Why is Zyrtec Used?

Zyrtec is a prescription antihistamine. It is a second-generation antihistamine and selectively inhibits binding of histamine to type 1 histamine receptors, thereby reducing the incidence of sedation experienced with older antihistamines. Antihistamines compete with histamine for histamine receptor sites. By occupying the histamine receptor sites, antihistamines prevent histamine from its actions.

Zyrtec is indicated for adults and children 6 months or older to temporarily relieve symptoms caused by hay fever and allergies (runny nose, sneezing, itchy/watery eyes, scratchy nose or throat). It is available in a variety of forms, including tablets, capsules, and combined with a decongestant (Zyrtec-D).

What should I avoid while taking Zyrtec?

Tell your doctor if you regularly use other medicines that make you sleepy (such as other cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression, or anxiety). They can add to sleepiness caused by Zyrtec. This medication can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase some of the side effects of Zyrtec.

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 Zyrtec.

• Side effects in adults may include:
• Drowsiness, dry mouth, fatigue
• Side effects in children aged 6 to 11 may include:
• Abdominal pain, coughing, diarrhea, headache, nosebleed, sleepiness, sore throat, wheezing

DRUG INTERACTIONS:

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription products you may use, especially of drugs that cause drowsiness such as: anti-anxiety drugs (e.g., diazepam), other antihistamines that cause drowsiness (e.g., diphenhydramine), anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine), medicine for sleep (e.g., sedatives), muscle relaxants, narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g., phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine, or tricyclics such as amitriptyline), tranquilizers. Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products) because they may contain drowsiness-causing ingredients. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE:

Symptoms of overdose may include: severe drowsiness. In children, symptoms may include initial restlessness and irritability followed by drowsiness.

STORAGE:

Store at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

PRECAUTIONS:

Before taking cetirizine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to hydroxyzine; or if you have any other allergies.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history. Do not self-treat with this medication without consulting your doctor first if you have certain medical conditions such as: kidney disease, liver disease.This drug may make you drowsy. Use caution while driving, using machinery, or doing any activity that requires alertness. Limit alcoholic beverages.

If you have hives and your doctor has prescribed cetirizine, or if you are considering using this drug to treat your own hives, tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these other symptoms because they may be signs of a more serious condition: hives that are an unusual color, hives that look bruised or blistered, hives that do not itch.

Kidney function declines as you grow older. This medication is removed by the kidneys. Therefore, older adults may be at greater risk for side effects (e.g., drowsiness) while using this drug.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed and as directed by your doctor. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor before taking this drug.

This medication passes into breast milk. Breast-feeding is not recommended while using this drug.