Brief Answer: Yes, rare but serious side effect. Detailed Answer: Hi and thanks for the query, Having an abnormal heart rhythm is a rare but usually serious side effect associated with zyrtec. It is important to note if you have any history of heart disease or not. Other medications you are taking, if you do, should be checked to see if they got rapid heart beat as side effect. Though rare, it is very possible that the condition should have been caused by zyrtec. This is rare but serious side effect of the drug, and warrants immediate suspension of the drug. I think its a good idea you stopped the drug, as you consult your doctor for an alternative drug to serve same purpose. Kind regards. DR Bain

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Brief Answer: Drop Zyrtec and go in for Allagra, watchfully. Detailed Answer: Hi and thanks for the query, Allagra and Zyrtec are two different drugs, though both fight against allergy. Allagra is scientifically called fexofenadine , has rarely has side effects on the cardiovascular system. Zyrtec is cetirizine. The fact you already reacted to Cetrizine does not mean you will of course react to fexofenadine. I suggest you take Allagra and stop Zyrtec. In case you experience any adverse or unusual feeling, do not hesitate to report to your doctor. I think its a reasonable and good option to go for Allagra and drop Zyrtec. Kind regards. Dr Bain

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Brief Answer: Worth taking, report any side effects to Dr Detailed Answer: Hi and thanks for the query, Claritin is an anti histaminic drug like Zyrtec and Allagra, though with a different mechanism of action. AS I mentioned earlier, heart manifestations are rare complications associated with zyrtec. Not having such heart symptoms before being put on zyrtec and only developing this with the drug makes it quite possible for it to be at the origin of the heart manifestations. This is for sure a rare, but possible adverse effect of zyrtec. Loratadine (Claritin) is an old and well tolerated ant histamic drug, and worth taking in your case too. I do not think you need to fear. Take it wit calm, but being watchful of any adverse events. In case you realize any, do not hesitate to report to your doctor. Thanks and kind regards. Dr Bain

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Brief Answer: Be calm, watch, cardiologist's opinion later on Detailed Answer: Hi and thank for the updates, The results of your EKG and complete blood count, coupled with the other biological work ups is very reassuring. It is not excluded however to exclude anxiety, that of course could accelerate your heart rate. I do think you really need not be bothered. I suggest you maintain your calm. In case symptoms persist over a couple of days, then you could seek the opinion of a cardiologist. for now, I do think you really not be bothered. Thanks and kind regards. Dr Bain

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Brief Answer: Steroids, cardiologist and allergist in the long r Detailed Answer: Hi and thanks for the query, I understand perfectly how this could be. The frustration could imply you certainly react to anti histaminic drugs. Another option to control allergy may be through the use of steroids can be tried. The opinion of your allergist would be worth seeking in the long. Immune desensitization sessions could be useful in case of severe reactions with anti histaminic drugs. Anxiety should certainly be well checked for and managed. I still think the opinion of a cardiologist, and probably an allergist in the long run would be useful. Meanwhile, no worries, and use of steroids could be tried. Kind regards Dr Bain

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Brief Answer: medicl supervision, allergist Detailed Answer: Hi and thanks for the query, You will need to consult your doctor, get his opinion before stopping the drug. I do think you could take the allergy shot but under medical supervision. Allergy shots must not always be taken with anti histaminic drugs in all patients, however in most. In case your doctor has established that you react to your allergy shots, you shall be compelled to take them with the anti histaminic drugs. Your cardiac review remains reassuring, though you develop cardiac manifestations almost all of the time you take anti histamines. Therapy should be done under the close supervision, and after seeking advice from an allergist if possible, in my opinion. Kind regards Dr Bain

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Brief Answer: Take leave, see allergist, avoid exposure for now Detailed Answer: Hi and thanks for the query, I would suggest you get a leave and get a proper review and care from an allergist. I do believe the best option for you now would be to undergo what is called an immune desensitization therapy. This involves a series of injections in persons that are severely allergic to specific substances, using a very specific protocol. Considering the fact again that a substance initiating the allergic reaction in your case has already been identified, I am afraid you might be compelled, unfortunately, in case symptoms really do persist to think of changing your job. The opinion, evaluation and expertize of an allergist, as soon as possible would be most welcome in my humble opinion. Kind regards. Dr Bain

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