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Generic Name: cetirizine (se TEER i zeen)
Brand Names:
Zyrtec |
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What is the most important information I should know about
cetirizine? |
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Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous
activities. Cetirizine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience
dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities. |
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Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while
you are taking cetirizine. |
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Cetirizine is an antihistamine. Antihistamines prevent sneezing, runny nose,
itching and watering of the eyes, and other allergic
symptoms. |
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Cetirizine is used to treat allergies, hives (urticaria), and other allergic
inflammatory conditions. |
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Cetirizine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide. |
Who should not take cetirizine? |
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Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver
disease. You may need a lower dose or special monitoring during your therapy
with cetirizine. |
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Cetirizine is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is
unlikely to harm an unborn baby. Do not take cetirizine without first talking to
your doctor if you are pregnant. |
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Cetirizine passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing baby. Do not
take cetirizine without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a
baby. |
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If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side
effects from cetirizine. You may require a lower dose of this
medication. |
How should I take cetirizine? |
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Take cetirizine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand
these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to
you. |
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Take each dose with a full glass of water. |
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Cetirizine can be taken with or without food. |
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Cetirizine is usually taken once daily. Follow your doctor's
instructions. |
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Store cetirizine at room temperature away from moisture and
heat. |
What happens if I miss a dose? |
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Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time
for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly
scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this
medication. |
What happens if I overdose? |
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Seek emergency medical attention. |
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Symptoms of a cetirizine overdose are not well known, but extreme
sleepiness, confusion, and weakness may be expected. |
What should I avoid while taking cetirizine? |
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Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous
activities. Cetirizine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience
dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities. |
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Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while
you are taking cetirizine. |
What are the possible side effects of
cetirizine? |
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Stop taking cetirizine and seek emergency medical attention if you
experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat;
swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives). |
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Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to
take cetirizine and talk to your doctor if you
experience |
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sleepiness, fatigue, or dizziness; |
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Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your
doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially
bothersome. |
What other drugs will affect cetirizine? |
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Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the
following medicines: |
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medications for anxiety or sleep such as alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam
(Valium), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), temazepam (Restoril), or triazolam
(Halcion); |
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medications for depression such as amitriptyline (Elavil), doxepin
(Sinequan), nortriptyline (Pamelor), fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft),
or paroxetine (Paxil); |
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other cough, cold, or allergy medicines; or |
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any other medications that cause drowsiness, sleepiness, or
relaxation. |
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Heavy sedation may occur if cetirizine is taken with any of the medicines
listed above. |
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Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with cetirizine. Talk
to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter
medicines. |
Where can I get more information? |
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Your pharmacist has more information about cetirizine written for health
professionals that you may
read. | |
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