Tavegil for dogs – protection against allergies

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Allergic reactions are not uncommon in cats. Such pathologies provoke a number of unpleasant symptoms, including itching and skin rashes, which can be treated with antihistamines. You can use such medications only after reading the instructions and eliminating contraindications.

• 2 Types of antihistamines

  2.1 Drugs of different generations - photo gallery

When are antihistamines needed and how do they work?

Antihistamines are used to eliminate allergic reactions in cats. Medicines are prescribed after a series of studies and confirmation of the diagnosis. Medicines in this group help eliminate itching, burning, skin rashes and lacrimation. The effect of such drugs is due to the binding of histamine and a decrease in its production. It is this substance that provokes the appearance of characteristic allergy symptoms. The drugs affect both the secretion of histamine and the elimination of the consequences of its active production.

Antihistamines relieve cats from itching associated with an allergic reaction to something

In some cases, such medications can relieve the cat of edema, which can contribute to the occurrence of anaphylactic reactions that are life-threatening for the pet. In addition, antihistamines reduce the manifestations of the inflammatory process and have a slight calming effect.

In what cases is this group of medications used:

• if symptoms of flea dermatitis occur;
• if you are allergic to medications, household chemicals and food;
• when itching occurs for an unknown reason;
• with atopic dermatitis;
• after an insect bite.

Attention! Antihistamines only eliminate the symptoms of allergies, but do not get rid of the cause itself.

Operating principle

Zyrtec drops tend to block histamine receptors, which are located on the surface of cells and cause allergies. When the skin is irritated, histamine is released.

The drug isolates it and prevents its effects on the body. However, Zyrtec is able not only to block histamine receptors, but also to block the new release of this substance.

The drops do not promote the bronchoconstrictor reflex, therefore they are approved for use in children with bronchial asthma.

Zyrtec has an anti-inflammatory effect, reduces swelling, as well as smooth muscle spasms.

The drug is effective as an independent medicine, and it is also often prescribed in combination with other drugs.

The effect of the medication begins 20 minutes after administration. Its maximum concentration is observed 1 - 1.5 hours after administration. The drops have high bioavailability and are completely adsorbed by the walls of the gastrointestinal tract.

After stopping use of Zyrtec, the effect persists for another 3 days.

Zyrtec has the following therapeutic effect on the body:

• is the prevention of allergic diseases;
• eases the course of allergies;
• relieves itching;
• weakens lacrimation, reduces the amount of nasal discharge;
• relieves swelling and redness;
• eliminates rashes.

Zyrtec (instructions for use in complex therapy contain a list of incompatible drugs) is not recommended for use in combination with the following medications:

• Zyrtec and Theophylline. The elimination of cetirizine from the body slows down, as a result of which the effect of the drug is prolonged by 2.5-4 hours. As a result, it is impossible to calculate the exact time interval between medication doses. Theophylline's effectiveness is not affected;

• Ritonavir and Zyrtec. Combined use causes an increase in the concentration of cetirizine in the blood. With complex treatment, the single dosage of Zyrtec is reduced (calculated by the treating specialist);
• Zyrtec and drugs that affect the functioning of nerve cells. Combined use impairs the performance of the nervous system.

Before prescribing Zyrtec to get rid of an allergic reaction, you must inform your therapist or pediatrician about the use of other medications to determine their compatibility. If the products are incompatible, Zyrtec is replaced with an analogue.

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Types of Antihistamines

Generations of antihistamines:

1. The first choice is drugs that have a short effect (up to 4 hours), so they need to be given to the animal 2-3 times a day. Such medications eliminate allergies only for a short period of time, contributing to drowsiness, lethargy and decreased concentration. This group of drugs is represented by drugs such as Suprastin, Clemastine, etc. The advantage is a quick and fairly strong effect that can eliminate anaphylactic reactions. The downside of such drugs is a large number of side effects and addiction.
2. The second generation is medications that last up to 24 hours. You need to give them to your cat once a day, no more. The advantage of the drugs is the absence of drowsiness. The disadvantage is the inability to relieve bronchospasm and other acute reactions that are life-threatening. Representatives of the second generation are Zodak, Cetirizine, etc.
3. The third generation is drugs whose effect lasts throughout the day. They should also be given to pets once a day. The advantage of such drugs is the absence of drowsiness, as well as the ability to combine them with other medications. The disadvantage is the high price compared to other antihistamines. This group includes drugs such as Erius, Xyzal.

Attention! You cannot choose antihistamines for treating pets on your own, since not all drugs are suitable for cats.

Drugs of different generations - photo gallery

Suprastin is a first generation antihistamine drug

Ksizal is a representative of the third generation of antihistamines

Zodak is a second generation antiallergic medicine

Admission rules

The duration of the course of therapy is determined by the doctor. Usually it lasts a week and a half. It is better to take the drug in the evening, before bed, as at this time more histamine is released. If a two-time dose is recommended, then the optimal time is morning and evening. A break of 12 hours is required before the appointments.

