General Information and Indications:
Cetirizine is used to relieve symptoms
of hay fever, seasonal allergy, and allergy to other substances (such as
dust mites, animal dander, and molds), including runny nose; sneezing; and
red, itchy, tearing eyes. It is also used to treat symptoms of hives (Urticaria),
including itching and rash. Cetirizine is in a class of medications called
antihistamines. It works by blocking histamine, a substance in the body that
causes allergic symptoms.
Information For Users:
Cetirizine comes as a tablet and a syrup to take by
mouth. It is usually taken once a day with or without food. Follow the
directions on your prescription label, ask your doctor or pharmacist If you
have any questions. Take cetirizine exactly as directed. Do not take more or
less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your health care
provider.
Other uses for this medicine
Cetirizine is also sometimes used to treat insect bites and certain skin
rashes. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this
medication for your condition.
special precautions:
o Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have
allergy to cetirizine, hydroxyzine (Atarax, Vistaril), or any other
medications.
o Inform your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription
medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are
taking. Be sure to mention the following: theophylline (Theobid, Theo-Dur).
Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you
carefully for side effects.
o inform your doctor if you are breast-feeding kidney or liver disease.
o Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are
breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking cetirizine, call your
doctor.
o you should know that cetirizine may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or
operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
o remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this medication.
Possible Adverse
Effects:
Cetirizine may cause adverse effects. Inform
your doctor if any of the following symptoms are severe or do not go away:
o drowsiness
o extreme tiredness (fatigue)
o dry mouth
o headache
o sore throat
o stomach pain
o diarrhea
o vomiting
Some adverse effects could be serious. The following symptom is uncommon,
but if you experience it, call your doctor without delay:
o difficulty swallowing or breathing
Possible Symptoms
of Overdose:
o restlessness
o irritability
o drowsiness
Brand Name(s):
o Zyrtec®
o Zyrtec® Syrup |
