What happens if I give my dog too much cetirizine
Can You Overdose On Zyrtec (Cetirizine)?
Hello and thanks for reaching out!
Yes, it is possible to overdose on Zyrtec (cetirizine), just like any medication.
Fortunately, it would take fairly high doses to experience significantside effects.
if you accidentally take an extra dose or two, the side effects are relatively mild and are generally not serious.
Overdose Cases
The prescribing information for Zyrtec notes two cases studies in which an overdose was observed in an adult and pediatric patient:
- In one case study of an adult overdose, 150mg was taken (15 tablets) and only minimal effects were reported. It was noted that the patient was 'somnolent' (i.e. sleepy), but they did not display any other serious clinical signs of toxicity or abnormal blood chemistry.
- An 18-month-old pediatric patient accidentally ingested 180 mg (18 tablets). No serious symptoms were reported aside from restlessness and irritability, followed by drowsiness.
The package insert for Zyrtec goes on to say the following regarding overdose:
"Should overdose occur, treatment should be symptomatic or supportive, taking into account any concomitantly ingested medications. There is no known specific antidote to cetirizine hydrochloride."
What Are The Effects Of A Zyrtec Overdose?
Although most case studies report minimal side effects in regard to overdosing with Zyrtec, it is important to note that someindividuals may be more susceptible to side effects than others. It is therefore important to consider all of the side effects that Zyrtec can cause, such as:
- Dry mouth
- Dry eyes
- Constipation
- Drowsiness
- Increased heart rate
- Cardiac effects
- Headache
- Hyperventilation
- Central nervous system excitation
In anycase involving an overdose, it would be prudent to contact the poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 or go to the emergency room.
Animal Studies
There have been no deaths reported from Zyrtec overdose in humans and such studies have only been completed in mice and rats.
The prescribing information gives the following data regarding lethal doses in rodents:
- The acute minimal lethal oral doses was 237 mg/kg in mice. For a 100-pound adult, this translates to over 10,000 mg (1,000-10 mg tablets).
- The acute minimal lethal oral doses was 562 mg/kg in rats. For a 100-pound adult, this translates to over 25,000 mg (2,500-10 mg tablets).
Final Words
Based on the available information, and animal studies, it would take doses far exceeding the recommended daily dosage to experience serious side effects.
Nevertheless, taking more than directed does certainly increase the risk of them occurring.
Although many cases of overdose areaccidental, know that assistance is available if you or someone you know has suicidal thoughts or has spoken about overdosing on medication. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline hotline is 1-800-273-8255.
What happens If You Accidentally Give Your Dog Too Much Frontline?
No matter how much you love your dog, sometimes its easy to make a mistake. Were all human, and humans make mistakes.
But what happens if you accidentally give your dog too much Frontline? Before we go over specific clinical signs of Frontline toxicity, lets start with the following question:
What is frontline dog flea and tick treatment?
Frontline dog flea and tick treatment is a topical pesticide that can be used on dogs and puppies to prevent the contraction of fleas and ticks. It is applied directly to the skin, where it will remain until it is washed off by rain or bathing. The active ingredient in frontline dog flea and tick treatment is fipronil and (S)-methoprene, which works by causing insects to become paralyzed or die.
What is the dosage of Frontline for dogs?
The following table shows the right dosage of frontline for your dog based on its weight:
Dog Weight | Monthly Dose |
5 to 22 lbs | 0.67 mL (0.023 fl oz) |
23 to 44 lbs | 1.34 mL (0.045 fl oz) |
45 to 88 lbs | 2.68 mL (0.091 fl oz) |
89 to 132 lbs | 4.02 mL (0.136 fl oz) |
What happens if I give my dog too much frontline?
If you give your dog too much frontline, they may experience a variety of symptoms depending on the size of your pup and the amount that went into their systems.
Diarrhea: Diarrhea is the most common symptom of frontline toxicity in dogs. Irritation and inflammation of the stomach and intestines usually causes diarrhea.
Vomiting: Vomiting is another common symptom of frontline toxicity in dogs. Vomiting is the ejection of stomach contents through the esophagus and out through the mouth. Vomiting can be caused by irritation or inflammation of the stomach and intestines, as well as toxins that may be present in food or water.
