Cetirizine Side Effects
Cetirizine, the complete opposite of General anesthesia side effects and Vitamin b complex side effects, is a pharmacological medication which belongs to the second generation of antihistamine that is the non-sedating kind. It works to reduce the natural chemical hormone called histamine. It does that by blocking of the receptor of histamine cells. It is known to be effective in treating allergic or cold symptoms like itching, runny nose, sneezing or watery eyes. Aside from that, the person who is experiencing chronic form of hives or urticaria can also be treated with Cetirizine. In addition to that, it can also be used to treat hay fever and angioedema episodes. However, one must take note that Cetirizine does not have the power to prevent allergic skin reactions from occurring.
Cetirizine Side Effects
Compared to the first generation antihistamine, the second generation antihistamine really produces lesser side effects. The following are the most common Cetirizine side effects:
1. URINARY RETENTION
Urinary retention, which is part of the Cetirizine side effects, is usually reported most in elder persons. Elder persons are known to have a higher propensity in developing side effects from antihistamines. According to studies that were conducted, elder persons have a decreased amount of acetylcholine, and thus blocking the acetylcholine further will lead to a more seen and felt anti cholinergic side effect compared to that of younger individuals. Aside from that, this Cetirizine side effect happens to mostly men who are suffering from enlargement of the prostate glands.
2. DROWSINESS
The antihistamine has a possibility to cross the blood brain barrier in one’s brain and will eventually lead to the binding of the new receptor in one’s brain, which leads to an increased feeling of being sleepy. Drowsiness is one of the Cetirizine side effects. Hence, experts advise not to perform activity that warrants mental alertness, such as driving when taking in antihistamine medications.
3. ANTI CHOLINERGIC SIDE EFFECTS
Anti histamine has a tendency to block the other brain receptors in the brain. What it does is block the action of acetylcholine, which is known to aid in learning, memory, cardiovascular functions, airways and blood vessels. Aside from that, it also promotes the digestive tract function and urinary function as well. When the acetylcholine is being blocked, which is included in the Cetirizine side effects, the person may manifest lack of coordination, nausea, constipation, dizziness, confusion, palpitation, and drying of the secretion of the respiratory system, as well as drying of the mouth.
4. HEMATOLOGIC REACTIONS
This is a rare kind of Cetirizine side effect which deals with hematologic reactions. These may be rare, but it may also be severe in form. Under this reaction, the person may experience reduced number of platelets, white cell reduction, failure of the bone marrow, anemia, and red blood cell destruction.
5. GASTROINTESTINAL PROBLEMS
Aside from the ones that were mentioned, gastrointestinal problems, which are another kind of Cetirizine side effect, may also be seen as a side effect in this medication. The person may experience constipation, diarrhea, nausea, decreased appetite, vomiting or an increase in appetite.
6. HEADACHE
This is another part of the Cetirizine side effect which is common. Headaches may either be mild or severe in form. You can relieve it through resting yourself or through a pain reliever. If headache does not improve and continues to get worse than it normally is, it is high time that you visit a health practitioner.
7. LETHAL CARDIAC SIDE EFFECTS
A component of Cetirizine side effects are lethal cardiac side effects, which is a potential side effect of the antihistamine medication. Under the lethal cardiac side effects, these include chest tightening and palpitation or heartbeat that is rapid.
OTHER CETIRIZINE SIDE EFFECTS INCLUDE:
- Wheezing
- Soreness of the throat
- Coughing
- Anxiety
- Migraines
- Weight gain
- Arthritis
- Reduced libido