Zyrtec
Cetirizine
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Zyrtec
Zyrtec is an antihistaminic drug. It acts by blocking the action of histamine (the major mediator of allergy and inflammation) and reduces the symptoms of allergic reactions.
Therapeutic Uses of Zyrtec
Zyrtec is used for prevention or treatment of 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 prevention or treatment of chronic hives. It can also be used for other medical conditions as determined by your doctor.
Direction of use of Zyrtec
Zyrtec should be used as your doctor asks you to use. Read the label on the medicine carefully for exact dosing instructions. Take Zyrtec orally with food (especially if stomach upset is present) or without food. If you miss a dose of Zyrtec, you should take it as soon as possible.
If You Miss a Dose of Zyrtec
If you miss a dose of this medicine (Zyrtec), take it as soon as you can remember. If you miss for long time and it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose of Zyrtec and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at a time to compensate for the missed dose.
How to Store Zyrtec
Zyrtec should be stored at 20-25 degrees C (68-77 degrees F). It can be stored at 15-30 degrees C (59-86 degrees F) for a brief period of time without any problem. Store it away from heat, moisture and light in a tightly closed light resistant container. Keep Zyrtec out of reach of children.
More Information About Zyrtec
- Use Zyrtec with caution. Zyrtec may cause drowsiness and dizziness and these effects are worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks like operating heavy machinery which require constant monitoring and attention, until you know how you react to it.
- Do not drink alcohol or use certain medicines that may cause drowsiness (sleep aids, muscle relaxants) while you are on Zyrtec; it may add to their effects. Ask your doctor or other health care provider if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.
- Sunburn may be a side effect of Zyrtec. You should avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths while using Zyrtec, until you know how you react to it. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for any reason, more than a short time.
- Use Zyrtec with caution in the elderly people as they may be more sensitive to its side effects, especially side effects like drowsiness.
- Use Zyrtec with caution in children as they may be more sensitive to its side effects, especially stomach pain and sleeping problems. Zyrtec should be used with extreme caution in children younger than 6 months old as the safety and effectiveness of it in these children have not been established.
- Pregnancy and breast feeding: Do not take Zyrtec if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant, while taking Zyrtec, you should contact your doctor to discuss the benefits and risks of using Zyrtec during pregnancy. Zyrtec is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Zyrtec.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Zyrtec
Do not use Zyrtec, if you are allergic to any of the ingredients used in Zyrtec or to hydroxyzine and consult your doctor or other health care provider right away.
Some medical conditions may interact with Zyrtec. Inform your doctor if you have any medical problem that may interact with Zyrtec, especially any of the following medical problems:
- If you are a woman and pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding.
- If you are taking any prescription medicine or over the counter medicine (nonprescription medicine), herbal preparation, or dietary supplements.
- If you have any kidney or liver problems, or if you are receiving dialysis for kidney problem.
- If you have allergies to any other medicine, food, or any other substance.
Possible Adverse Effects of Zyrtec
- All medicines may cause some side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Inform or consult your doctor if you experience any of the common side effects of Zyrtec and any of them become troublesome or persistent. The common and mild side effects of Zyrtec are drowsiness, tiredness, headache, dry mouth, stomach pain and sleep disturbance (both of the side effects seen in children).
- Seek medical attention right away if any of the severe side effects occur in you. The severe side effects of Zyrtec are severe allergic reaction (the manifestations of severe allergic reaction are skin rash, itching, difficulty in breathing, tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; unusual hoarseness of voice etc.); dark color urine, fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; seizures, mental or mood changes; persistent fatigue, severe dizziness; unusual bruising or bleeding, yellowing of eyes, yellowing of skin etc.