Small pupils: Your dogs pupils will be tiny and constricted.
Difficulty in breathing: Your dog may have trouble breathing or he may appear to be choking this is a sign of a respiratory tract infection, which can also be fatal if not treated quickly.
Muscle tremor: Your dog will shake uncontrollably like hes freezing cold, even though hes not. This is a sign of cardiac arrest or stroke and requires immediate treatment by your vet.
Failing over: Your dog may fall over and not get back up again this is often due to severe muscle weakness or paralysis caused by high doses of frontline toxicity. The more severe cases of this could lead to death if left untreated.
Drooling: The excess saliva caused by the overdose of frontline will drool out of your dogs mouth, making it difficult for them to swallow properly.
Fatality: If left untreated, the excess poison in your dogs system could lead to death. This is most likely if your dog has eaten a large amount of frontline and not vomited it up.
What to do if I give my dog too much frontline?
If you give your dog too much frontline, you may notice the above symptoms.
If you think your dog has ingested too much frontline, call your vet immediately. The sooner you act, the better chance your dog has of surviving the overdose without serious complications or side effects.
What is the prognosis of frontline poisoning in dogs?
The prognosis of frontline poisoning in dogs is often good, but it depends on the amount of poison ingested and how long after ingestion the dog is treated. If someone poisoned your dog with a small amount of insecticide, and you got to them quickly enough, you may avoid any lasting effects.
However, if your dog has been poisoned with a large amount of insecticide or other poisons, or if they have been poisoned for some time before you got them to the vet, then the prognosis will probably be poor. The longer it takes for your dog to be treated after being poisoned, the less likely it is that they will recover from their symptoms.
If your dog has been poisoned with large amounts of insecticide and you have not yet gotten them to a vet for treatment within 12 hours of ingestion, then their prognosis will probably be poor. However, if you bring them in within 12 hours after ingestion and treat them with intravenous fluids (IVs) and activated charcoal therapy (ACT), then they will survive past this initial crisis stage.
Frequently asked question
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding frontline application and dogs.
Can I apply frontline after 2 weeks?
Yes, you can apply frontline after 2 weeks, but only if your dog is not responding at all to the first two weeks of treatment. You can also switch to another brand of frontline if you feel you need to.
Can Frontline flea treatment make dogs sick?
No. Frontline is a safe and effective way to treat fleas on your dog. However, its important to follow the instructions and avoid applying this product in areas where your dog might lick or ingest it.
If youre worried about whether your dog will tolerate the amount of product that youre applying, talk to your vet about trying a lower dose first.
What happens if you give frontline to your dog too soon?
Naturally, you might wonder what happens if you apply frontline too soon. Well, it depends on the dogs breed and size. Though, giving frontline too soon can cause your dog to have an adverse reaction to the treatment. This can include vomiting, diarrhea or hives. If this happens, contact your vet immediately.
Its important to note that many pets will go through a period of being flea and tick free before they see new fleas or ticks. This could be as long as four weeks after an application for the frontline. The reason for this is that it takes time for the insecticide in frontline to work its way through the dogs body where it can kill fleas and ticks.
How long does frontline toxicity last in dogs?
Its important to note that frontline toxicity can last for several days but most clinical symptoms will go away after one to three days. Some dogs may have more severe reactions and may need additional treatment. Frontline toxicity can last for several days but most clinical symptoms will go away after one to three days. If your dog is showing signs of discomfort, you can take him to a vet or call the Pet Poison Helpline for further advice.
Why do I still see fleas after using the frontline?
If youve used frontline or another flea and tick treatment on your pet and are still seeing fleas, dont worry!
When you use a product like Frontline, its important to remember that its active ingredient is designed to kill fleas by affecting their nervous system. This means that the dying fleas will often rise to the top of your pets hair coat, where they can be seen. The presence of visible fleas is a sign that the product is working.
How long does the frontline last on your dog?
Frontline is a flea and tick medication that protects your dog from fleas and ticks for up to 4 weeks. You should apply Frontline to your dog every 4 weeks in order to get the most out of this product.
