Why is Cetirizine
prescribed?
Cetirizine is an antihistamine. It is
prescribed to treat the sneezing; itchy, runny nose; and
itchy, red, watery eyes caused by seasonal allergies such as
hay fever. Cetirizine also relieves the symptoms of year-round
allergies due to dust, mold, and animal dander. This
medication is also used in the treatment of chronic itchy skin
and hives.
Most important fact about
Cetirizine
Cetirizine may cause drowsiness. Be especially
careful driving or operating dangerous machinery or
participating in any hazardous activity that requires full
mental alertness until you know how you react to this
medication.
How should you take Cetirizine?
Take
Cetirizine once a day, exactly as prescribed. This medication
can be taken with or without food.
Cetirizine may make your mouth dry.
Sucking hard candy, chewing a stick of gum, or melting bits of
ice in your mouth can provide relief.
--If you miss a dose...
If you are taking this medication on a
regular schedule, take the forgotten dose as soon as you
remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the
one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not
take 2 doses at once.
--Storage instructions...
Store tablets at room
temperature.
What side effects may occur?
Side
effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in
intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your
doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking
Cetirizine.
· More common side effects in adults may
include:
Drowsiness, dry mouth, fatigue
· Less common side effects in adults may
include:
Dizziness, sore throat
· More common side effects in children
aged 6 to 11 may include:
Abdominal pain, coughing,
diarrhea, headache, nosebleed, sleepiness, sore throat,
wheezing
· Less common side effects in children
aged 6 to 11 may include:
Nausea, vomiting
Why should Cetirizine not be
prescribed?
Avoid Cetirizine if it causes a reaction, or if
you have ever had a reaction to the similar drug
Atarax.
Special warnings about Cetirizine
If
you have kidney or liver disease, be sure to tell your doctor.
Your dose of this medication may have to be
reduced.
Possible food and drug interactions when
taking Cetirizine
You should avoid drinking alcohol or
taking sedatives, tranquilizers, sleeping pills, or muscle
relaxants while using Cetirizine. They can lead to increased
drowsiness and reduced mental alertness. Among the products to
avoid are the following:
Antidepressants such as Tofranil, Elavil,
Ludiomil, and Anafranil
Muscle relaxants such as Valium and
Soma
Pain-relieving narcotics such as codeine, Demerol, and
Percocet
Sedatives such as Nembutal, Seconal, and
phenobarbital
Sleeping pills such as Halcion, Restoril, and
Ambien
High doses of theophylline (Theo-Dur)
Special information if you are pregnant
or breastfeeding
The effects of Cetirizine during pregnancy
have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan
to become pregnant, tell your doctor immediately. Cetirizine
appears in breast milk and should not be used if you are
breastfeeding.
Recommended dosage
ADULTS AND CHILDREN
12 YEARS AND OLDER
The usual starting dose is 5 or 10
milligrams once a day, depending on the severity of your
symptoms. If you have a kidney or liver condition, the doctor
will probably prescribe 5 milligrams daily.
CHILDREN 6 TO 11 YEARS
The usual starting dose is 5 or 10
milligrams once a day. If your child has a kidney or liver
condition, the doctor will probably prescribe the lower dose.
CHILDREN 2 TO 5 YEARS
The usual starting dose is 2.5 milligrams
once a day. Dosage may be increased to a maximum of 5
milligrams once daily or 2.5 milligrams every 12 hours. If the
child has a kidney or liver condition, Cetirizine should not
be given.
Overdosage
Any medication taken in
excess can have serious consequences. In adults, the primary
symptom of a Cetirizine overdose is extreme sleepiness. In
children, restlessness and irritability may precede
drowsiness. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical treatment
immediately.
Zyrtec® is a registered trademark of
Pfizer, Inc.
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