tablet to dissolve on the tongue and then swallow, with or without water. If you are using the liquid form of Zyrtec, measure the dose carefully using a special measuring device/spoon, as you may not get the correct dose using a household spoon.

The dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or take this medication more often than directed.

Zyrtec Side Effects

The most common side effects of Zyrtec include drowsiness, tiredness, dry mouth, and stomach pain (especially in children). If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention include difficulty urinating and weakness. A very serious allergic reaction to Zyrtec is rare, but if you notice symptoms such as rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing, seek medical help right away.

Zyrtec Drug Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.

Zyrtec Warnings and Precautions

Before taking Zyrtec, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it, hydroxyzine, or levocetirizine. This product may contain inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or other problems, so talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Inform your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history, especially if you have difficulty urinating (such as due to an enlarged prostate), kidney disease, or liver disease.

Zyrtec may make you drowsy. Avoid driving, using machinery, or doing anything that requires alertness until you can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages and talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis), as they can increase the drowsiness effect.

If you are using Zyrtec to treat hives, tell your doctor right away if you have any unusual symptoms, as they may be signs of a more serious condition.

Liquid Zyrtec products may contain sugar, so caution is advised if you have diabetes. Discuss the use of this product with your doctor.

Before having surgery, inform your doctor or dentist about all the products you use, including Zyrtec.

Zyrtec should be used during pregnancy only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This medication passes into breast milk, so consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Frequently Asked Questions about Zyrtec

What are the uses of Zyrtec (cetirizine)?
Cetirizine, the active ingredient in Zyrtec, is an antihistamine used to relieve allergy symptoms such as watery eyes, runny nose, itching eyes/nose, sneezing, hives, and itching.

What is the recommended dosage of Zyrtec?
The dosage of Zyrtec is based on your age, medical condition, and response to treatment. It is usually taken once daily. Follow the directions on the product package or as prescribed by your doctor.

What are the side effects of taking Zyrtec?
The most common side effects of Zyrtec include drowsiness, tiredness, dry mouth, and stomach pain (especially in children). Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention include difficulty urinating and weakness.

What are the drug interactions with Zyrtec?
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. Keep your doctor and pharmacist informed of all the products you use, including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products.

What are the warnings and precautions to consider when taking Zyrtec?
Before taking Zyrtec, inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have any allergies, difficulty urinating, kidney or liver disease, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Zyrtec may cause drowsiness, so avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.

Zyrtec Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing

Uses

Cetirizine is an antihistamine used to relieve allergy symptoms such as watery eyes, runny nose, itching eyes/nose, sneezing, hives, and itching. It works by blocking a certain natural substance (histamine) that your body makes during an allergic reaction.Cetirizine does not prevent hives or prevent/treat a serious allergic reaction (such as anaphylaxis). If your doctor has prescribed epinephrine to treat allergic reactions, always carry your epinephrine injector with you. Do not use cetirizine in place of your epinephrine.

How to use Zyrtec

If you are taking the over-the-counter product to self-treat, read all directions on the product package before taking this medication. If you have any questions, consult your pharmacist. If your doctor has prescribed this medication, take it as directed, usually once daily.

If you are using the chewable tablets, chew each tablet well and swallow. If you are using the rapidly-dissolving tablet, allow the tablet to dissolve on the tongue and then swallow, with or without water. If you are using the liquid form of this medication, measure the dose carefully using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose.

The dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or take this medication more often than directed.

Tell your doctor if your allergy symptoms do not improve, if your hives do not improve after 3 days of treatment, or if your hives last more than 6 weeks. Get medical help right away if your condition worsens or if you think you have a serious medical problem (such as a very serious allergic reaction/anaphylaxis).

Side Effects

Drowsiness, tiredness, and dry mouth may occur. Stomach pain may also occur, especially in children. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

If your doctor has prescribed this medication, remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: difficulty urinating, weakness.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

Before taking cetirizine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to hydroxyzine; or to levocetirizine; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: difficulty urinating (such as due to an enlarged prostate), kidney disease, liver disease.

If you are using this medication to treat hives, tell your doctor right away if you have any of these other symptoms because they may be signs of a more serious condition: hives that are an unusual color, hives that look bruised or blistered, hives that do not itch.

