Zyrtec for Cat Allergy

Cat allergy is the most common type of animal allergy. According Zyrtec.com, 11 million Americans are allergic to cats. Cat allergies are often treated with medications to help relieve symptoms. One type of medication that can help relieve animal allergies is Zyrtec, which was once solely a prescription medication but is now available over-the-counter. Still, allergy sufferers should check with a doctor prior to using Zyrtec.

Causes

• Cat allergies are not a reaction to cat hair itself, but rather the dander attached to the cat hair. Dander is composed of dead skin cells containing proteins that some people have an allergic susceptibility to. Proteins in cat urine and saliva can also cause allergies. Allergies cause the body to produce a type of antibody called immunoglobin E (IgE). Once IgE comes into contact with body cells, the cells release histamine in response.

Function

• Zyrtec is an antihistamine medication that helps block histamine released during an allergic reaction. When histamine is blocked, the symptoms of cat allergy are reduced. Drugs.com explains that Zyrtec relieves symptoms such as skin rash, sneezing, itchy nose, and watery eyes. The medication is designed for daily use to help regularly combat allergens such as those associated with cats.

Indications

• Zyrtec is available over-the-counter in 10 mg pill form that can be purchased at drugstores and supermarkets. Drugs.com recommends that adults who have recurring allergy problems take one pill per day. If you have liver or kidney problems, split the pill in half and take 5 mg. A syrup form of Zyrtec is available for children. Infants over 6 months can take 2.5 mg a day; children 2 to 5 years can take up to 5 mg a day; and children 6 to 11 years can take up to 10 mg a day.

Potential Side Effects

• According to Drugs.com, Zyrtec can aggravate liver and kidney problems. Adults with such problems may take half the dosage with a doctor's consent. Common side effects of Zyrtec in adults are excessive fatigue, drowsiness and dry mouth. Children can also experience these side effects as well as headache, sore throat, abdominal pain, coughing, wheezing, diarrhea and nosebleeds. Extreme sleepiness is a sign of a Zyrtec overdose. Drugs.com warns breastfeeding women against using Zyrtec because the medication can potentially be transferred to babies through breast milk.

Considerations

• Zyrtec treats symptoms to indoor allergens such as cat dander, but also treats outdoor allergy symptoms to pollen and mold. If you are solely allergic to cat dander, consider taking the medication prior to exposure to cats. If you are a cat owner and allergy sufferer, you will need to take Zyrtec daily in order to relieve symptoms. You can also take other measures to help reduce cat allergy by frequently grooming your cat as well as ridding your house of cat hair. If Zyrtec fails to relieve your symptoms, your doctor may recommend allergy shots.