Zyrtec Side Effects in Kids

If your child suffers from allergies which cause her to sneeze, have a runny nose or have itchy eyes, nose and throat, your doctor may recommend Zyrtec. Zyrtec is an antihistamine also known as cetirizine. When some children are exposed to certain substances such as grass or dust mites, their bodies release histamines. Zyrtec prevents those histamines from attaching to histamine receptors which prevents allergy symptoms.

Uses

• A child may take Zyrtec to treat indoor or outdoor allergies which cause inflammation of the mucous membrane that lines the nose. Zyrtec may also be used to treat hives.

Side Effects

• A headache, sore throat, abdominal pain, coughing, drowsiness, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, nosebleeds and trouble sleeping are some side effects a child may have as a result of taking Zyrtec. These are usually mild to moderate.

Serious Side Effects

• Some serious side effects of taking Zyrtec may include dizziness or fainting, anxiety or confusion, heart palpitations or fast heart beat, wheezing, and yellowing eyes or skin.

Signs of Allergic Reaction

• A child may experience an allergic reaction when taking Zyrtec. Signs of an allergic reaction may include a rash, itching, hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the lips, mouth or throat.

Purchasing

• Children's Zyrtec comes in chewable pills or a syrup and can be purchased over the counter.