Is Zyrtec safe for someone with kidney disease? Cetirizine (Zyrtec) is primarily eliminated through the kidney; however, it is also partially metabolized in the liver. Patients with renal dysfunction may be more susceptible to cetirizine side effects due to poor medication clearance.
Cetirizine (applies to Zyrtec) renal/liver disease
Cetirizine is eliminated primarily by the kidney but also undergoes metabolism in the liver to some extent. Patients with renal and/or liver disease may be at greater risk for adverse effects from cetirizine due to decreased drug clearance.
In general, anti-histamines do not cause kidney problems. Some, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) can cause retention of urine in your bladder. Others such as Claritin and Zyrtec are generally very safe.
Benadryl doesn't normally harm the kidneys. But it makes it harder for you to empty your bladder, which can create pressure and lead to kidney damage in rare cases. This is more likely in older adults or with higher doses than recommended.
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. If you take it regularly over a long period there's a very small chance of severe itching if you stop treatment suddenly.
Non-sedating antihistamines are used in the long-term control of allergy, as in hay fever, eczema, sinusitis, and chronic urticaria. No serious side effects have been reported. Tolerance is not a problem. Rarely, they can cause acute self-limited liver injury.
Allergists recommend long-acting, non-sedating antihistamines — ones that won't make you sleepy — for everyday use. Though you may know them by their brand names, the generic versions tackle the same problems: Cetirizine (Zyrtec®, Aller-Tec®, Wall-Zyr®). Fexofenadine (Allegra®, Aller-ease®, Aller-Fex®, Wal-Fex®).
Newer, second-generation antihistamines, such as loratadine (Claritin), have a lower risk of side effects. As a result, they are less prone to make you drowsy and are safe for kidney patients.
NSAIDs, diuretics, and ACE inhibitors are potential drugs that cause kidney damage. Certain medications administered in hospital settings, like aminoglycoside antibiotics and vancomycin, can also damage the kidneys.
These common side effects include sedation, impaired motor function, dizziness, dry mouth and throat, blurred vision, urinary retention and constipation. Antihistamines can worsen urinary retention and narrow angle glaucoma. The antihistamines rarely cause liver injury.
You should not use Zyrtec-D if you have narrow-angle glaucoma, severe high blood pressure (hypertension), severe coronary artery disease, if you are unable to urinate, or if you are allergic to hydroxyzine (Atarax, Vistaril). Do not use this medicine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days.
Zyrtec (cetirizine) is a second-generation antihistamine used to relieve symptoms of seasonal allergies such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. It is available over the counter for use in adults and children 2 years and over. Side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, sore throat, dizziness, and stomach pain.
Cetirizine and levocetirizine have been linked to rare, isolated instances of clinically apparent acute liver injury.
Decongestants, like Pseudoephedrine, Dextroamphetamine, Phenylephrine (Sudafed, Mucinex-D, Allegra-D, Claritin-D, Zyrtec-D, Mucinex DM and their generics) increase the resistance to urine flow through the prostate by causing the smooth muscle in the prostate to squeeze the urethra, which increases urinary problems.
Medicines for pain and swelling, such as ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve), can cause harm. So can some antibiotics and antacids. And you need to be careful about some drugs that treat cancer, lower blood pressure, or get rid of water from the body. Some natural health products could cause harm too.
NSAIDs include popular pain relievers and cold medicines that can damage your kidneys if you take them for a long time, or lead to acute kidney injury if you take them when you are dehydrated or your blood pressure is low. Ibuprofen link and naproxen link are NSAIDs.
Every 24 hours, 360 people begin dialysis treatment for kidney failure. In the United States, diabetes and high blood pressure are the leading causes of kidney failure, accounting for 3 out of 4 new cases.
Fexofenadine is primarily eliminated by the kidney, and the risk of toxic reactions may be greater in patients with renal impairment due to decreased drug clearance. Care should be taken in dose selection and it may be useful to monitor renal function.
A gel form of the prescription NSAID diclofenac (Voltaren Gel) is one option. Only a very small amount of the drug gets into the bloodstream, so it may be safe for your kidneys.
Sandoz issued a voluntary recall of 1,023,430 units of Zyrtec (10 mg) capsules as a result of failed impurities and a specification being reported for impurity at the 21-month stability time point, according to an FDA Enforcement Report.
Is it okay to take ZYRTEC® over a long period of time? The ZYRTEC® package label doesn't state a limit on how long you can take ZYRTEC®. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions, especially if you're taking other medicines or being treated for any other conditions.
“Claritin is a 24-hour antihistamine that works in the same way as Zyrtec, however, research has found that Claritin may be less potent than Zyrtec and therefore less effective,” explains Dr. Parikh. Although potential side effects may also be minimized as a result, she adds.