Zyrtec

Zyrtec Drug Information

• Zyrtec Overview

  Cetirizine is an antihistamine used to relieve allergy symptoms such as watery eyes, runny nose, itching eyes/nose, sneezing, hives, and itching. It works by blocking a certain natural substance (histamine) that your body makes during an allergic reaction. Cetirizine does not prevent hives or prevent/treat a serious allergic reaction (such as anaphylaxis). Therefore, if your doctor has prescribed epinephrine to treat allergic reactions, always carry your epinephrine injector with you. Do not use cetirizine in place of your epinephrine.

• How to Use Zyrtec

  If you are taking the over-the-counter product to self-treat, read all directions on the product package before taking Zyrtec. If you have any questions, consult your pharmacist. If your doctor has prescribed Zyrtec, take it as directed, usually once daily. If you are using the chewable tablets, chew each tablet well and swallow. If you are using the rapidly-dissolving tablet, allow the tablet to dissolve on the tongue and then swallow, with or without water. If you are using the liquid form of Zyrtec, measure the dose carefully using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. The Dosage of Zyrtec is based on your age, medical condition, and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or take Zyrtec more often than directed. Tell your doctor if your allergy symptoms do not improve, if your hives do not improve after 3 days of treatment, or if your hives last more than 6 weeks. Get medical help right away if your condition worsens or if you think you have a serious medical problem (such as a very serious allergic reaction/anaphylaxis).

• Zyrtec Precautions

  Before taking cetirizine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to hydroxyzine; or to levocetirizine; or if you have any other allergies. Zyrtec may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using Zyrtec, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history,difficulty urinating (such as due to an enlarged prostate), kidney disease, liver disease. If you are using Zyrtec to treat hives,hives that are an unusual color, hives that look bruised or blistered, hives that do not itch. Zyrtec may make you drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis). Liquid products may contain sugar. Caution is advised if you have diabetes. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using Zyrtec safely. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). During pregnancy, Zyrtec should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Zyrtec passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

• Zyrtec Misdose

  If you miss a dose of Zyrtec, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

• Zyrtec Interactions

  Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products that cause drowsiness such as opioid pain or cough relievers (such as codeine, hydrocodone), alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (such as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), or other antihistamines (such as chlorpheniramine, diphenhydramine). Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely. Do not use with any other antihistamines applied to the skin (such as diphenhydramine cream, ointment, spray) because increased side effects may occur. Cetirizine is very similar to hydroxyzine and levocetirizine. Do not use these medications while using cetirizine. Zyrtec may interfere with certain laboratory tests (including allergy skin testing), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use Zyrtec.

• Zyrtec Side Effects

  What are Zyrtec side effects?

  Side effects are physical, mental or emotional symptoms which occur in addition to or outside of the desired effect of a therapeutic treatment such as an over-the-counter or prescribed drug or medication. Side effects from Zyrtec may occur at the beginning or at the end of treatment and may also depend on the length of time an individual remains on the treatment. Side effects, also known as adverse effects, are generally more likely to occur when starting treatment. Individuals may also experience side effects from Zyrtec as a result of an interaction with other medications.

  Side Effects of Zyrtec

  The side effects of Zyrtec may vary in number and intensity for many different reasons. Factors such as age, weight, gender and ethnicity may influence the side effects of Zyrtec. Also, an individual’s state of general physical health and seriousness of the disease or illness as well as an increase or decrease in dosage may lead to side effects. Further, side effects from Zyrtec may also occur as a result of an interaction with certain herbal supplements, foods or drinks.

  Prescription drug side effects can be serious and may cause patients to stop the treatment. However, when side effects from the use of a prescription drug, such as Zyrtec, do occur a patient should consult their physician. A physician may prescribe an additional treatment in order to control the symptoms or an adjustment in the dosage may be made. In addition, changes to diet, exercise or other lifestyle activities may help to lessen the side effects of Zyrtec.

  By understanding side effects and the factors which may influence the occurrence of side effects patients are empowered to take an active role in their care. Patients who have specific questions about the side effects of Zyrtec, or any other medication, should contact their physician. General information about Zyrtec and the side effects associated with Zyrtec are described in the following:

  Common Zyrtec Side Effects

  Severe

  Less Severe

  • dry nose
  • xerostomia
  • drowsy
  • dry throat

  Less Frequent Zyrtec Side Effects

  Severe

  Less Severe

  • pharyngitis
  • insomnia

  Rare or Very Rare Zyrtec Side Effects

  Severe

  • cardiac arrhythmia
  • bronchospastic pulmonary disease
  • hepatitis
  • disease of liver
  • cholestasis
  • seizure disorder
  • tonic clonic seizure
  • edema
  • palpitations
  • anaphylaxis
  • acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis

  Less Severe

  • acute confusion
  • excitement
  • nightmares
  • blurred vision
  • visual changes
  • tinnitus
  • constipation
  • skin photosensitivity
  • dizziness
  • fatigue
  • hyperhidrosis
  • tremor
  • unsteady gait
  • skin rash
  • anorexia
  • weight gain
  • increased appetite
  • epistaxis
  • tachycardia
  • nausea
  • diarrhea
  • dysuria
  • abdominal pain with cramps
  • nervousness

• Zyrtec Storage

  Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Different brands of Zyrtec may have different storage needs. Check the product package for instructions on how to store your brand, or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard Zyrtec when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.