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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. |
