Drug Name

Zyrtec (Cetirizine)

Drug Uses

Zyrtec is used for preventing or treating symptoms of hay fever and other upper respiratory allergies such as stuffy nose, runny nose, sneezing, itching of the nose and throat, and itchy, watery eyes. It is also used for preventing or treating chronic hives. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How Taken

Use Zyrtec as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
Take Zyrtec by mouth with or without food.
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.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Zyrtec is an antihistamine. It works by blocking the action of histamine and reduces the symptoms of an allergic reaction.

Missed Dose

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.

Storage

Store at 20-25 degrees C (68-77 degrees F); excursions permitted to 15-30 degrees C (59-86 degrees F).

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Zyrtec, if you are allergic to any ingredient in Zyrtec or to hydroxyzine Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Some medical conditions may interact with Zyrtec . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have kidney or liver problems, or are receiving dialysis

Possible Side Effects

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

• Drowsiness; dry mouth; stomach pain (in children); tiredness; trouble sleeping (in children).

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

• Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; unusual hoarseness); dark urine; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; mental or mood changes; persistent fatigue; seizures; severe dizziness; unusual bruising or bleeding; yellowing of eyes or skin.

More Information

Zyrtec may cause drowsiness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Zyrtec with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Zyrtec ; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.
Zyrtec may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Zyrtec . Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.
Use Zyrtec with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially drowsiness.
Caution is advised when using Zyrtec in CHILDREN; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially stomach pain and trouble sleeping. Zyrtec should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN younger than 6 months old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Zyrtec while you are pregnant. Zyrtec is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Zyrtec .