Does Zyrtec Help With Asthma

What Should Health Care Professionals Do

Health care professionals should consider the risks and benefits of montelukast when deciding to prescribe or continue patients on the medicine. Counsel all patients receiving montelukast about mental health side effects, and advise them to stop the medicine and contact a health care professional immediately if they develop any symptoms included but not limited to those listed in the table above. Be aware that some patients have reported neuropsychiatric events after discontinuation of montelukast.

Only prescribe montelukast for allergic rhinitis in patients who have an inadequate response or intolerance to alternative therapies.

How Do I Know If Other Medicines Im Taking Are Making My Asthma Worse

Any medicine can cause wheezing or shortness of breath if youre allergic to it. If you notice that your asthma gets worse every time you take a certain medicine, tell your doctor as soon as possible. If you use a peak flow meter to check your asthma, tell your doctor if you see changes in your peak flow readings after you take a certain medicine. Your doctor can decide whether your medicine should be changed.

Simple Steps To Cut Your Asthma Risk

Take these 3 simple steps to cut your asthma risk when you have hay fever

Reliever inhalers ease your symptoms on the spot but only for a short period of time. For long term control, use your preventer inhaler to dampen the responsiveness of your airways to allergies.

Preventer inhalers reduce sensitivity and swelling in your airways, reducing the incidence of wheezing and coughing. Take it consistently to get the most effective results.

Finding the right treatment for you

There are plenty of different options to treat hay fever but you need to find ones that suit you. Talk to your GP, asthma nurses or ask your pharmacist.

If you have hay fever and asthma and begin to feel:

• wheezy

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Getting The Most From Your Nasal Spray

If you take any type of nasal spray, read the manufacturers instructions carefully and follow the directions to make sure you get the most benefit.

Ask your pharmacist or doctor to explain anything you dont understand.

Our website also has videos showing how to use nasal sprays correctly.

What to do

• Follow the manufacturers instructions.
• Shake the bottle before each use.
• Clear any mucus from your nose by blowing gently, or use a saline rinse or spray then wait 10 minutes before using your medication spray.
• Lean your head forward and put the nozzle into your nostril gently, without pushing it in hard.
• Point the spray bottle away from the wall that divides your nostrils . At the same time, point it inwards towards the moist part of the inside of your nose.
• Spray once into your nostril, then repeat the steps for your other nostril.
• After using the spray, wipe the tip with a dry tissue, and put the cap back on.

Don’t

• Tilt your head back while spraying
• Push the nozzle too hard or far into your nose
• Blow your nose hard after spraying
• Sniff hard after spraying
• Use a saline rinse straight after using the medicine. If you use saline, use it before your other medicines, and wait at least half an hour before using saline again.

How To Take And Store

Most antihistamines can be taken with or without food.

Second-generation antihistamines are typically taken in the morning. If your doctor prescribes both an antihistamine and a leukotriene modifier for allergic asthma, it’s common to take the antihistamine in the morning and the leukotriene modifier in the evening.

Storage recommendations vary by drug:

• Both Zyrtec and Xyzal should be stored at room temperature that’s ideally 68 to 77 degrees F, with excursions in temperatures ranging from 59 to 86 degrees F.
• Claritin should be stored in a cool, dry place that’s ideally between 36 and 77 degrees F. Clarinex should be kept at 77 degrees F, with excursions that can range from from 59 to 86 degrees and should be protected from excessive heat or light.
• Benadryl should be stored at room temperature that’s ideally 68 to 77 degrees F.

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Becky Saunders 34 Has An Allergy To Tree Pollen And Year

I dont know what life is like without asthma

I don’t remember being told I had asthma as I was so young. My parents took me to the hospital when I was six-months-old. The doctors thought I had pneumonia to start with, then they realised it was probably asthma – though this wasnt formally diagnosed until I got a bit older.

I used to think early pollen was just a cold

When I was younger, I thought the sneezing and running nose were just signs of a winter cold, but it was really my allergy to tree pollen.

When I was 13 my mum made me go to the doctor, as I was getting hay fever symptoms all the time, not just summer. The doctor told me it was year-round hay fever and recommended I start taking an antihistamine every day.

In my twenties my allergies really flared up and I had a blood test, which confirmed I had an allergy to tree pollen and dust, which I already knew at that point and I was then prescribed a more intense antihistamine, which is 100% a life saver for me. If I didnt take it, I know my hay fever would make my asthma a lot worse.

On the odd occasion Ive forgotten my antihistamine, Ive slightly panicked and left work early to go home and take it, as I didnt want to risk feeling bad. Without it, my eyes swell up, they go puffy and itchy and the roof of my mouth is very itchy too. Its horrible.

Asthma, hay fever and a chest infection is not a fun combination

I have routines to remember my medication

Is Zyrtec Or Claritin More Effective

Clinical trials have shown that both Zyrtec and Claritin are more effective in relieving the symptoms of allergy compared to a placebo pill. However, there are a few studies that compare the effectiveness between Claritin and Zyrtec.