Conclusion
The toxicity of Frontline can be sometimes devastating. Always follow the instructions and read the dosage carefully before applying it to your dog.
If you accidentally give your dog too much Frontline, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Zyrtec for Dogs
What is Zyrtec used for in dogs
Zyrtec (generic name cetirizine) is an antihistamine medication prescribed by veterinarians for the treatment of allergies in pets [1]. It is known as a second-generation antihistamine, useful for reducing allergic symptoms like itchy skin, swelling, irritation, coughing, or sneezing caused by atopic dermatitis in dogs and cats [1, 2].
It can also be administered for the treatment of allergic reactions triggered by a bee sting, external allergens like dust mites and pollen, and food allergy-induced diarrhea [10].
Some breeds including the Irish Setter, Dalmatian, Lhasa Apso, Golden Retriever, Terriers, Old English Sheepdog, and Bulldogs are more likely to suffer from allergic dermatitis [2]. These dogs may be given cetirizine pills to ease their severe itching and skin irritation. As compared to other antihistamines, such as Benadryl, dogs treated with Zyrtec exhibit a higher response rate [8].
Quick Information | |
Zyrtec for Dogs | Generic name: Cetirizine Brand name: Zyrtec [1] Type: Second generation H1 receptor blocker [1] Active Ingredients: Cetirizine hydrochloride [3] Is it approved by FDA: No [1] Availability: Prescription medication, extra-label drug sold over the counter [1] Who can take it: Dogs, cats, humans [4] Forms: 5 mg and 10 mg tablets, flavored pills, oral syrup [1, 5] Cost: About $0.33 (per 10 mg tablet) |
Can dogs take Zyrtec: Is it safe
Scientific studies have shown that Zyrtec is moderately effective and well tolerated in dogs with allergic skin conditions [4, 7]. However, do not give your dog Zyrtec-D, a decongestant containing pseudoephedrine as one of the active ingredients since it is toxic to dogs [9].
How does Zyrtec work indogs
Histamine is an organic compound created by the dogs immune system as part of an allergic response. It recognizes and binds to H1 and H2 histamine receptors, causing small blood vessels to expand thereby triggering symptoms like swelling and itching. Zyrtec, being an H1 receptor blocker, inhibits the effect of histamine on H1 receptors and helps in preventing the allergic symptoms [1, 6].
Zyrtec (Cetirizine) dosage for dogs: How much can you give
Give Zyrtec to your dog only after consulting a licensed vet. Since the exact dosage depends on your pets weight and the severity of its symptoms, be sure to follow the drug regimen as prescribed by the veterinarian.
As tablets, Cetirizine can be given by mouth with or without food [7]. The normal dosage is 1 mg of Zyrtec per kg (0.5 mg/lb) of your dogs weight, given orally once or twice per day [1, 6]. Make sure to complete the full course of the medication unless otherwise instructed by the vet.
What to do in case of a missed dose
If you have forgotten to give a dose, give it as soon as possible. However, if it is time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose altogether. Make sure that you never give two doses at the same time.
Signs of Zyrtec overdose
Rare instances of heavy sedation or excessive drowsiness have been observed in smaller dogs with long-term use of high amounts of Zyrtec [6, 9]. If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate veterinary attention.
Side effects of Zyrtec in dogs
Dogs on Zyrtec often exhibit the following side effects:
- Hypersalivation or excessive drooling [2, 6]
- Vomiting [2, 6]
- Constipation (the dog is straining to poop with no fecal volume, discharging small amounts of mucus or hard and dry fecal material, having swelling and redness around its anal region) [2]
- Urinary retention (the dog frequently trying to urinate without success, straining to urinate, licking its urinary opening, discharging blood in urine, or showing lethargy) [2]
- Excitability [2]
Contact your vet immediately, if any of these side effects occur in your dog.
When should Zyrtec not be given to dogs
Always make sure to inform the vet about your pets medical history, as well as any medications you might already be giving it. Zyrtec is usually not recommended if:
- Your dog has been affected by kidney problems or liver diseases [6]
- It is pregnant or nursing [6]
- The dog is allergic or has intolerance to antihistamines [6]
- It is already on psychoactive drugs like Alprazolam, Ativan, and Diazepam [9]