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Is Prednisone Effective At Treating An Allergic Reaction To Zyrtec?

Posted on Sat, 23 Sep 2017

Question: Hi, this is something I've already discussed with an allergist, but I like second opinions. I had a bad (life threatening) reaction to Bactrim, triggered by sun exposure. Went to ER and was treated. I have been off the Bactrim for 4 days now, and have got the information I need on how to handle that. However, I had what seemed to be a second, almost immediate reaction to a 24 hour Zyrtec that I took on their advice. The reaction was almost immediate, with ringing in ears, and a numb, tingling, really uncomfortable feeling in the hands slightly, but mostly in the feet. I took the pill about 9pm on Wednesday, and it's now 3 pm Friday. My allergist proscribed a course of prednasone over 2 weeks, and said he thought the ear ringing and tingling would clear up once my system "calmed down" with the predensone. The sensations are really unpleasant can I count on them being resolved with time, or at least is that the norm? Additional info, I am am 140 pounds with BP 140/80 otherwise in good health before all this.

Answered by Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Try switching from Zyrtec to Benadryl

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for trusting HealthcareMagic for your health concern

Ringing in the ears is a very rare side effect of Zyrtec. It usually occurs in long term use. However, since you developed ringing in ears while Zyrtec, it will be better to switch to benadryl, which is also a anti histamine like zyrtec,but does not cause tinnitus. Dosage of benadryl is 50 mg every 8 hours.
The tingling and numbness feelings will go away once the acute allergic reaction is controlled.Continue taking prednisone as prescribed.

Hope this answers your questions
Please address further questions here
Regards
Dr.Lekshmi

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (3 hours later)

\ I only took a single Zyrtec pill. Sounds like you are saying it is related to long term use. I had some confusion about this because the symptoms were the same: ringing in ears and tingling in extremities. Also, because the symptoms were almost immediately triggered by taking the Zyrtec.

This is all new to me, so my concerns are about some sort of long term affliction with these symptoms. So, in your experience the symptoms will subside once the the allergic reaction (which the doctor said heightened the sensitivity of the nervous system and immune response) will stop?

How common is this sort of heightened response after an allergic reaction, to a drug or anything else?

thanks Kris XXXXXXX

Also regarding the Benedryl is it safe to resume, with no change of making symptoms worse? Or would it be helpful?

Answered by Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up answer

Detailed Answer:
Hello again Kxxx

A single dose of cetirizine is unlikely to cause such symptoms. However, I suggested switching to benadryl just in case cetirizine is causing the ringing in ears.
Switching to benadryl is safe and will not worsen the symptoms or cause other problems.
Tingling, numbness sensations is likely due to overwhelmed nervous system in response to excessive histamine secretion associated with allergies. It is a common occurance and will go away once the acute symptoms of allergy subsides. There is nothing to be worried about.
You can try Cetrizine for few more doses.If the ringing in ear recurs, switch to benadryl. It is safe to switch to benadryl. Do not take Cetrizine and benadryl as it can cause excessive drowsiness and sedation.

Hope this answers your questions
Please address further questions here
Regards
Dr.Lekshmi

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (13 hours later)

Thanks, that is the diagnosis I got from an allergist. He gave me a 2 week course on Predisone gradually tapering the dose, and take benedryl. I did not ask him, since we were more focusing on the extreme Bractrim reaction, too may questions about this side effect. How common is this reaction after such a shock to the system as I described, in your experience, and can you give me an estimate on how soon I can expect symptoms to subside. I realize you have not diagnosed me personally but am asking if you could give me an answer based on others who have experienced this. Are we looking at days, weeks?
thanks, Kris

Answered by Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up answer

Detailed Answer:
Hello again,

Thre is no extensive data available in this regard. However, in my personal experience, 10-20% patients with an acute allergic reaction can have sensory abnormalities/paresthesias. And the symptoms should subside in about 2 weeks.
The symptoms will be effectively controlled with prednisone and Benadryl. There is nothing to be worried about.

Regards
Dr.Lekshmi

Note: For further information on diet changes to reduce allergy symptoms or to boost your immunity, Ask here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T