This drug may make you drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

Liquid products may contain sugar. Caution is advised if you have diabetes. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this product safely.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products that cause drowsiness such as opioid pain or cough relievers (such as codeine, hydrocodone), alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (such as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), or other antihistamines (such as chlorpheniramine, diphenhydramine).

Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.

Do not use with any other antihistamines applied to the skin (such as diphenhydramine cream, ointment, spray) because increased side effects may occur.

Cetirizine is very similar to hydroxyzine and levocetirizine. Do not use these medications while using cetirizine.

This medication may interfere with certain lab tests (such as allergy skin testing), possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

Does Zyrtec interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe drowsiness. In children, mental/mood changes (such as restlessness, irritability) may occur before drowsiness.

Keep all medical and lab appointments.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Different brands of this medication may have different storage needs. Check the product package for instructions on how to store your brand, or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Images

Zyrtec 10 mg tablet

Color: whiteShape: rectangular (rounded end)Imprint: ZYRTEC 10 MG

This medicine is a white, rectangular (rounded end), scored, film-coated, tablet imprinted with “ZYRTEC” and “10 MG”.

Zyrtec 10 mg capsule

Color: yellowShape: ovalImprint: Z10

This medicine is a white, rectangular (rounded end), scored, film-coated, tablet imprinted with “ZYRTEC” and “10 MG”.

Zyrtec 10 mg disintegrating tablet

Color: whiteShape: roundImprint: Z10

This medicine is a white, rectangular (rounded end), scored, film-coated, tablet imprinted with “ZYRTEC” and “10 MG”.

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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

Zyrtec Uses, Dosage & Side Effects

Generic name: cetirizine [ se-TIR-a-zeen ]
Drug class: Antihistamines

Medically reviewed by Sophia Entringer, PharmD. Last updated on Jul 7, 2023.

What is Zyrtec?

Zyrtec is used in adults and children to treat cold or allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, watery eyes, or runny nose.

Zyrtec is also used to treat itching and swelling caused by chronic urticaria (hives).

Zyrtec is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.

Warnings

Before using Zyrtec tell your doctor about all your medical conditions or allergies, all medicines you use, and if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Zyrtec may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert. Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of cetirizine.

Tell your doctor if you regularly use other medicines that make you sleepy (such as other cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression, or anxiety). They can add to sleepiness caused by Zyrtec. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, if they get worse, or if you also have a fever.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Zyrtec if you are allergic to cetirizine or similar medicines such as: levocetirizine or hydroxyzine.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using Zyrtec if you have any health problems.

To make sure Zyrtec is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• recently used alcohol, sedatives, or tranquilizers; or

• liver or kidney disease.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How should I use Zyrtec?

Take Zyrtece xactly as directed. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.

Zyrtec can be taken with or without food.

You must chew the chewable tablet before you swallow it.

Remove an orally disintegrating tablet from the blister pack with dry hands only when you are ready to take the medicine. Take this medicine immediately after opening the blister pack. Allow the orally disintegrating tablet to dissolve in your mouth without chewing.

Measure liquid medicine with the supplied measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Your dose needs may change if you switch to a different brand, strength, or form of this medicine. Avoid medication errors by using exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Allergic Rhinitis:

5 to 10 mg orally once a day
-Maximum dose: 10 mg/day.

Usual Adult Dose for Urticaria:

5 to 10 mg orally once a day
-Maximum dose: 10 mg/day.

Usual Geriatric Dose for Allergic Rhinitis:

5 to 10 mg orally once a day
-Maximum dose: 10 mg/day.

Usual Geriatric Dose for Urticaria:

5 to 10 mg orally once a day
-Maximum dose: 10 mg/day

Comment:
-Some experts recommend: Patients over 65 years of age should start with 5 mg orally once a day.

Uses:
-Relief of symptoms associated with perennial allergic rhinitis due to allergens (e.g., sneezing, rhinorrhea, postnasal discharge, nasal pruritus, ocular pruritus, tearing)
-Treatment of uncomplicated skin manifestations of chronic idiopathic urticaria

American Academy of Otolaryngology (AAO) and Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (HNSF) recommendations:
66 to 76 years: 5 to 10 mg orally per day
77 years and older: 5 mg orally per day
Duration of therapy: 6 months or longer

Comment:
-Intranasal antihistamines may be used concomitantly for patients with episodic, perennial, and/or seasonal allergic rhinitis.

