There are various kinds of Allergies and classifying them all in one lot is confusing. Every single allergic reaction has unique symptoms and the intensity may differ with every person. It’s a common belief that allergy symptoms are mere sensitivity to allergens. Additionally they believe it would be cured easily, giving proper treatment. One must understand, mere sensitivity isn’t dangerous, while allergies could be life-threatening at times. Based on the allergens, allergies are classified as follows:

Food Allergies: Very often, people confuse themselves between food intolerance and food poisoning with food allergies. Food intolerance usually causes symptoms in the digestive tract like diarrhea, nausea or abdominal pain. Sensitivity to caffeine and intolerance to lactose are some common examples of food intolerance. As the symptoms of these intolerance, aren’t associated with immune system, these must not be mixed up with food allergies. Also food poisoning is a reaction, which occurs when degraded or uncooked(partially cooked) food is ingested. Also, if taken the next time there will not be any reactions. On the contrary, food allergies are caused due to allergens in the food. They react exactly the same and mostly with increased intensity each time taken. Moreover it can cause dreadful anaphylaxis with repeated intake. It’s when, the immune system is severely attacked in response to allergens. Some of the common allergens are cow’s milk, wheat, peanuts, eggs, shell fish, fish etc.

Medication Allergies: After consuming drugs, it is very important to examine the reaction. The physicians will be very concerned about the reactions connected with medications, as they may become life threatening in some cases. Cephalosporin, penicillin or sulfa drugs are most commonly associated with anaphylaxis. Here too, medication adverse reactions are often mistaken for allergies. Adverse reactions do not make you vulnerable to anaphylaxis. So when you’re explaining the reactions to a medication to the physician, he will particularly ask you about the symptoms. They will determine whether or not to continue the medication again, depending on your description.

Insect Venom Allergies: Some people have allergies to insect bite or sting. The venom injected into their skin can cause more severe allergies. Reactions to stings of hornet, bee and wasp may be fatal. Irrespective of whether you are allergic to insect venom or not, once the insect attacks you, you will notice a rash at the bitten site. As soon as you experience a reaction consult a physician to make sure that you are allergic or not to insect bite. When you have an allergy, prompt medical attention is required to avoid the condition becoming worse.

Environmental allergies: The allergies that come from pollen, mold, dust mite deposit etc are called environmental allergies. Asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis are the common reactions in response to these allergens. As soon as you understand you are allergic any of the above listed allergen, consult your physician. He can assist you on avoiding or minimizing the effects and strategies for prevention in future.

If the skin around your eyes becomes itchy, red, puffy or scaly after using makeup, you have probably developed an allergy or sensitivity to one of your cosmetics. The whites of your eyes may also become red and swollen. Depending on the offending material, the reaction may continue to get worsen, or may clear up spontaneously. The allergic reaction usually involves both eyes, but one side may be more affected than the other.

The eyelid and surrounding areas is especially vulnerable because its skin is extremely thin and loose, allowing chemicals to penetrate more easily. This may cause the skin to swell more readily than on other parts of the face.

An allergy is your body’s reaction to “foreign” substances. The basic ingredients of all cosmetics are waxes, oils, detergents, dyes, perfumes, lanolin, and preservatives. Any of these can cause an allergic reaction in the delicate skin around your eyes.

It might seem strange to suddenly become allergic to a makeup you have been using for years. Actually, your body has probably been slowly building up a sensitivity to the makeup. Once an allergic response to a substance occurs, the reaction usually gets worse every time you use that substance.

The first step in treatment is to stop using the offending material. Since you usually can’t identify the specific culprit, all cosmetics should be stopped until the reaction clears up. A steroid ointment may be prescribed to aid in clearing the allergic reaction.

To prevent recurrences, it is important to find the exact cause of the problem. This will require some detective work. After your skin has cleared, start using one makeup product at a time. After one week, if there is no reaction, add another product. Continue adding one product each week until your skin gets red and itchy again. Then eliminate the last product that caused the reaction.

You may also need to use hypo-allergic cosmetics, which tend to cause fewer and less severe allergic reactions. This is because they contain fewer allergy-causing substances. Some cosmetics that are labeled hypo-allergenic really aren’t. It is important to read the label. Don’t use any product that contains lanolin and perfume, the most common causes of skin reactions.

If your skin can’t even tolerate hypo-allergenic products, you may be able to use non-allergenic cosmetics. They do not contain any chemicals that can cause allergies.

Active Ingredient: Centrizine

Common Brand Name(s): Zyrtec

Zyrtec is mainly used to treat symptoms of allergies like sneezing, runny nose, itching, tearing and redness of eyes and hives. Zyrtec works as an antihistamine by blocking actions of naturally occurring chemical histamine in the body.

