Common uses
Zyrtec (CETIRIZINE) is an antihistamine used to treat both seasonal and
perennial allergy symptoms such as watery eyes, runny nose (rhinitis), itching
eyes, and sneezing. Cetirizine is also used to treat hives.
Before using
Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are
taking other medicines that cause drowsiness such as medicine for sleep (e.g.,
sedatives), tranquilizers, anti-anxiety medicines (e.g., diazepam), narcotic
pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g., phenothiazines
such as chlorpromazine, or tricyclics such as amitriptyline), anti-seizure
medicines (e.g., carbamazepine), muscle relaxants, or other antihistamines
that cause drowsiness (e.g., diphenhydramine).
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy,
or breast-feeding. Do not take this medicine if you have an allergy to the
medicine hydroxyzine. Additional monitoring of your dose may be needed if
you have a history of kidney disease, or liver disease. Contact your doctor
or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.
Directions
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This
medicine is usually taken by mouth once daily. This medicine may be taken
on an empty stomach or with food. Store this medicine at room temperature
between 68 and 77 degrees f (20 to 25 degrees c) in a tightly-closed container,
away from heat, moisture, and light.
Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees f (15 and 30 degrees c) is acceptable.
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. If it is
almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your
regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Cautions
This medicine may cause drowsiness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or
do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to
this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol
may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous
tasks.
Limit alcoholic beverages while taking this medicine. Do not increase
your dose or take more of this medicine than prescribed without checking
with
your doctor. Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription
or over-the-counter (e.g., cough-and-cold products), check with your doctor
or pharmacist about their safe use. These medicines may also contain ingredients
which can cause drowsiness. This medicine may interfere with allergy test
results. Check with your doctor for instruction on how long you will need
to stop taking this medicine prior to those tests.
?aution is advised when
using this medicine in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to
the effects of this medicine, especially the drowsiness
effect. For women: if you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor
the benefits and the risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. This
medicine is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking this
medicine.
Possible side effects
Side effects, that may go away during treatment, include drowsiness, fatigue,
or dry mouth. In children, stomach pain or vomiting may occur. If they continue
or are bothersome, check with your doctor. Contact your doctor immediately
if you experience yellowing of eyes or skin, dark urine, or persistent fatigue.
An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical
attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching,
swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not
listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
If you take too much
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency
room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include severe drowsiness. In
children symptoms may include restlessness and irritability at first followed
by drowsiness.
Additional information
Carry an identification card at all times that says you are taking this
medicine. If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, contact
your doctor. Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed.
Do
not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out
of the reach of children and pets. If using this medicine for an extended
period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.
Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine
from doing its job. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with
this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter
medicine that you are taking.
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