| Product: |
Benadryl One A Day Relief |
| Date: |
28/01/09 (298 review reads) |
| Rating: |
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Advantages: Works quickly against hives/urticaria
Disadvantages: Cost, dry mouth, feeling in throat
My condition (See you doctor for advice)
Last week I had a sudden possible allergic reaction which left me covered in large hives also known as urticaria. These raised bumps start off as small red blotches a mm or two across and then expand to form wheals which can be many cm across. They are fairly circular in shape although the edges are uneven and they may be slightly raised up. As the wheals start to fade the eges ramin red whilst the centre gradually turns white. The wheals are caused by a complex release of inflammatory mediators, including histamine from cutaneous mast cells, resulting in fluid leakage from superficial blood vessels. They may follow a diurnal cycle and in my case appear within minutes of me getting up.
There are apparently many forms of urticaria so you should see your doctor if you have any symptoms.
acute urticaria - probably an allergic response or viral which lasts less than six weeks.
Chronic urticaria (hives lasting longer than 6 weeks) are rarely due to an allergy
The majority of patients with chronic hives have an unknown (idiopathic) cause
Treatment
My doctor advised me to take a fast acting anti histamine such as Benadryl which claims to work within 20 minutes. I have been taking these daily and although I am still suffering from a mild outbreak of hives every morning it rapidly starts to go down after I have taken a tablet. In the United Kingdom Benadryl products contain either the 2nd generation antihistamine acrivastine (sold as Benadryl Allergy Relief) or the antihistamine cetirizine (sold as Benadryl Once a Day). Cetirizine is indicated for the relief of symptoms associated with allergy and hives. Cetirizine is an orally active and selective H1-receptor antagonist.
Side Affects
Very dry mouth and feeling of something being stuck in my throat. No matter how much I drink I still feel thirsty.
I have not felt drowsy at all but one night did feel dizzy.
Generic medicines containing Cetirizine
I searched the internet and found a UK based site - chemistexpress.co.uk which offers great savings on generic products.
They currently have a special offer where you can buy 30 Days Allergy & Hayfever Relief Cetirizine Tabs for 28p + 2.95 postage. You can order more than one pack.
Below quoted from express chemist.co.uk
Save over £9 on high street chemist prices!
Cetirizine contains the same active ingredients as Zirtek which retails for £10.85 in chemists and supermarket.
Cetirizine can be used to prevent and treat allergic conditions such as hayfever and allergic skin reactions. Exposure to pollen, pet fur, house dust or an insect bite can cause the body to produce histamine. The release of histamine causes allergic symptoms which can include rashes, sneezing, watery eyes and a running or blocked nose.
Cetirizine is a 2nd generation antihistamine, which means it does not cause drowsiness in the majority of people.
This medicine treats people suffering from hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis), perennial allergic rhinitis (a similar condition to hay fever caused by allergies, that continues throughout the year) and urticaria (swelling, redness and itchiness of the skin).Antihistamines like cetirizine relieve the unpleasant symptoms and discomfort associated with the above conditions, such as sneezing, itchy, runny and blocked nose, itchy, red and watering eyes and itchy skin rashes.
Product images shown are for illustration purposes only and may differ slightly from actual product appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can you sell this item for so much less than my local chemist?
We keep our overheads to a minimum, ensure the margins added are fair and work on larger sale volumes than a local chemist. All these measures provide major cost saving benefits to the consumer. Our prices on this medication are based on the non branded version of Zirtek. Zirtek's active ingredient is 10mg Cetirizine which actually provides the desired effects.
2. Does your medication give me the same effect as the branded version?
Absolutely. When a pharmaceutical company develops a drug it is given unique rights to sell it for a number of years. Once that ends any company can make it providing they meet the regulations. Therefore, over the counter drugs have identical medical properties regardless of brand, packaging and advertising.
The key is the 'active' ingredient - the chemical that actually treats the symptom. Protections and quality control apply equally to all branded and non branded products. The non branded product must meet the same quality standards as the branded version. Packaging may vary, but the items are identical and the results will be the same.
Dr. Chris Steele GP, the resident Doctor on ITV1's This Morning agrees:
"The key is the active ingredient. Look on the brand you know, note the active ingredient and then check it's the same one at the same dose as the generic brand."
I am also planning to try out organic herbal freeze dried nettle tablets which have been reported in some cases to be a natural antihistamine. I think it's worth.
Summary: Very useful for many allergic reactions
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