Cetirizine is an antihistamine used to relieve allergy
symptoms such as watery eyes, runny nose, itching eyes/nose, sneezing,
hives, and itching. It works by blocking a certain natural substance
(histamine) that your body makes during an allergic
reaction.
Cetirizine does not prevent hives or prevent/treat a
serious allergic reaction (such as anaphylaxis). If your doctor has
prescribed epinephrine to treat allergic reactions, always carry your
epinephrine injector with you. Do not use cetirizine in place of your
epinephrine.
If you are taking the over-the-counter product to
self-treat, read all directions on the product package before taking this
medication. If you have any questions, consult your pharmacist. If your
doctor has prescribed this medication, take it as directed, usually once
daily.
If you are using the chewable tablets, chew each tablet
well and swallow. If you are using the rapidly-dissolving tablet, allow the
tablet to dissolve on the tongue and then swallow, with or without water.
If you are using the liquid form of this medication, measure the dose
carefully using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household
spoon because you may not get the correct dose.
The dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and
response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or take this medication
more often than directed.
Tell your doctor if your allergy symptoms do not get
better, if your hives do not improve after 3 days of treatment, or if your
hives last more than 6 weeks. Get medical help right away if your condition
gets worse or if you think you have a serious medical problem (such as a
very serious allergic reaction/anaphylaxis).
Drowsiness, tiredness, and dry mouth may occur. Stomach
pain may also occur, especially in children. If any of these effects last
or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
If your doctor has prescribed this medication, remember
that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- difficulty urinating
- weakness
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before taking cetirizine, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it; or to hydroxyzine; or to levocetirizine; or if
you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive
ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to
your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- difficulty urinating (such as due to an enlarged
prostate)
- kidney disease
- liver disease
If you are using this medication to treat hives, tell
your doctor right away if you have any of these other symptoms because they
may be signs of a more serious condition:
- hives that are an unusual color
- hives that look bruised or blistered
- hives that do not itch
This drug may make you drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana
(cannabis) can make you more drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do
anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic
beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana
(cannabis).
Liquid products may contain sugar. Caution is advised if
you have diabetes. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this product
safely.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your
doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other
products that cause drowsiness such as opioid pain or cough relievers (such
as codeine, hydrocodone), alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), drugs for sleep or
anxiety (such as alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (such
as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), or other antihistamines (such as
chlorpheniramine, diphenhydramine).
Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy
or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause
drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products
safely.
Do not use with any other antihistamines applied to the
skin (such as diphenhydramine cream, ointment, spray) because increased
side effects may occur.
Cetirizine is very similar to hydroxyzine and
levocetirizine. Do not use these medications while using
cetirizine.
This medication may interfere with certain lab tests
(such as allergy skin testing), possibly causing false test results. Make
sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this
drug.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe
drowsiness. In children, mental/mood changes (such as restlessness,
irritability) may occur before drowsiness.
Keep all medical and lab appointments.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.
Do not store in the bathroom. Different brands of this medication may have
different storage needs. Check the product package for instructions on how
to store your brand, or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medications away from
children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.