If you have allergic rhinitis, keep reading this article to know more about the disease and its treatment options.

What is allergic rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis is a medical condition in which inflammation occurs inside the nose. It is commonly known as hay fever. The inflammation is caused by an allergen (a substance that triggers an allergic reaction). The most common allergens that cause allergic rhinitis are pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or mold.

What is histamine and how does it help with allergies?

When your body encounters an allergen (via mouth or nose), your body releases a natural chemical called histamine. The release of histamine causes mucous membranes in the throat, eyes, and nose to become inflamed and itchy to remove the allergen from the body. Allergic rhinitis is not contagious as infectious rhinitis. 

Causes of allergic rhinitis:

 Some of the common allergens include: 

• Animal dander 
• Pollen 
• Work-related allergens (wood dust, latex, or flour dust)
• Dust mites
• Cat saliva  
• Moulds 

Allergic Rhinitis Risk factors

Allergies can happen to anyone. However, it is believed it is passed down through families. If you have asthma or eczema, it can also increase your risk of having allergic rhinitis. Some of the other factors that may put you at risk include:

• Wood smoke 
• Wind 
• Chemicals 
• Humidity 
• Hairspray 
• Perfumes 
• Air pollution 
• Cigarette smoke 
• Cold temperatures 
• Fumes 

Allergic Rhinitis Symptoms

The symptoms of the disease include cold-like symptoms. The symptoms usually begin as soon as you are exposed to an allergen. Common symptoms include: 

• Eczema type symptoms (dry skin, itchy skin that can blister)
• Headaches 
• Sneezing 
• Stuffy nose 
• Fatigue 
• Runny nose  
• Sore throat 
• Dark circles under eyes 
• Coughing
• Itchy nose 
• Watery eyes

How does medication help treat allergic rhinitis?

Various treatment options are available for treating allergic rhinitis, such as medications, home remedies, and possibly alternative medicines. It would be best to talk to your physician before starting new treatment. 

All the treatments aim to reduce the symptoms of allergies and provide relief from the symptoms. Your doctor may use a combination of the treatment options to treat allergic rhinitis. 

Blexten and cetirizine for treating rhinitis? 

Blexten and cetirizine belong to an antihistaminic class of medication. This class of drugs works by blocking the action of the natural chemical histamine. Histamine is responsible for the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. 

Both the drugs do not cure allergic rhinitis. However, they provide relief from sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, or redness. 

Blexten vs Cetirizine for Allergic rhinits

Similarities 

Are Blexten and Cetirizine Antihistamines? 

Blexten and cetirizine belong to the antihistamines class. They both do not cure allergic rhinitis but provide relief from its symptoms. 

Blexten and Cetirizine Dosage for Allergic Rhinitis

Blexten and Cetirizine are both available in tablet form. Both the medications are prescribed once daily. 

Allergies and interactions Blexten and Cetirizine

Please inform your doctor or pharmacist about being allergic (blexten or cetirizine) or any of its ingredients. If you have any other allergies, do not forget to share the same with the health care professional. 

Blexten and Cetirizine interactions with alcohol

Blexten interaction with alcohol is not known. You should consult your physician before you consume alcoholic beverages. You should not consume alcoholic beverages while taking cetirizine, as alcohol can make you feel drowsier while taking the medication. 

Inform your health worker about other prescription, non-prescription medications, and nutritional supplements that you are taking. Also, inform about vitamins and herbal supplements you are taking or planning to take.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding while on Blexten and Cetirizine

You should inform your physician if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while on treatment with blexten, inform your doctor immediately as there is no information available regarding the use of blexten during pregnancy. 

You should inform your physician if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while on treatment with cetirizine, inform your doctor immediately. 

Differences

Blexten and Cetirizine Dose for allergic rhinitis

 Blexten is available as a tablet. It is usually prescribed once a day to be taken on an empty stomach, or you can take the medications 2 hours post-meal. 

Blexten prescribed dosage

Blexten is prescribed to adults and children above 12 years of age. The recommended dose for adults and children above 12 years is 20 mg.

Cetirizine prescribed dosage

Cetirizine is available as an extended-release tablet, a chewable tablet, and a syrup. It is usually prescribed once a day that can be taken with or without food.

Cetirizine is prescribed to adults or children above six years. The recommended dose for adults and children above six years is 5 mg or 10 mg, depending on the severity of the condition

Side effects Cetirizine and Blexten

 Cetirizine may make you feel drowsy. You should not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. 

However, blexten may not make you feel drowsy as it belongs to the 2^nd generation class of antihistamines. 

Side effects of blexten 

Like all medications, blexten also has some side effects. It is possible that you may not experience any or some of the side effects. You should inform your physician if the below mentioned side effects are severe or do not away: 

• Diarrhoea 
• Nausea
• Nasal irritation
• Eye irritation
• Fatigue
• Headache 
• Stomach pain 

Some of the side effects can be serious. You should inform your physician immediately if you experience it: 

• Fainting
• Dry skin 
• Eczema 
• Signs of heart problems (fast, irregular heartbeat)
• Chest pain 
• Sudden weight gain 
• Leg swelling 
• Difficulty in breathing 

Side effects of cetirizine: 

Like all medications, cetirizine also has some side effects. It is possible that you may not experience any or some of the side effects. You should inform your physician if the below mentioned side effects are severe or do not away: 

• Diarrhoea 
• Drowsiness 
• Dry mouth 
• Vomiting 
• Excessive tiredness 
• Stomach pain 

Some of the side effects can be serious. You should inform your physician immediately if you experience it: 

• Difficulty in breathing 
• Difficulty in swallowing 

The above-mentioned side effects for both drugs are not comprehensive. You may experience some other side effects. Please inform your healthcare professional immediately if they are severe or unusual. 

Which one is right for you? Blexten or Cetirizine

According to the research conducted, blexten was more effective than cetirizine for early allergic response. The volunteers in the study received 20 mg of blexten and 10 mg of cetirizine. 

However, your doctor may choose the proper medication for you depending on various factors such as age, other diseases, medication history, and severity of the disease. 

Prescription, use, and dosage Blexten and Cetirizine

What is Blexten

Blexten is available as a tablet. It is usually prescribed once a day to be taken on an empty stomach, or you can take the medications 2 hours post-meal. When medication is taken with food, it reduces the drug’s effectiveness. Avoid consuming fruit juice 1 hour before taking medication and 2 hours after the medication is taken. 

How to use Blexten

You should follow the instructions on the prescription label. You can ask your health worker in case of any queries. Take blexten as directed by your pharmacist or physician. Do not take more or less than prescribed. If you miss a dose, take medicine as soon as you remember it. However, skip the missed dose and follow your regular dosing schedule if it is time for a second dose. You should not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose. 

The recommended dose for adults and children above 12 years of age is one tablet to be taken orally once daily. Each tablet contains 20 mg of bilastine. 

What is Cetirizine

Cetirizine is available as an extended-release tablet, a chewable tablet, and a syrup. It is usually prescribed once a day that can be taken with or without food. To help you remember, you should try and take medicine around the same time every day. 

Label use Cetirizine

You should follow the instructions on the prescription label. You can ask your health worker in case of any queries. Take cetirizine as directed by your pharmacist or physician. Do not take more or less than prescribed. 

If you miss a dose, take medicine as soon as you remember it. However, skip the missed dose and follow your regular dosing schedule if it is time for a second dose. You should not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose. 

Cetirizine adults and children use

Adults and children above six years of age can take cetirizine. The normal dose for adults or children above six years is 10 mg per day. You should not take more than 10 mg per day. If your allergies are mild, you may be prescribed a 5 mg dose twice daily.

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