Use: Treatment of allergic rhinitis and sneezing and itching

Usual Pediatric Dose for Allergic Rhinitis:

6 months to 2 years:
-Initial dose: 2.5 mg orally once a day
-Maintenance dose: 2.5 mg orally once to 2 times a day
-Maximum dose: 5 mg/day

2 to 5 years:
-Initial dose: 2.5 mg orally once a day
-Maintenance dose: 2.5 mg orally 2 times a day OR 5 mg orally once a day
-Maximum dose: 5 mg/day

6 years and older: 5 to 10 mg orally once a day
-Maximum dose: 10 mg/day.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Urticaria:

6 months to 2 years:
-Initial dose: 2.5 mg orally once a day
-Maintenance dose: 2.5 mg orally once to 2 times a day
-Maximum dose: 5 mg/day

2 to 5 years:
-Initial dose: 2.5 mg orally once a day
-Maintenance dose: 2.5 mg orally 2 times a day OR 5 mg orally once a day
-Maximum dose: 5 mg/day

6 years and older: 5 to 10 mg orally once a day
-Maximum dose: 10 mg/day.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Zyrtec is used when needed. If you are on a dosing schedule, skip any missed dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include severe drowsiness, vision problems, agitation, fast heartbeats, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, trouble walking, trouble swallowing or speaking.

What should I avoid while using Zyrtec?

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Dizziness or drowsiness can cause falls, accidents, or severe injuries.

Drinking alcohol with this medicine can cause side effects.

Zyrtec side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Zyrtec: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Common Zyrtec side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;

• cough, drowsiness, tiredness;

• headache, dizziness, feeling light-headed;

• feeling hot, sweating;

• numbness, tingling, burning pain;

• altered sense of taste;

• upset stomach, constipation; or

• nosebleed, dry mouth, sore throat.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Zyrtec?

Using Zyrtec with other drugs that make you drowsy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.

Other drugs may interact with cetirizine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Popular FAQ

Cetirizine will start to work within one hour after you take it. It provides allergy relief for 24-hours. It relieves symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itchy and watery eyes, and itchy nose or throat. If it makes you drowsy, you can take it at bedtime, or as directed by your doctor.

It is best to wait until cetirizine completely leaves your body before you drink alcohol, which may take up to 40 hours (almost 2 days). This is because alcohol can increase the nervous system side effects of cetirizine such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. Some people may also find it difficult to think or make good judgements. This calculation is based on the half-life of cetirizine, which is 8.3 hours, and experts say it takes 4 to 5 half-lives for a drug to fully leave your body which works out to 33 to 40 hours.

Benadryl should not be taken at the same time as cetirizine because it can increase side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. Some people, especially the elderly or children, may also find their thinking, judgement, and coordination impaired. You should also not drink alcohol while taking either of these medications because it can make these side effects worse.

Cetirizine is classed as a non-drowsy (non-sedating) antihistamine, but it does make some people drowsy. In clinical trials, this side effect appeared to be related to the dose of cetirizine, with higher dosages increasing the risk of feeling drowsy. 1.9% of children aged 6 to 11 years experienced drowsiness with 5mg of cetirizine and 4.2% of children experienced drowsiness with 10mg of cetirizine. Up to 14.3% of adults may be affected by drowsiness with cetirizine.

Cetirizine does not increase blood pressure and blood pressure is not listed as a side effect in the product information. But cetirizine can be found in combination with other medications, such as pseudoephedrine in products such as Zyrtec-D, and pseudoephedrine does increase blood pressure.

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Related treatment guides

• Allergic Rhinitis
• Urticaria

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Zyrtec only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 13.01.

Zyrtec

Allergy to cold is an atypical reaction of the body in response to exposure to low temperatures ¹ . It can occur in children and adults at any age. Such a reaction is associated with the protective mechanisms of the immune system, which are “launched” when the ambient temperature drops ² . Cold allergies can be acquired or hereditary. Its symptoms appear after contact with cold air, water, food or drink ³ .

Most often, exacerbations of the disease occur in winter and autumn due to adverse weather conditions – frost, icy wind ^2.3 . However, an allergy attack can occur at any time of the year ^2.3 : it is enough to encounter a provoking factor (for example, swimming in cold water or drinking a drink with ice).

