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Cetirizine HCL

 

Cetirizine HCL (generic Zyrtec) Review

brand name: Zyrtec
generic names: Cetirizine dihydrochloride, Cetirizine hydrochloride, Cetirizine

What is cetirizine?

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.

Cetirizine is used to treat the symptoms of allergies such as sneezing; runny nose; itching, tearing, and redness of the eyes; and hives.

Cetirizine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I watch for while taking Cetirizine (Zyrtec)?

Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not start to improve in 2 or 3 days.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how Cetirizine affects you.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water will help.

How should you take Zyrtec?

Take Zyrtec once a day, exactly as prescribed. This medication can be taken with or without food.

--If you miss a dose...

If you are taking this medication on a regular schedule, take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Zyrtec may make your mouth dry. Sucking hard candy, chewing a stick of gum, or melting bits of ice in your mouth can provide relief.

--Storage instructions...

Store the tablets and syrup at room temperature. The syrup may be refrigerated.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

• This medicine may pass into breast milk. It should not be used by breastfeeding mothers. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
  
  
• The safety of this medicine during pregnancy has not been established. The manufacturer therefore advises that it should be avoided during pregnancy. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
  
  

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of Zyrtec during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, tell your doctor immediately. Zyrtec appears in breast milk and should not be used if you are breastfeeding.

What side effects may I notice from taking Cetirizine (Zyrtec)?

Serious side effects to Cetirizine are rare. Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
•any unusual effects that are bothersome

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•diarrhea
•dizziness
•drowsiness
•dry mouth
•fatigue
•headache
•nausea or stomach upset
•sore throat