Zyrtec has a quicker onset of action compared to Claritin and may be more effective than Claritin in reducing allergy symptoms, according to one clinical trial. However, cetirizine, the active ingredient of Zyrtec, has been shown to produce more drowsiness than loratadine. In a randomized, clinical trial, those taking cetirizine for allergic rhinitis experienced more somnolence during the workday compared to loratadine.

The choice of anti-allergy medication to use ultimately depends on your specific condition and symptoms. Your doctor will be able to suggest the best medication for you after evaluating your symptoms.

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What Are The Main Differences Between Zyrtec And Claritin

The active ingredient in Zyrtec is cetirizine hydrochloride. It is used to treat allergy symptoms in adults and children over 6 years of age. It is usually taken as an oral tablet and can be used for allergies that last throughout the year or during certain seasons . Zyrtec has a quick onset of action with relief usually felt within 1 hour. However, this medication also has the potential to cause sedation.

Claritin, on the other hand, is known by the generic name of loratadine. It is also used to treat allergy symptoms but has a much slower onset of action than Zyrtecaround 3 hours. It is less likely to cause sedation and can be taken for seasonal or perennial allergies. Claritin is suitable for adults and children older than 6 years of age. It is available as an oral tablet.

Drug Interactions Of Zyrtec Vs Claritin

Most antihistamines, including Zyrtec and Claritin, are metabolized by the liver and excreted in the kidney. These drugs are broken down by the P450 cytochrome enzyme in the liver which is involved in the metabolism of a number of other drugs. For this reason, both Claritin and Zyrtec have a number of drug interactions.

Zyrtec and Claritin should be avoided with another sedating antihistamine such as Benadryl . Taking these two medications together can increase CNS side effects like sedation and impairment in judgment, concentration, and memory. You should also avoid using Zyrtec or Claritin with alcohol which can also increase drowsiness.

Other sedating medications that Zyrtec is likely to interact with include benzodiazepines, some anticonvulsants, muscle relaxants, and certain antidepressants among other drugs.

Claritin may have fewer drug interactions compared to Zyrtec.

This is not a complete list of drug interactions. Please consult your doctor before taking these medications.

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Are Cats That Should Avoid Zyrtec

Yes, some cats shouldnt take it unless your veterinarian says its okay.

Avoid using Zyrtec:

• Seizures or seizure disorder
• Difficulty using the bathroom

If your cat currently takes medications and/or supplements, you should also contact your veterinarian to avoid drug interactions.

Currently, Zyrtec and drugs affecting the central nervous system can cause issues. Some cats take certain types of drugs to combat anxiety and stress, which fall under that category.

Will Aspirin And Other Pain Relievers Make My Asthma Worse

Aspirin and other drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be harmful for people who have asthma. Ibuprofen and naproxen are a few examples of NSAIDs. If you are allergic to aspirin, ask your doctor or pharmacist to make sure any new medicine you might take is not related to aspirin.

People who have asthma can usually take acetaminophen safely. This medicine is typically used to relieve fever and pain. Very rarely, even acetaminophen may make asthma worse, which has prompted further studies to explore the link between acetaminophen and asthma. If acetaminophen makes your asthma worse, tell your doctor. He or she can help you find another type of pain reliever.

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How Can I Avoid Serious Complications

The best thing you can do is to avoid potential allergens.

Allergens are all around us, but you already have a head start if you know your triggers. You can take steps now to reduce your contact with specific allergens that worsen your symptoms.

Read on for tips on avoiding common allergens that could make your COPD symptoms worse.

How Soon Will Zyrtec Work On My Cats Allergies

Within the hour to first two hours is the common consensus. Every pet is slightly different, so dont be surprised if you see symptom improvement quicker or a litter later.

If four to five hours pass with no progress, contact your veterinarian. They might adjust your dose or have you wait for the next. In addition, theyll likely want in-depth information of how you gave the medicine to ensure you did it correctly.

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We Have Multiple Cats But Only One Has Food Allergies

Not every cat will have the same allergies or allergies period. However, in a multi-cat household, you should feed all of the cats the same food and treats if possible.

Otherwise, you might need to feed your non-allergic cats in an area off-limits to your cat with food allergies.

Some cats have severe allergies to the point where breathing in the allergen will trigger a response. In multiple pet households, this can pose a real threat.

One of our staff has a dog with severe food allergies, for example. He cant have chicken, turkey, pork, beef, wheat, corn, soy, eggs, or rice. When she adopted a cat, she had to feed the cat a similar ingredient diet to avoid triggering her dogs allergies.

It doesnt take much either to set off their allergies, so cross contamination is a real concern for your kittys overall wellbeing.

How Do I Know Which Antihistamine To Take

Because there are so many antihistamine products, both over-the-counter and prescription, and because they are used to treat so many different conditions, you may need help figuring out which medication to take. For minor ailments, you can probably take over-the-counter products. You can read the package labeling and match your symptoms to the labeled symptoms. Also, never hesitate to ask the pharmacist. They are highly schooled in the actions and effects and side effects of drugs. You may need to try different antihistamines to find the best medication to manage your symptoms.

