Cetirizine antihistamine and AF

[Finvola]

Does anyone take cetirizine long term, either with AF drugs or without?

The rare side effects listed include fast or irregular heartbeat which made me wonder about it.

[BobD Volunteer]

No I take the other one.

[Buffafly]

I take it for asthma, it was a while ago but I think the nurse checked with the GP and it was the one compatible with Propafenone which I took at the time. I have no idea whether it has had any effect on my HB or not!

[Finvola in reply to Buffafly]

Thank you - it was mentioned as a possibility if my RAS test shows allergic reaction to my collie as well as to dust.

[Mandysmith]

Hi. Yeah, I take cetirizine long term to deal with an allergy to something in my insulin. Tbh, my AF is so random I don't think it's made much difference at all. There are quite a few medications that say they can interfere with heart rhythms so I think you have to just balance out needs against possible interactions.

[Finvola in reply to Mandysmith]

Very true - it's good you can take it long term without problems.

[Mjmccl]

I looked into taking antihistamines to reduce effects of my sensitivity to sulfites and tyramine in food (elevated BP and rapid pulse which can trigger my AFib episodes). However the cetirisine labels say not to combine it with aluminum and magnesium antacids . . . I don't use either. But I do take magnesium supplements which have helped my heart rhythm tremendously. So I wonder if that contraindication would apply to my magnesium supplements ?

[Finvola in reply to Mjmccl]

I try to avoid sulphites - certainly wine used to set my AF off. Many drugs shouldn't be combined with antacids but I don't know whether that applies to magnesium - perhaps a pharmacist could answer?

[Annekw]

I take Cetirizine for Hay-Fever in summer months .

My doctors and chemists have usually checked any changes to my medication as I also have Rheumatoid Disease,and take meds for that as well as AF.

Never noticed any difference in heart rhythm!

[Finvola in reply to Annekw]

Thank you - that is reassuring.

[Elaine1951]

Cetrizine antihistamine even taking a tiny crumb of it gives me an amazing nights sleep but it oddly also makes me slightly vague and I fr get things the next day. In other words I find this a very powerful drug but it doesn't affect AF for me

[Finvola in reply to Elaine1951]

From the side effects listed, I thought it was pretty powerful but it is reassuring to know that it doesn't affect the heart in some people. If necessary, I'll have to bite it and see.