Cetirizine is an antihistamine that reduces the natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine
can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.
Cetirizine is used to treat cold or allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, watery eyes, or
runny nose.
Cetirizine is also used to treat itching and swelling caused by chronic urticaria (hives).
Cetirizine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking cetirizine?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to cetirizine.
Before taking cetirizine, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions.
FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn
baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
Cetirizine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this
medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Older adults may need to take a lower than normal dose. Follow your doctor's instructions.
How should I take cetirizine?
Take this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not
use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.
You may take this medication with or without food.
The chewable tablet must be chewed before you swallow it.
Measure liquid medicine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon.
If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, if they get worse, or if you also have a
fever.
Store cetirizine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose of cetirizine?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait
until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
Do not
take extra medicine
to make up the missed dose.
Where can I get more information about cetirizine?
Your pharmacist has information about cetirizine written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of cetirizine?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side
effects:
fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat;
weakness, tremors (uncontrolled shaking), or sleep
problems (insomnia);
severe restless feeling, hyperactivity;
confusion;
problems with vision; or
urinating less than usual or not at all.
Less serious side effects may include:
dizziness, drowsiness;
tired feeling;
dry mouth;
sore throat, cough;
nausea, constipation; or
headache.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your
doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at
1-800-FDA-1088. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about cetirizine?
Cetirizine can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if
you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase some of the side effects of cetirizine.
Tell your doctor if you regularly use other medicines that make you sleepy (such as other
cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for
seizures, depression, or anxiety). They can add to sleepiness caused by cetirizine.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, if they get worse, or if you also have a
fever.
What should I avoid while taking cetirizine?
Tell your doctor if you regularly use other medicines that make you sleepy (such as other
cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for
seizures, depression, or anxiety). They can add to sleepiness caused by cetirizine.
Cetirizine can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if
you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase some of the side effects of cetirizine.
What other drugs will affect cetirizine?
There may be other drugs that can interact with cetirizine. Tell your doctor about all your
prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs
prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share
your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse
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Content provided by Multum - Last Updated 11/10/2009