For children from 6 months to 6 years, it is advisable to prescribe drops. For infants, they are diluted in breast milk or formula and given before feeding. It is necessary to pay attention to the child’s well-being: if there is lethargy, drowsiness, or difficulty breathing, then it is necessary to immediately stop treatment and show the baby to a doctor.

Some pediatricians advise not to give the medicine orally, but to instill 1 drop into the nasal passages twice a day. It is believed that then the likelihood of undesirable consequences is less, and the dose is enough to relieve allergic symptoms. Sometimes the drug is recommended for preventive purposes before vaccination (if the child previously had a tendency to allergies).

Standard dosage:

• adults and children over 6 years of age – 10 mg (1 tablet or 20 drops) per day. Children can take 5 mg (½ tablet or 10 drops) twice daily;
• infants from 6 months to a year - 5 drops (2.5 mg) daily;
• for children from one year to 2 years of age - 5 drops (2.5 mg) twice daily;
• children from 2 to 6 years old - 5 mg (10 drops) once or 5 drops (2.5 mg) twice a day.

For prevention purposes, a dosage of 5 mg daily is usually recommended. If allergy tests have been prescribed, you must stop taking the medication 3 days before the procedure. Otherwise, the data obtained may be unreliable. When a patient suffers from seasonal allergies, courses of therapy of 20-25 days are often recommended, with breaks of 2-3 weeks between them.

The drug will be prescribed if the risk to the life and health of the pregnant woman and the unborn baby is higher than the likelihood of unwanted side effects from the medicine.

Be sure to stop using the product if the mother is breastfeeding. The active substance passes into breast milk and is contained there in high concentration. It can lead to depression of the central nervous system and even cause respiratory arrest in the infant. If the use of Zyrtec is necessary, then breastfeeding is stopped, and the baby is transferred to ready-made formulas.

Review of antihistamines for cats - table

Medicines used to treat pets - photo gallery

Claritin belongs to the second generation of antihistamines Lordestin effectively eliminates allergy symptoms

Diphenhydramine eliminates anaphylactic reactions

Suprastinex belongs to the third generation of antihistamines Zyrtec effectively eliminates itching Chloropyramine has a pronounced sedative and antiallergic effect

Composition and release form

Today, Zirtec can be found in pharmacies in 2 forms: drops, which are also called solution or suspension, and tablets.
Drops are a homogeneous transparent liquid, dispensed in bottles of 10 or 20 ml. The bottle itself is made of dark glass to avoid direct sunlight. There is also a lid - a dropper, for convenient dosing of the drug.

The tablets are oblong in shape, scored and marked.

The active component of the drug is cetirizine. 1 tablet or 1 ml of drops contains 10 mg of the main ingredient. It also contains additional components that do not have a therapeutic effect. Among them is acetic acid, which gives the drug a somewhat unpleasant odor and taste.

Features of the use of antihistamines in the treatment of cats

Advice from veterinarians and rules for using antihistamines:

1. Do not exceed the dose of the drug without a doctor's prescription.
2. Give the medicine only on an empty stomach, otherwise your pet may vomit.
3. It is advisable to mix the tablet with water, as many allergy medications are very bitter.
4. It is best to give antihistamines at the same time every day.
5. Monitor your pet's reaction. If vomiting or diarrhea occurs, antihistamine treatment should be discontinued.

Many veterinarians advise using first-generation antihistamines if your pet has a severe allergic reaction. Such medications best eliminate anaphylactic shock, bronchospasm and other dangerous symptoms. For dermatitis, it is best to give preference to second and third generation medications.

What are the benefits of Zyrtec drops for children?

1. Fast action – 20 minutes after administration;
2. After cancellation, the effect lasts up to 3 days;
3. Not addictive;
4. Can be used at any convenient time, regardless of meals;
5. The drug does not allow spasm of smooth muscles;
6. Does not cause side effects from the heart and blood vessels;
7. No sedative effect (subject to dosages);
8. Does not interact with other medications;
9. Not metabolized in the liver.

Zyrtec for newborns can be given from 6 months. However, the drug can be prescribed to children under 1 year of age only after consultation with a doctor. It is worth knowing that cetirizine in infants can provoke central nervous system depression.

The dosage of the drug depends on age. It is also important to take into account the patient's condition, for example, whether the patient has kidney or liver failure. As a rule, the daily dose is taken once.

How many days to take the medicine depends on the specific case of allergy. The decision on the duration of use of the product is made only by the doctor.

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Can I give my pet allergy medications intended for humans?

Antihistamines that are used to treat people can also be given to cats, but only after first consulting a doctor. Only a veterinarian can establish an adequate dose and course of therapy depending on the symptoms.

When the cat had an allergic reaction, she was given a first generation antihistamine. The pet had dermatitis of unknown origin. The whole stomach was bald, there were rashes and severe itching. After taking the medication, the symptoms disappeared, the cat stopped licking itself and scratching the sores. Unfortunately, after stopping the medication, the allergy symptoms returned.

