Anti-Allergic/Asthma

Zyrtec (Cetirizine)

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

Use Zyrtec as prescribed by your doctor. Verify the label on the medicine for direct dosing instructions. Take Zyrtec orally with or without food.

Zyrtec is a drug that neutralizes the effects of histamine.

If you miss a dose take it as soon as you can. In case if it’s time for your next schedule dose then just skip the missed one. Don’t double doses.

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

If you are allergic to any ingredient in Zyrtec or to hydroxyzine do not use Zyrtec or contact your health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Some medical conditions may interact with Zyrtec so tell your 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

All medicines may cause less or more side effects. Verify with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become tiresome:

- 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.

Zyrtec may cause drowsiness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Zyrtec with warning. Do not drive or perform other possibly perilous tasks until you know how you respond 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 doctor if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness. Zyrtec may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Keep out 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 a long time.Use Zyrtec with warning in the ELDERLY; they may be more delicate to its effects, especially drowsiness.

Heed is advised when using Zyrtec in CHILDREN; they may be more susceptible to its effects, especially stomach pain and trouble sleeping. Zyrtec should be used with special attention in CHILDREN younger than 6 months old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been settled.

If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will have 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 .