Zyrtec

Other Names: Cetirizine

Commonly Prescribed for: Zyrtec is most commonly used to treat the effects of hay fever, cold and allergy symptoms.

How to take it: The is available in 3 forms: tablets, syrup or chewable tablets. The tablets come in both 5mg and 10mg. The recommended dose for adults is 5 – 10mg per day depending on severity of the symptoms. Younger children should take a dosage of 2.5mg per day if symptoms are bad. For geriatric patients and those 77 years of age and older it is advised to consume 2.5mg of Zyrtec per day.

How it Works: Zyrtec is an antihistamine which helps to aid suffers of hay fever and allergic reactions. Histamine is responsible for a lot of the symptoms associated with allergies (sneezing, swelling, watery eyes) so Zyrtec binds itself to histamine receptors and stops the histamine spreading throughout your body that will result in allergy like symptoms.

Some Side Effects: Serious side effects include: fast heart beat, weakness, severe restlessness and vision problems. These should be immediately seen by a medical professional. Other less serious and milder effects include headaches, sore throat, dry mouth and dizziness. Unless these problems persist or get worse then there is no need to seek medical attention.