What is Zyrtec used for?

o Zyrtec is used as an antigistamine which blocks the actions of the naturally produced acids in the body. Zyrtec has comparatively lesser side effects than other antihistamines.

o Zyrtec is mainly used to treat allergic ailments such as sneezing, runny nose, itching, tearing and redness of eyes, and hives.

o Apart from the above uses, Zyrtec may be used for some other purposes.

How Do I Use Zyrtec?

o You must follow doctor’s direction for use of Zyrtec. If you have any doubt about use of Zyrtec you must consult your doctor, nurse or a pharmacist. They will be able to guide you the correct way of using Zyrtec.

o Take Zyrtec with adequate quantity of water.

o You can take Zyrtec before meals.

o You should chew the chewable tablets thoroughly, if taking chewable tablets.

o If you are taking Zyrtec in liquid form, use measuring spoon, cup or dropper to ensure correct in take of medicine.

o You can take Zyrtec with or without food.

How should I Store Zyrtec?

You can store Zyrtec at normal room temperature. However, you must ensure that the storing place is free from moisture and away from the heat.

What are the possible Side Effects?

o There are no serious side effects of Zyrtec as such. However, if you experience any allergic reaction like breathing difficulty, closing of throat, swollen lips, tongue, face or hives, stop taking Zyrtec and visit your doctor for immediate medical attention.

o If you experience other side effects which are less serious don’t stop use of Zyrtec. However you must consult your doctor if you develop symptoms like drowsiness, dizziness, and headache or mouth dryness.

o You may notice any other unusual side effects other than those enlisted here. In such case you must consult your doctor who will provide required medical treatment.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

You can take the missed dose immediately after you remember it. However you must keep in mind the time of your next dose. If there is sufficient time gap you can take the missed dose. If your next scheduled dose is nearing then skip the missed dose and take the regular scheduled dose in time. Never double your dose to make up for missed dose.

If you are using Zyrtec on as required basis, take the missed dose if it is need, but you must maintain the prescribed gap before you take next dose.

What should I do if I overdose?

If you suspect the overdose or develop unusual symptoms, you must consult your doctor for immediate medical attention. Exact symptoms of Zyrtec overdose are not known. However Drowsiness is considered as one of the symptoms.

Is Zyrtec Safe?

If you are suffering from liver disorders, you may not be able to use Zyrtec. Your doctor may make dose adjustment to suit you and closely monitor effects of the dose.

If you have allergic reaction to Zyrtec or medicines like Atarax and Vistaril, you must consult your doctor before taking Zyrtec.

There are no proven results available regarding effects of Zyrtec on the unborn baby. However, you must consult your doctor if you are pregnant.

There are no proven results to confirm that Zyrtec passes into breast milk and it may affect the nursing baby. You must consult your doctor before using Zyrtec, if you are breast feeding your baby.

Your doctor may prescribe you lower dose of Zyrtec if you are over 65 years of age. Aged people are likely to experience side effects of Zyrtec.

Zyrtec may cause drowsiness. If you experience this side effect, avoid driving, operating machinery and other hazardous activities.

If you are taking Zyrtec, avoid alcohol. Alcohol may increase drowsiness.

You must tell your doctor that you are taking Zyrtec, before your doctor prescribes you other medicines. Do not use other allergy medicines or cough; Cold medicine without consulting doctor, if you are taking Zyrtec.

Medicines like antidepressants, sedatives, pain relievers, anxiety medicines, muscle relaxants and other antihistamines increase drowsiness or dizziness when taken with Zyrtec. Consult your doctor on use of these medicines when you are taking Zyrtec.

How does Zyrtec interact with other medicines?

If you are taking any of the following medicines, you must inform your doctor regarding this before using Zyrtec. You may require dose adjustment and close monitoring, if you are taking these medicines.

o Antidepressants

o Sedatives

o Medicines for treating anxiety like diazepam, alprazolam, Iorazepam, Restoril, Librium etc.

o Pain relievers

o Muscle relaxants

o Other antihistamines

Never take other allergy or antihistamine medicines without consulting your doctor.

Some other drugs, other than those listed above may have interaction with Zyrtec. You must consult your doctor even before using vitamins, minerals and herbal products.

What other information should I know?

o You should continue use of Zyrtec as per your doctor’s advice till you get complete relief.

o Chew the chewable tablet thoroughly and use measuring spoon, cup or dropper for taking Zyrtec in liquid form.

o Take your Zyrtec on scheduled time and period as directed by your doctor.

o You must consult your doctor if you experience any unusual occurrence of side effect.