Reactine Allergy is a 24-hour allergy remedy sold in Canada, and made by the same company who manufacturers Zyrtec. Reactine is, according to their website, the No. 1 allergy relief medication sold in Canada. Reactine comes in many formulas including one for children.
Reactine is an over-the-counter allergy remedy. It is considered a second generation antihistamine because it made with cetirizine that does not cause drowsiness instead of diphenhydramine or chlorpheniramine which causes drowsiness due to the sedative properties it contains.
Reactine Allergy does come with a warning for people who have liver or kidney problems that they must talk with their doctor prior to taking Reactine.
Cetirizine
There is one active ingredient in Reactine Allergy and that is cetirizine. Cetirizine is a second generation antihistamine and is used to relieve symptoms of itchy eyes and runny nose. It can also be useful in treating hives and swelling caused by allergic reactions.
Cetirizine works by blocking histamine and disables it from attaching to receptor cells in the body which causes allergy symptoms. Cetirizine works without the drowsiness of some allergy remedies.
According to the National Institutes of Health, cetirizine comes in tablet, liquid or chewable and depending on the dose can be taken by children or adults.
Reactine Allergy adult formulas comes in regular and extra strength, which both contain cetirizine in 5mg and 10mg respectively.
Reactine Allergy & Sinus
Reactine Allergy & Sinus is also made with cetirizine, but includes a 120mg of pseudophedrine to relieve sinus congestion. According to Drugs.com, a pseudophedrine is a decongestant and is added to allergy formulas to reduce congestion and alleviate inflammation. It works by narrowing blood vessels in the nasal passages. It also helps to reduce fluid in the ear canals that can cause nasal and sinus pressure.
Reactine Allergy and Sinus works for 12 hours against indoor and outdoor allergies. An adult dosage is one pill taken every 12 hours as needed for relief.
Children's Formula
Reactine Kid's syrup contains 5mg of cetirizine and works for 24 hours. It is made specifically for children two to 12 years of age. With its grape flavor, it works the same as the adult version in relieving allergy symptoms. It is alcohol-free as well as dye-free.
Reactine Kid's is a liquid formula taken for children ages two to six, 1 tsp at a time for 24 hour relief, or 1/2 tsp in the morning and again at night. For children ages six to 12, the dose is 2 tsp once daily or 1tsp in the morning and again at night.
