Zyrtec

0 Views • 08/29/25

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Allergies reign supreme. Successfully combating them entails an enormous array of pills, potions and sprays none of which provides a knockout in all cases. Non-sedating anti-histamines such as Zyrtec may offer some relief for the runny nose, watery eyes and sneezing that so often form the core of seasonal or perennial hay fever or allergic rhinitis.

Anti-histamines may also prove beneficial in treating hives or urticaria. This allergic skin reaction often involves liberation of histamine and an incessantly itchy eruption. Dramatic improvement but often not complete success follows shortly after beginning a course of anti-histamines.

Usually these drugs fail to provide relief for the nasal symptoms accompanying the common cold since histamine is not a major culprit. Similarly anti-histamines regularly lack effect for simple itchy skin.

The older first generation anti-histamines routinely cross into the brain and may contribute to sleepiness which makes them less desirable for daytime use. To a large degree second generation anti-histamines including Zyrtec, Allegra and Claritin avoid this unwanted effect and additionally may be taken only once daily. However of all the newer anti-histamines Zyrtec occupies more of the brain’s anti-histamine receptors and may produce a degree of tiredness.

When Zyrtec gained FDA marketing approval it contained two mirror image molecules known as levo-cetirizine and dextro-cetirizine. But the body typically only recognizes 1 of these so-called enantiomers. With patent expiration and in an attempt to extend their income stream the pharmaceutical company removed the inactive dextro-cetirizine and rebranded the old Zyrtec as the newer patent protected Xyzal.

Tradition focuses our attention on anti-histamine therapy for allergy symptoms. Most experts suggest an even better option for many if not most individuals would be intranasal cortisone sprays such as Flonase and Nasacort. These provide more universal relief while focusing their complete attention on the local symptoms without providing significant systemic effects.

While the name brand products sell at a major premium, equally effective generics offer the same relief without the unnecessary financial toll.

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