Food allergy is the abnormal response of the immune system regarding a particular food that we have eaten. This guide will give you an idea of how to treat allergy using Zyrtec and Xyzal medications.
Typically, the immune system contributes to maintaining health by protecting the body against the harmful attack of bacteria and viruses.
In the case of food allergies, the immune system misidentifies certain foods as being harmful and produces an allergic reaction at the time of their ingestion.
Food allergies occur more frequently in children than in adults. Between 6 and 8% of children suffer from food allergies, while in adults only 2% of them suffer from it. A percentage of between 6% and 8% for children, but only 2% for adults, has such an allergy.
Food allergies occur mainly in people that have an inherited tendency to develop allergic reactions. These people are prone to asthma, various allergies and a skin condition called “atopic dermatitis.”
Next, we’ll be looking at some medicines that treat allergies. We will describe each one along with the advantages and disadvantages.
Zyrtec or Cetirizine
Zyrtec, also known as Cetirizine, is an antihistamine medicine that threats food allergies by blocking histamine receptors. Foods do not affect Zyrtec’s absorption. Zyrtec is indicated in the treatment of allergic rhinitis and urticaria in adults, adolescents, and children above the age of 2.
The medicine comes in both liquid and chewable form. For an accurate dosing of the drug in the liquid form, use a measuring spoon.
Zyrtec should be avoided by pregnant women. Accidental use of the medicine by a pregnant woman should not cause harmful effects on the fetus. However, the medicine should only be given if necessary and under your doctor’s guidance.
Cetirizine passes into breast milk. Therefore, you should not take Zyrtec during breastfeeding unless you have been told by your doctor.
Side effects
Besides the usual side effects that most medicines have like drowsiness and dry mouth, Zyrtec may also cause weakness and a sore throat. Other rare side effects may include restlessness, confusion, and heart palpitations.
Xyzal or Levocetirizine
Xyzal, also known as Levocetirizine acts by blocking proteins in the body that interact with histamine, called histamine type 1 (H1) receptors. By blocking H1 receptors, Levocetirizine prevents the allergic symptoms that histamine would produce if the receptors were free. Levocetirizine significantly improves the symptoms of allergic rhinitis, including nasal obstructions.
As for Zyrtec, Xyzal can be used with or without eating. It’s not being influenced by foods in general. Xyzal is not recommended for children under the age of 6 because available film-coated tablets do not allow a proper dose adjustment. Also, Xyzal is not recommended for use in children under the age of 2 due to a lack of clinical data.
The limited data available does not indicate any toxicity to the fetus or to the baby caused by Levocetirizine. There is also little information available on the safety of Xyzal during breastfeeding. When you are pregnant or breastfeeding, use Xyzal only if the benefits outweigh the possible risks. Your doctor can help you make this decision.
Side effects
Xyzal may cause the usual side effects like drowsiness and dry mouth, but a series of other side effects as well. Levocetirizineusually can cause more side effects than Zyrtec. Among these side effect, you should mention nosebleeds among children, some hepatic problems and also dark-colored urine.
In some patients, Xyzal can cause fatigue and exhaustion. If you experience any of these symptoms, do not drive or operate machinery.
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