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Cetirizine

Generic name: Cetirizine [se-TIR-a-zeen]
Name of the brand: Zyrtec
Drug class: Antihistamines

What is Cetirizine?

Cetirizine is a new-generation antihistamine that reduces the natural chemical histamine within the body. Histamine is a chemical that can cause symptoms such as itching, sneezing, watery eyes, and a runny nose. Cetirizine is used to manage colds or allergies like sneezing, watery eyes, itching, or a runny nose. Cetirizine can also be used to treat allergic reactions that cause itching and swelling, such as persistent itching and swelling caused by chronic urticaria (hives), and to minimize or eliminate symptoms of chronic allergic nasal rhinitis (rhinitis), seasonal allergic rhinitis chronic idiopathic, allergy asthma, physical urticaria, and atopic skin atopic.

Warnings

Cetirizine may cause adverse effects that can affect your reactions or thinking. Be cautious when driving or engaging in any activity that requires you to stay alert and awake. Beware of drinking alcohol. It may increase some of the negative effects of cetirizine.

Inform your doctor if you frequently take other medications that cause sleepiness (such as allergy or cold medicine, narcotic pain medications such as sleeping pills, sleeping pills such as muscle relaxers, and medication for seizures, depression, and anxiety). They can contribute to sleepiness caused by the drug cetirizine.

Consult your physician in the event that your symptoms do not improve, get worse, or if you have a fever as well.

Before You Take This Drug

It is not recommended to use this medication if you are intolerant to or have experienced an unfavorable reaction to cetirizine.

Before taking cetirizine, inform your physician about all of your medical issues, including whether you've had liver or kidney disease.

Cetirizine is not thought to cause harm to unborn babies. Inform your doctor if you are expecting or planning to become pregnant while receiving treatment. Cetirizine may be absorbed into the breast milk and cause harm to the nursing infant. Avoid using cetirizine if you are not consulting your physician if you are breastfeeding babies.

Cetirizine is recommended for chronic idiopathic urticaria in adults and children six months of age and older.

Adults who are older may have to take a dose that is lower than the normal dosage. Follow your doctor's advice.

How to Take Cetirizine?

Follow the directions for taking cetirizine on the label or as directed by your physician. Don't use it in greater quantities or for a longer time than is recommended.

Cetirizine can be taken in combination with food or not.

The chewable tablet is best chewed before you take it in.

Doses for oral use: Measure the liquid medicines (oral solution) using a specially designed dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a normal spoon used for table preparation. If you don't have an instrument for measuring doses, ask your pharmacist to get one.

Contact your physician if your symptoms don't improve, worsen, or if you suffer from a fever. Keep cetirizine in a cool, dry place free of heat and moisture.

What Happens If I Miss the Dose?

Do not miss the missed dose until immediately after you remember. If it's getting close to time for you to take your next dose, you should wait until then to take your medicine and avoid the missed dose. Don't take any extra medication or add additional doses to replace the missed dose.

What Happens If I Overdose?

Contact emergency medical assistance. If you believe you've consumed too much of this drug,

The symptoms of an overdose can include feeling anxious or restless, as well as feeling tired.

What Should be Avoided?

Talk to your doctor if you frequently take other medications that cause sleepiness (such as any other cold or allergy medications, narcotic pain medications such as sleeping pills, sleep aids, or muscle relaxers, as well as medications for depression, seizures, and anxiety). They may contribute to the sleepiness caused by the drug cetirizine.

Cetirizine may cause adverse effects that could affect your reactions or thinking. Be cautious if you drive or engage in activities that require you to be alert and aware.

Beware of drinking alcohol. It may increase some of the adverse effects of cetirizine.

Contact your doctor immediately. If you experience any serious adverse reactions or any of the signs that indicate an allergic reaction, such as chronic idiopathic urticaria (hives), breathing difficulties, and swelling of your lips, face, and throat, as well as your tongue, Stop using cetirizine immediately and call your doctor immediately in the event that you experience any of the following serious side effects:

  • Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat;
  • Tremors, weakness (uncontrolled shaking), or sleep disorders (insomnia);
  • Intense restlessness excessive hyperactivity and restlessness;
  • Confusion;
  • Issues with vision or
  • The frequency of urination may be lower than normal or none at any time.

The less severe side effects of cetirizine could include:

  • Dizziness, drowsiness;
  • Fatigued feeling;
  • Dry mouth;
  • Sore throat and cough
  • Nausea, constipation,

This isn't a complete list of all the side effects. Other side effects could be present. Discuss with your physician any unusual or unpleasant adverse reactions.

Interaction with Other Drugs

There are other medications that are incompatible with cetirizine. Inform your doctor of the prescription and over-the-counter medicines, such as minerals, vitamins, products made from herbs, and medications prescribed by your doctor. Do not begin an entirely new drug without consulting your doctor.