Zyrtec

Generic Name: Cetirizine
Brand Names: Zyrtec

Zyrtec (Cetirizine) is used for:

• Preventing or treating symptoms of hay fever and other upper respiratory allergies such as stuffy nose, runny nose, sneezing, itching of the nose and throat, and itchy, watery eyes. It is also used for preventing or treating chronic hives. It may also be used to treat certain conditions as determined by your doctor that may not be listed in the professional package insert.
• Zyrtec (Cetirizine) is an antihistamine. It works by blocking the action of histamine and reduces the symptoms of an allergic reaction.

Do NOT use Zyrtec (Cetirizine) if:

• • you are allergic to any ingredient in Zyrtec (Cetirizine)
  • you have an allergy to hydroxyzine
• Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Zyrtec (Cetirizine) :

• Some medical conditions may interact with Zyrtec (Cetirizine) . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
  • if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
  • if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
  • if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
  • if you have kidney or liver problems, or are receiving blood dialysis
• Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Zyrtec (Cetirizine) . However, no specific interactions with Zyrtec (Cetirizine) are known at this time.
• This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Zyrtec (Cetirizine) may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Zyrtec (Cetirizine) :

• Use Zyrtec (Cetirizine) as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
  • Take Zyrtec (Cetirizine) by mouth with or without food.
  • If you miss a dose of Zyrtec (Cetirizine) , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
• Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Zyrtec (Cetirizine) .

Important safety information:

• Zyrtec (Cetirizine) may cause drowsiness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Zyrtec (Cetirizine) with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Zyrtec (Cetirizine) ; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.
• Zyrtec (Cetirizine) may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Zyrtec (Cetirizine) . Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.
• Use Zyrtec (Cetirizine) with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially drowsiness.
• If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Zyrtec (Cetirizine) while you are pregnant. Zyrtec (Cetirizine) is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Zyrtec (Cetirizine) .

Possible side effects of Zyrtec (Cetirizine) :

• All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
  • Drowsiness
  • dry mouth
  • tiredness.
• Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
  • Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue)
  • dark urine
  • increased heart rate
  • persistent fatigue
  • yellowing of eyes or skin.

Where to find the shelf life of the medicines?

• The expiration date can be found on each blister. It is different for different batches. The usual shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture but it may differ from batch to batch depending on date they were manufactured.