Can you take cetirizine hydrochloride long term?

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you’re unsure how long you need to take cetirizine for. Is it safe to take cetirizine for a long time? Cetirizine is unlikely to do you any harm if you take it for a long time. However it’s best to take cetirizine only for as long as you need to.

Is it safe to take cetirizine everyday?

Adults and children 6 years and older can take cetirizine capsules and tablets. The usual dosage for adults younger than 65 years and children who are 6 years and older is one 10-milligram (mg) dose per day. You shouldn’t take more than 10 mg in 24 hours.

Can I take cetirizine every night?

Cetirizine can be taken at any time of the day. In most people it is non-sedating, so they take it in the morning. However, a percentage of people do find it to be sedating so if it does make you drowsy it is best to take it in the evening. Cetirizine can be taken with or without food.

When should I stop taking cetirizine?

See your doctor if your mild allergy symptoms have not improved after three days of treatment with cetirizine, or if your hives persist for more than six weeks despite taking cetirizine. Discontinue cetirizine once your allergy symptoms have resolved.

What happens if you stop taking cetirizine?

For example, some people experience symptoms with cetirizine if they take it for a while and then stop suddenly. The main withdrawal symptom is called pruritus— itching and burning sensations of the skin ranging from moderate to severe. Other antihistamine withdrawal symptoms include interruptions in sleep patterns.

Are antihistamines bad for your heart?

“In general, antihistamines are safe in patients with high blood pressure and other forms of heart disease,” explains Richard Krasuski, MD, director of adult congenital heart disease services at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, but an antihistamine may elevate blood pressure or increase heart rate, according to the U.S. …

Is cetirizine bad for liver?

Hepatotoxicity. Cetirizine and levocetirizine use are not generally associated with liver enzyme elevations, but have been linked to rare instances of clinically apparent liver injury.

Are there any long term effects of taking antihistamines?

Commonly used first-generation antihistamines have strong anticholinergic properties, and recently published data from the adult population have suggested that long-term use of these drugs may increase the risk for developing dementia.

Are antihistamines bad for your brain?

First-generation antihistamines like Benadryl not only block the effect of histamine, but as anticholinergics, they also block the effect of acetylcholine, a chemical in your brain that helps send messages between cells. Blocking acetylcholine can cause temporary drowsiness, confusion, and memory loss.

Is it bad to take antihistamines to sleep?

While some over-the-counter antihistamines can cause drowsiness, routinely using them to treat insomnia isn’t recommended. Antihistamines, mainly used to treat symptoms of hay fever or other allergies, can induce drowsiness by working against a chemical produced by the central nervous system (histamine).

Do antihistamines make you gain weight?

Antihistamines may also increase appetite, which can cause weight gain. Anecdotally, people using Xyzal (levocetirizine)—an antihistamine similar to Zyrtec (cetirizine)—they have noticed they have put on extra pounds, which is what a very small percentage of patients who used the drug during trials experienced.

What is the most drowsy antihistamine?

About chlorphenamine Chlorphenamine is an antihistamine medicine that relieves the symptoms of allergies. It’s known as a drowsy (sedating) antihistamine. It’s more likely to make you feel sleepy than some other antihistamines.

What antihistamine is best for sleep?

Sleep aids: The options

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl, Aleve PM, others). Diphenhydramine is a sedating antihistamine.
Doxylamine succinate (Unisom SleepTabs). Doxylamine is also a sedating antihistamine.
Melatonin. The hormone melatonin helps control your natural sleep-wake cycle.
Valerian.

How can I stay asleep all night?

Establish a quiet, relaxing bedtime routine.
Relax your body.
Make your bedroom conducive to sleep.
Put clocks in your bedroom out of sight.
Avoid caffeine after noon, and limit alcohol to 1 drink several hours before bedtime.
Avoid smoking.
Get regular exercise.
Go to bed only when you’re sleepy.