The main manifestation of cold allergy is the appearance of rashes in the form of blisters on the skin a few minutes after cooling ³ . They look like reddened, well-defined raised round spots with a diameter of 1 millimeter to several centimeters ⁴ . Most often, rashes occur on open areas of the body – hands and face. Sometimes the blisters do not appear on the cooled area of ​​the skin, but around it ¹ . Urticaria is accompanied by itching and burning. The symptoms increase with warming and then disappear within an hour ³ . In some cases, the rash persists for several days. Swelling of the throat, lips, and tongue may occur after eating cold food or drinks.0003 3 . The severity of the reaction depends on the cooling area3. In people who are very sensitive to low temperatures, an allergy attack is severe: it is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, changes in blood pressure, heart rhythm disturbances, and even fainting ¹ .

Causes of cold urticaria

^1.3

It is not known for certain why some people’s immune systems react unusually to low temperatures, while others do not. In most cases, cold urticaria is idiopathic, that is, it is not possible to determine the exact causes of the development of the disease.

What is familial cold urticaria?

¹

Separately, familial cold urticaria is distinguished: with this form of the disease, several close relatives have increased sensitivity to low temperatures. In this case, the allergic reaction is accompanied not only by rashes in the form of blisters, but also by other symptoms. So, 1-2 hours after cooling, the temperature may rise, headache, nausea, excruciating thirst, drowsiness, aching joints may appear. Usually, the symptoms increase within 6-8 hours, and after a day they completely disappear.

Diagnosis of cold allergy

^3.5

Some people feel a little unwell in the cold, but after returning to a warm room, the state of health returns to normal. This condition does not indicate the presence of an allergy. However, if after being in the cold, rashes appear on the hands, face or other parts of the body, malaise occurs (headache, heart palpitations, chills, nausea, weakness, etc.), you should consult a doctor. Only a specialist can distinguish a cold allergy from other diseases and recommend how to treat it. To confirm the diagnosis, a cold test is usually performed. A piece of ice is applied to the patient’s skin and the reaction is evaluated after a few minutes. If blisters appear at the site of exposure, then the sample is considered positive.

Cold allergy treatment

^1.3

It is impossible to completely cure a cold allergy, but its unpleasant manifestations can be reduced. The treatment regimen should be developed by the doctor after the examination.

Medical symptomatic treatment

To treat the disease and relieve the symptoms of urticaria, second-generation antihistamines are prescribed. These funds are available in various dosage forms: tablets, drops, etc. They are used in accordance with the appointment of a specialist.

ZIRTEC® for relief of symptoms of urticaria

^6.7

ZIRTEK® is a modern drug for allergies, one of the indications for which is chronic idiopathic urticaria. ZIRTEC® contains the active ingredient cetirizine. In accordance with the instructions for medical use, it has an antihistamine effect, prevents the development and alleviates the course of allergies ^6.7 .

The drug is available in two dosage forms – drops and tablets. ZIRTEK® drops do not contain sugar, dyes and flavors, ZIRTEK® tablets do not contain corn starch, thus ZIRTEK® does not cause additional allergic reactions associated with these substances ^6.7 . Before using the product, you must read the instructions and consult with a specialist.

Patient Advice

¹

With a cold allergy, it is important to try to avoid cooling the skin and mucous membranes. In the autumn-winter period, you should dress according to the weather, wear a hat. People with hypersensitivity to low temperatures are not recommended to eat cold food and drinks, swim in open water, and exercise outside in frosty weather. In case of any deterioration in well-being, it is important to consult a doctor in a timely manner and follow all his recommendations.

1. Osipova V. Recommendations for cold allergy. Journal “Asthma and Allergy”, 2014, No. 4, P.17–18.

2. RAAKI, Federal Clinical Guidelines for the Care of Children with Urticaria. Moscow, 2015

3. Macharadze D.Sh. Cold urticaria: features of diagnosis and treatment. Attending doctor. 2010, no. 9, p. 49.

4. Nurmukhametova E. Urticaria and angioedema. RMJ, 1998. No. 8, S. 14.

5. All about allergies. Complete guide. Ed. N.V. Morozova. Eksmo; Moscow; 2010, p.155.

6. Instructions for the medical use of the drug Zirtek®, P N011930/01, http://grls. rosminzdrav.ru/, access date: 11/17/2021. The use of the drug in children aged 6 to 12 months is possible only on prescription and under strict medical control.

