Bengaluru: While viral fever and cold continue to affect the city dwellers with symptoms of runny nose, sore throat, cough, hoarseness and muscle aches, many patients are taking recourse to OTC drug, cetirizine, which is an antihistamine, for immediate relief. But they are burdened with side effects.
“It gives only symptomatic relief and majority of the people feel tired after a few doses of the tablet. One has to weigh the positives with the side-effects. Generally, I do not recommend it to patients with cold or flu like symptoms. It is advisable only if there are definite indications like rashes. One has to keep in mind that it does not modify the course of the illness," advises Dr Manjanna Muniyappa, consultant physician at CMH Hospital who has witnessed cases wherein patients come in with cold and fever despite being prescribed the antihistamine.
Cetirizine is a second-generation antihistamine used in the treatment of hay fever, allergies, angioedema and urticaria. However, a debate is raging over its use.
Dr Sudha Menon, Director, Internal Medicines, Fortis Hospital, says, “It can be used, as cold symptoms are also basically viral infections. Mucus production and other related symptoms are also allergies and there is no harm in using it."
Dr Manjanna says, "The side-effects are part of the drug reaction and it is well-documented. People who are purchasing it over the counter are advised not have it while driving at night. One should keep in mind that it is for allergies and not specifically not for cold.”
