Zyrtec is preventing or treating 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. Zyrtec is also used for preventing or treating chronic hives. Zyrtec may also be used to treat certain conditions as determined by your doctor that may not be listed in the professional package insert.
Cetirizine is an antihistamine. Zyrtec works by blocking the action of histamine and reduces the symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Do NOT use Cetirizine if:
you are allergic to any ingredient in Zyrtec
you have an allergy to hydroxyzine
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using Zyrtec :
Some medical conditions may interact with Cetirizine . Tell your doctor or 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 blood dialysis
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Zyrtec . However, no specific interactions with Cetirizine are known at this time.
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Cetirizine may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use Zyrtec :
Use Cetirizine as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
Take Cetirizine by mouth with or without food.
If you miss a dose of Zyrtec , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Zyrtec .
Important safety information:
Zyrtec may cause drowsiness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Cetirizine with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react 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 pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.
Cetirizine may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid 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 more than a short time.
Use Cetirizine with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially drowsiness.
If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need 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 Cetirizine .
Possible side effects of Zyrtec :
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Drowsiness
dry mouth
tiredness.
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)