7. Instructions for medical use of the drug Zyrtec® P N014186/01, http://grls.rosminzdrav.ru/, accessed: 11/17/2021

8. Luss L.V. “Food Allergy and Food Intolerance: Reference Tables and Recommendations. Russian Allergological Journal. 2011, No. 3. P. 93-100

Child allergic to cold

Cold allergies in children can develop at an early age. This unusual reaction of the body is associated with increased individual sensitivity to low temperatures. Allergy is accompanied by the appearance of hives (small rashes in the form of blisters) and / or other symptoms that usually occur 1-2 hours after being in the cold and disappear within a day.

When should a child be seen by a doctor?

²

If you have any symptoms of an allergy to cold in a child, you should contact your pediatrician. Only a specialist can prescribe the appropriate treatment. If, after a walk in cool weather, a child develops rashes on the face or other parts of the body, nasal congestion, headache, nausea, consult a doctor. It is important to remember that an atypical reaction can also occur after ingestion of cold food or drinks. At the same time, swelling of the tongue, lips and larynx develops. In any case, the specialist will prescribe the necessary examination to confirm the diagnosis, if necessary, he will refer you for a consultation with a pediatric allergist.

ZIRTEC® in the treatment of urticaria in a child

^3.4

ZIRTEC® is a modern anti-allergic drug prescribed as part of the treatment of chronic idiopathic urticaria. The active substance of the drug is cetirizine, which has an antihistamine effect. ZIRTEK® is available in two dosage forms: drops (approved for use in children from 6 months ³ , *) and tablets (suitable for children from 6 years old) ⁴ . ZIRTEK® drops do not contain sugar, dyes and flavors, tablets ZYRTEK® does not contain corn starch, thus ZYRTEK® does not cause additional allergic reactions associated with these substances ^3.4 . ZIRTEK® is the No. 1 drug for allergies recommended by Russian pediatricians and allergists in 2015 ⁶ . Before using the medicine, you must read the instructions and consult with a specialist.

* Use in children from 6 to 12 months is possible only on prescription and under strict medical supervision

Advice for Parents

²

Allergy to cold in a child occurs less frequently and is less pronounced if behavioral therapy is followed. Its essence lies in the observance of simple rules and a slight correction of the lifestyle, taking into account the individual sensitivity of the baby to low temperatures.

Reduce your walking time during the cold season

In autumn and winter, especially in severe frost, it is recommended to reduce your time outdoors to a minimum. Hypothermia should be avoided in any weather.

Use skin protection products

Before going outside in the cold season, it is recommended to apply a special cream on open areas of the body, and hygienic lipstick on the lips. Specific cosmetics may be recommended by the attending physician.

Dress your child for the weather

In the cold season, dress your child with a windproof hat, waterproof (membrane or leather) mittens, shoes that cover the ankle joint. Outerwear should be warm enough to protect from the wind. Underwear should be made from natural fabrics – linen or cotton.

Avoid contact with cold water

Children with cold allergies should not swim in ponds, rivers, or other open bodies of water. When carrying out normal hygiene procedures (for example, washing hands, face and body), the water should be warm.

Adjust the child’s diet

Cold-sensitive children are not recommended to give ice cream, soda with ice and other cold foods or drinks, so as not to provoke swelling of the tongue and larynx.

Follow your doctor’s advice

If a specialist has prescribed treatment for an allergy to cold, all his prescriptions should be followed exactly. Make sure that the child takes all the necessary drugs on time and in the indicated dosage.

1. Macharadze D.Sh. Cold urticaria: features of diagnosis and treatment. Attending doctor. 2010, no. 9, p. 49.

2. Osipova V. Recommendations for cold allergy. Journal “Asthma and Allergy”, 2014, No. 4, pp. 17–18.

3. Instructions for medical use of the drug Zyrtec®, P N011930/01, http://grls.rosminzdrav.ru/, accessed: 11/17/2021.

4. Instructions for medical use of the drug Zyrtec® P N014186/01, http://grls.rosminzdrav.ru/, accessed: 11/17/2021

5. Luss L.V. “Food Allergy and Food Intolerance: Reference Tables and Recommendations. Russian Allergological Journal. 2011, №3, pp. 93-100

6. According to Synovate Comcon Healthcare PrIndex “Monitoring of drug prescriptions”, spring-2015.