Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Are The Side Effects Of Cetirizine?
Question: I have been suffering for the last 15 years from cold mainly due to dust and fan allergy and also allergic to cold yoghurt.Few days ago,somebody advised me not to use Cetrizine(ZYRTEC 500 mg) which an ENT specialist had prescribed as it has severe side affects.He advised to take Montek LC as its a more effective drug.I would like to know if this drug has any side effects as I have thyroid,BP and sugar ailments.
Brief Answer:
Zyrtec is safe and so is Montek LC.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. The Zyrtec (cetirizine) tablet should be 10 mg once a day.
2. Montek LC contains levocetirizine and montelukast (10 mg of both).
3. Montek LC should cause less sedation (sleepiness, drowsiness) than Zyrtec.
4. Montelukast is a an additional anti-allergic (anti-leukotriene) medication that is usually well tolerated with minor side effects.
5. It will be best to take a two week trial along with a steroid nasal spray, regular steam inhalation and saline nasal washes (such as Nasowash, Physiomer).
6. All these medications taken together will have a better effect than each alone.
7. Get your nose examined again and get allergic testing done for evaluation the possible causes for your symptoms. Newer, accurate allergy tests include (AllergoSPT, AllergDip, Food Detective, Food Print). These should be done at least one week after stopping anti-allergic medications.
8. Upload these test results for further treatment advice.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Zyrtec is safe and so is Montek LC.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. The Zyrtec (cetirizine) tablet should be 10 mg once a day.
2. Montek LC contains levocetirizine and montelukast (10 mg of both).
3. Montek LC should cause less sedation (sleepiness, drowsiness) than Zyrtec.
4. Montelukast is a an additional anti-allergic (anti-leukotriene) medication that is usually well tolerated with minor side effects.
5. It will be best to take a two week trial along with a steroid nasal spray, regular steam inhalation and saline nasal washes (such as Nasowash, Physiomer).
6. All these medications taken together will have a better effect than each alone.
7. Get your nose examined again and get allergic testing done for evaluation the possible causes for your symptoms. Newer, accurate allergy tests include (AllergoSPT, AllergDip, Food Detective, Food Print). These should be done at least one week after stopping anti-allergic medications.
8. Upload these test results for further treatment advice.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Dear Dr XXXXXXX
Thanks for your advice.
Should I switch to Montek LC.
Currently only whenever I get the allergy cold,I take ZYRTEC.
Within about 4-5 hours of taking ZYRTEC, the cold and sneezing clears up.
I use OTRIVIN nasal spray when the bout of sneezing starts.
Please advise.
Thanks for your advice.
Should I switch to Montek LC.
Currently only whenever I get the allergy cold,I take ZYRTEC.
Within about 4-5 hours of taking ZYRTEC, the cold and sneezing clears up.
I use OTRIVIN nasal spray when the bout of sneezing starts.
Please advise.
Brief Answer:
Yes, you can switch. Avoid overuse of Otrivin.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for writing back.
1. Yes, you can switch to Montek LC. It is a known fact now that different anti-allergic medications suit different people. Hence a trial is advised. You can always switch back or to another anti-allergic if required later.
2. Regular use of Otrivin nasal drops will lead to a condition known as Rhinitis Medicamentosa.
3. Try to get a prescription of the medications and tests suggested in my previous answer.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Yes, you can switch. Avoid overuse of Otrivin.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for writing back.
1. Yes, you can switch to Montek LC. It is a known fact now that different anti-allergic medications suit different people. Hence a trial is advised. You can always switch back or to another anti-allergic if required later.
2. Regular use of Otrivin nasal drops will lead to a condition known as Rhinitis Medicamentosa.
3. Try to get a prescription of the medications and tests suggested in my previous answer.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