Side effects

To treat allergies in cats, they use proven remedies, often suitable not only for animals, but also for humans, and therefore are sold in a regular non-veterinary pharmacy. But, before purchasing the drug yourself and giving it to your animal, you need to call the veterinary clinic and ask, for example, whether cats can be given loratadine for allergies or any other drug recommended by the pharmacist (the list of drugs is quite long).

Mexidol injections

Available in two forms - injections and tablets. Injections are the most effective and safe. The drug is prescribed to improve blood circulation, increase the body's endurance (acts as a sedative), and against skin diseases. Injections are used for acute forms of the disease. The estimated dose is 15 mg per 1 kg of weight. Adverse reactions occur only if the animal has an individual intolerance to this antiallergic drug for cats.

For your information! Mexidol should be used with caution if kidney or liver function is impaired.

Omega-3

Omega-3 fatty acids are a supplement that can be beneficial for animals. This is not a medicine, but an additional source of active substances. The drug helps maintain the animal’s coat in proper condition (this is especially true when breeding Scottish cats), prevent the development of dermatitis, and reduce the intensity of aggravated skin diseases.

Important! Give omega-3 regularly, and not just when an allergic reaction occurs.

Available in the form of tablets and syrup. The drug is used to prevent allergies or alleviate their symptoms. Peritol relieves itching, acts as an anticholinergic, antiexudative and sedative. The dosage is selected by the doctor. Zyrtec for cats has a similar effect on the body, the dosage of which is also selected solely on the recommendation of a specialist.

Zyrtec

Clemastine (tavegil)

Relieves runny nose and cough. After taking the drug, the animal stops sneezing and tears stop rolling from the eyes. The positive effect lasts for a long time. To achieve it, it is enough to give the cat 0.5 tablets every 12-24 hours. The drug affects the central nervous system, which is why the animal becomes apathetic, refuses to eat, and often goes to the toilet (loose stools).

Zodak is a 2nd generation antihistamine. It is produced in the form of tablets, drops, syrup and solution for injection. The product begins to act after 15 minutes. after introducing it into the cat’s body, it helps with various types of allergies, is effective for 24 hours, and does not contain sugar. Zodak is suitable for cats of all ages; there is a drug for kittens. The dose depends on weight. The drug blocks the release of histamine, and there are practically no side effects after its use.

Suprastin

Suprastin is an antihistamine used to treat allergies in humans and animals. The dose depends on weight, 0.25 tablets are given for every 5 kg of weight (it cannot be exceeded, sharply negative reactions are possible). The course of treatment depends on the doctor’s recommendation, but usually does not exceed three days.

Note! Suprastin can also be purchased in the form of injections.

Suprastin

Hydroxyzine

The antihistamine calms, suppresses vomiting, relieves pain, and helps the pet breathe as it promotes dilation of the bronchial tubes. To treat an adult cat, it is enough to give her up to 15-20 mg of allergy medication for cats per day.

Diphenhydramine

Often used to get rid of allergies resulting from insect bites. After using the drug, the animal becomes lethargic and sleeps a lot (this is normal). The side effects are the same as with regular diphenhydramine. Diphenhydramine should not be given to kittens, pregnant animals, or lactating cats, or together with medications to lower body temperature. To relieve signs of allergy, it is enough to give an adult animal 2-6 mg of the substance once a day.

Chlorpheniramine

Helps with feline dermatitis and urticaria, but long-term use is prohibited (up to three days in a row). The drug is taken when acute signs of the disease appear. It is administered intramuscularly or orally (before or after meals). Dose - 1-2 ml for intramuscular administration and 2-4 ml for oral administration.

Taking the medication under the supervision of a physician in the indicated therapeutic doses minimizes the risk of side effects. However, according to the instructions, side effects can be divided into those that develop frequently, infrequently and rarely.

Commonly occurring symptoms include:

• pain in the head;
• increased drowsiness;
• fatigue;
• dizziness;
• heaviness in the stomach;
• nausea;
• feeling of dryness in the mouth;
• pharyngitis;
• rhinitis.

Infrequently occurring symptoms include:

• mental excitement;
• diarrhea;
• rash and skin itching;
• asthenia;
• paresthesia;
• stomach ache.

The appearance of edema, fainting, depression, and sleep disturbances is extremely rare. If the patient experiences any of the above-described side effects, you should consult your doctor about discontinuing or replacing the medication.

Causes of allergies in children

The occurrence of an unpleasant allergic response in children is quite difficult to avoid, however, by understanding the reasons, it is quite possible to try to reduce the risk of the disease.

The main factors that contribute to an allergic reaction:

1. Taking medications.
2. Indigestion in the stomach, dysbacteriosis.
3. During pregnancy, my mother ate foods that could cause allergies - citrus fruits, chocolate, honey, etc.
4. Weak immune system.
5. Complementary feeding with artificial mixtures.