“Are Avil and Cetrizine the same when it comes to treating an allergic reaction?”
My aunt had an allergic reaction due to my pet cat. She asked for cetrizine, however due to unavailability the chemist gave her Avil. Though her allergy subsided, she is worried if it would cause any side effects for her. Please let us know what is the difference between the two medicines.
2 Answers
No, they are not. Avil (pheniramine) a first generation antihistamine and cetirizine is a second generation antihistamine. Avil is more sedating and has a shorter duration of action.
If you mean Advil and not Avil, then no. Advil is ibuprofen, a pain reliever and antiinflammatory medication (NSAID). Cetirizine is a second generation, non-sedating (usually) antihistamine. Most common side effects are minimal. With cetirizine, it can make you feel tired or sleepy and it could dry out your mucus membranes. For Advil, the most common side effects are limited to GI symptoms, but it can have effects on your kidneys if taken longer.
Addendum: just looked up Avil and in Australia, Avil is a brand of pheniramine maleate, which is a first generation antihistamine. It can and might make your aunt sleepy. For other side effects, I would look on the package insert. Hope this information helps.
Addendum: just looked up Avil and in Australia, Avil is a brand of pheniramine maleate, which is a first generation antihistamine. It can and might make your aunt sleepy. For other side effects, I would look on the package insert. Hope this information helps.
