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What is the most important information I should know about
cetirizine?
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Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing
other hazardous activities. Cetirizine may cause dizziness or drowsiness.
If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities. |
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Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and
dizziness while taking cetirizine. |
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While you are taking cetirizine, do not take other
prescription or over-the-counter cough, cold, or allergy medications
without first talking to your doctor or pharmacist. |
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Cetirizine is an antihistamine. Cetirizine blocks
the actions of the naturally occurring chemical histamine in the body.
Cetirizine is less likely than some other antihistamines to cause side
effects such as drowsiness and dizziness. |
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Cetirizine is used to treat the symptoms of allergies such as
sneezing; runny nose; itching, tearing, and redness of the eyes; and
hives. |
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Cetirizine may also be used for purposes other than those
listed in this medication guide. |
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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
cetirizine?
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Do not take cetirizine without first talking to your doctor
if you have had an allergic reaction to it or to the medication
hydroxyzine (Atarax, Vistaril). |
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Before taking cetirizine, tell your doctor if you have
kidney or liver disease. You may need a dosage adjustment or special
monitoring during treatment. |
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Cetirizine is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means
that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take
cetirizine without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or
could become pregnant during treatment. |
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Cetirizine passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing
baby. Do not take cetirizine without first talking to your doctor if you
are breast-feeding a baby. |
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If you are over 65 years of age, you may be more likely to
experience side effects from cetirizine. Your doctor may prescribe a
lower dose of this medication. |
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How should I take cetirizine?
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Take cetirizine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you
do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or
doctor to explain them to you. |
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Take the tablets with a full glass of water. |
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Chew the chewable tablets thoroughly before swallowing. |
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To ensure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid form
of cetirizine with a dose-measuring spoon, cup, or dropper, not with a
regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask
your pharmacist where you can get one. |
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Cetirizine can be taken with or without food. |
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Store cetirizine at room temperature away from moisture and
heat. |
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What happens if I miss a dose?
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If you are taking cetirizine on a regular schedule, take the
missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for
the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly
scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose. |
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If you are taking cetirizine as needed, take the missed dose
if it is needed, then wait the recommended or prescribed amount of time
before taking another dose. |
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What happens if I overdose?
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Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected. |
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Symptoms of a cetirizine overdose are not well known but may
include drowsiness. |
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What should I avoid while taking cetirizine?
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Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing
other hazardous activities. Cetirizine may cause dizziness or drowsiness.
If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities. |
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Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and
dizziness while taking cetirizine. |
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Cetirizine may increase the effects of other drugs that
cause drowsiness or dizziness, including antidepressants, alcohol,
sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines,
muscle relaxants, and other antihistamines. Tell your doctor about all
medicines that you are taking, and do not take any medicine without
first talking to your doctor. |
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While you are taking cetirizine, do not take other
prescription or over-the-counter cough, cold, or allergy medications
without first talking to your doctor or pharmacist. |
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What are the possible side effects of cetirizine?
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Stop taking cetirizine and seek emergency medical attention
if you experience a rare but serious allergic reaction (difficulty
breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face;
or hives). |
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Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur.
Continue to take cetirizine and talk to your doctor if you experience |
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Side effects other than those listed here may also occur.
Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is
especially bothersome. |
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What other drugs will affect cetirizine?
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Cetirizine may increase the effects of other drugs that
cause drowsiness or dizziness, including antidepressants, alcohol,
sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines,
muscle relaxants, and other antihistamines. Tell your doctor about all
medicines that you are taking, and do not take any medicine without
first talking to your doctor. |
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While you are taking cetirizine, do not take other
prescription or over-the-counter cough, cold, or allergy medications
without first talking to your doctor or pharmacist. |
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Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with
cetirizine. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any
prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals,
and herbal products. |
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Where can I get more information?
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Your pharmacist has more information about cetirizine
written for health professionals that you may read. |
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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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Every effort has been made to ensure that the information
provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and
complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information
contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been
compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United
States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the
United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise.
Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or
recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational
resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring
for their patients and/ or to serve consumers viewing this service as a
supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge
and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a
given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate
that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for
any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any
aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum
provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all
possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions,
allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the
drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist. |
Copyright 1996-2004 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 5.01. Revision
date: 5/ 14/ 04. |