If you need a prescription antihistamine, you and your healthcare provider will work together to figure out what medication will be best for you. Many drugs interact with antihistamines, so your healthcare provider will want to know what medical conditions you have and medications you are currently taking. They will also want to know if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding. Some antihistamines are not recommended in pregnancy because they may cause birth defects in very high doses. Antihistamines can pass into breast milk, so you should consult with your healthcare provider before using antihistamines if you are breastfeeding.

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Products Contraindicated With Asthma

Asthma was once a labeled contraindication for allnonprescription products containing first-generation antihistamines. Therationale behind this labeled contraindication was discussed by an OTCreview panel appointed to examine antihistamines in its original 1976report: The Panel is aware that a controversy exists concerning the useof antihistamines in patients with bronchial asthma where a dryingaction is undesirable. Many physicians consider this effect to bedisadvantageous in patients with bronchial asthma and some maintain thatthe antihistaminic drugs are contraindicated in patients with thisdisease.2 Products carried this label for years. In 1985,the FDA published a tentative final monograph for antihistamines,agreeing with the need for this label.3

In 1992, however, the FDA published its final rule on labeling for nonprescription first-generation antihistamines.4In this document, the agency described the conclusions of a 1990meeting of the FDAs Pulmonary-Allergy Drugs Advisory Committee.Participants believed that first-generation antihistamines did not havesufficient anticholinergic effects to be problematic for those withasthma, removing the term asthma from the warnings. Second-generationantihistamines have never beenrequired to carry an asthma warning.

What Questions Should I Ask My Healthcare Provider

• What type of antihistamine would work best for me?
• How do I proper take the prescribed antihistamine?
• What side effects might occur with the recommended medication?
• What antihistamine wont interfere with the current medications I am taking?
• When, or for what conditions, does taking an antihistamine that would make me drowsy make sense?
• Can I live my life normally while using this medication? Can I drive? Can I operate heavy machinery?
• Can I take antihistamines if I am pregnant, planning to become pregnancy or am breastfeeding?
• Can antihistamines be safely given to my child?
• What are the consequences if I dont take an antihistamine to help with my allergies?

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Histamine is on your side. The chemical does its best to regulate help your heart and lungs and protect your body from foreign allergens, among other roles. But it can be oversensitive, and it can overreact, and thats where antihistamines can help. If youre have allergies, stomach symptoms or any of the other conditions and symptoms mentioned in this article, talk to your healthcare provider about your options. Your symptoms may be able to be treated.

Always check with your healthcare provider and your pharmacist if you have concerns about antihistamines, and always follow the directions on the labels!

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Conditions Treated By Zyrtec And Claritin

All antihistamines have been used in the treatment of allergies. OTC antihistamines like Zyrtec and Claritin can be used to treat allergic rhinitis , allergic conjunctivitis , and hives .

Zyrtec and Claritin have been shown to be much more effective than placebo drugs to control symptoms of rhinitis such as sneezing, runny nose, and congestion. Both drugs can also treat itching and watery eyes. Zyrtec and Claritin may also be used to treat postnasal drip from allergies as well. The effect of these two drugs lasts for around 24 hours. Both medications can be used for seasonal or perennial allergies.

These antihistamines have been shown to be less effective in non-allergic conditions. They are not usually recommended to treat symptoms of the common cold or bacterial infections. Both drugs may be used off-label to treat asthma that is triggered by allergies. However, other drugs may be more useful in these cases.

What Does Allergy Induced Asthma Feel Like

Allergic AsthmaAllergyInduced Asthmaallergic asthma areasallergic asthmaareAllergyinduced asthma canCaught without an inhaler during an asthma attack?

• Sit upright. Stop whatever you are doing and sit upright.
• Take long, deep breaths. This helps to slow down your breathing and prevent hyperventilation.
• Stay calm.
• Get away from the trigger.
• Take a hot caffeinated beverage.
• Seek emergency medical help.

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How To Cope With Side Effects

What to do about:

• diarrhoea drink plenty of fluids, such as water or squash to prevent dehydration. Signs of dehydration include peeing less than usual or having dark, strong-smelling pee. Do not take any medicines to treat diarrhoea without speaking to a pharmacist or doctor.
• high temperature paracetamol will help to bring the temperature down. Drink plenty of fluids. See your doctor if it lasts for more than a few days.
• headaches make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids. Do not drink too much alcohol. Ask your pharmacist to recommend a painkiller. Headaches should usually go away after the first week of taking montelukast. Talk to your doctor if headaches last longer than a week or are severe.
• stomach ache, feeling or being sick stick to simple meals and do not eat rich or spicy food. If you’re being sick, try having small, frequent sipsof water or squash to avoid dehydration. Do not take any other medicines to treat vomiting without speaking to a pharmacist or doctor. Puttinga heat pad or covered hot water bottle on your stomach may also help
• a mild rash it may help to take an antihistamine, which you can buy from a pharmacy. Check with the pharmacist to see what type is right for you. If the rash gets worse, or does not get better after a week, speak to your doctor.