What is Zyrtec?
Zyrtec is used by both children and adults to treat allergies or cold symptoms such as sneezing, watery eyes, itching, or a swollen nose.Zyrtec can also be used for treating swelling and itching due to chronic itching and swelling caused by urticaria (hives).
Zyrtec is an antihistamine that minimizes the effects of histamine, the natural chemical that is present in our body. Histamine may cause symptoms such as a running nose, itching eyes, watery eyes, and nasal congestion.
Warnings
Before you use Zyrtec, inform your doctor of all medical conditions, as well as allergies, all medications you take, and if you're nursing or pregnant.Zyrtec can impair your thinking or reactions. Be cautious if you drive or engage in any activity that requires you to be vigilant. Alcohol consumption can trigger certain side effects associated with cetirizine.
Speak to your physician if you frequently take other medications that cause you to sleep (such as cold or allergy medicines such as narcotic pain medication, sleep pills, sleeping pills, or muscle relaxers, as well as medications for depression, seizures, and anxiety). They may contribute to insomnia caused by Zyrtec. Contact your doctor if symptoms don't improve, if they become higher, or if you also experience fever.
Before you take this drug
It is not recommended to take Zyrtec in the event that you have an allergy to cetirizine or other medicines like thevocetirizine as well as the hydroxyzine.Talk to your doctor or pharmacist prior to using Zyrtec in case you suffer from any health issues.
To be sure Zyrtec is appropriate for you, ask your doctor if you previously had:
- Recently, people have utilized alcohol, sedatives, or tranquilizers.
- Kidney or liver disease
Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or pregnant.
How to take Zyrtec?
Take Zyrtece exactly as it is prescribed. Follow the directions on the prescription label and study all medication guides or instructions sheets.Zyrtec is a medicine that can be consumed without or with food.You should chew the tablet before you take it in.
Take the tablet that is disintegrating orally out of the pack using dry hands only after the time comes to consume the medication. Start taking this medication immediately following the opening of your blister package. The tablet should be allowed to disintegrate inside your mouth without chewing.
Use the measuring device supplied (not an ordinary spoon).The dosage you require could change when you switch to an alternative brand or strength of this medication. Make sure you use it exactly as indicated on the label or as recommended by your physician.Contact your physician if your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse.Keep at room temperature, far from heat, humidity, and light.
Details on dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Allergic Rhinitis:
5–10 mg in a single dose
Maximum dose: 10 mg/day.
Usual Adult Dose for Urticaria:
5–10 mg taken orally every day
Maximum dose: 10 mg/day.
Usual Geriatric Dose for Allergic Rhinitis:
5–10 mg in a single dose
Maximum dose: 10 mg/day.
Usual Geriatric Dose for Urticaria:
5–10 mg taken orally at least once per day
Maximum dose: 10 mg/day
Comment:
Some experts recommend that patients older than 65 start taking 5 mg taken orally every day.
Uses:
Relief of symptoms caused by the chronic allergic rhinitis triggered by allergens (e.g., nasal sneezing or rhinorrhea, nasal pruritus, tearing, ocular pruritus)
Treatment of uncomplicated skin manifestations of chronic idiopathic urticaria
American Academy of Otolaryngology (AAO) and Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (HNSF) guidelines:
Between 66 and 76 years, 5–10 mg taken orally daily
Age 77 and over 5 mg oral dose daily
Therapy duration It should last for 6 months or more.
Comment:
Antihistamines intranasal can be used to treat patients suffering from chronic or perennial allergic rhinitis.
Use: Treatment for allergic rhinitis that causes sneezing, coughing, and itching
Usual Pediatric Dose for Allergic Rhinitis:
From 6 months to 2 years:
Initial dosage: 2.5 mg orally once every day.
Maintenance dose: 2.5 mg orally once, 2 times a day.
Maximum dose: 5 mg/day
2-5 years:
Initial dosage: 2.5 mg orally once every day.
Maintenance dose: 2.5 mg orally 2 times per day or 5 mg orally every day.
Maximum dose: 5 mg/day
6 years old and over 6 years and older: 5–10 mg taken orally daily
Maximum dose: 10 mg/day.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Urticaria:
From 6 months to 2 years:
Initial dosage: 2.5 mg orally once per day.
Dose for maintenance: 2.5 mg orally once, up to two times per day.
Maximum dose: 5 mg/day
2-5 years:
Initial dosage: 2.5 mg orally once per day.
Dosage for maintenance: 2.5 mg orally 2 times a day, or 5 mg orally every day.
Maximum dose: 5 mg/day
Ages 6 and older Ages 6 and over: 5 to 10 mg taken orally daily
Maximum dose: 10 mg/day.
Do I be concerned if I miss a dose?
Zyrtec is used in situations where it is necessary. If you're following a prescribed dosage schedule, do not miss any doses. Take two doses simultaneously.
What will happen if I take excessively?
If you are experiencing medical emergency, seek urgent medical attention, or call to receive assistance at the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose symptoms can include severe sleepiness or vision issues, agitation, rapid heartbeats, stomach discomfort, nausea, vomiting, and trouble walking. Difficulties eating or talking.
What should be avoided?
Avoid driving and other hazardous activities until you are aware of the effects of this medication on you. Drowsiness, dizziness, or confusion can lead to accidents, falls, or even serious injuries.
Alcohol consumption with this medicine could cause adverse effects.
Side effects of Zyrtec
See a doctor immediately. If you show symptoms of an allergic reaction to Zyrtec, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of your lips, face, or tongue,
Common Zyrtec adverse effects could include:
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
- Cough, drowsiness, tiredness;
- Headache, dizziness, feeling light-headed;
- Sweating, hot;
- Numbness, tingling, burning pain;
- Changed taste perception;
- Upset stomach, constipation,
- Dry mouth, nosebleed, sore throat
This is not a comprehensive list of possible side effects, and others could happen. Consult your physician for advice regarding medical effects. You can report any side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interaction with other drugs
Utilizing Zyrtec along with other drugs that cause you to become drowsy could cause more of this. Consult your physician before taking opioids, sleeping pills, a muscle relaxer, or medicine to treat an anxiety disorder or seizures.
Other medications may be incompatible with cetirizine, such as medications that are prescribed and available over the counter, vitamins, and herbal products. Discuss with your physician all the other medicines you are taking.
