Zyrtec
Drug name
Zyrtec (Cetirizine)
Drug Uses
Zyrtec helps to prevent as well as treat hay fever as well as other upper respiratory allergies like runny nose, stuffy nose, sneezing, itching of the throat and nose, and watery or itchy eyes. It can be also taken to prevent or treat chronic hives. You can also take this medicine for other purpose if recommended by your doctor.
How Taken
Take Zyrtec as recommended by your doctor. To know about the accurate dosing instructions, go through the label of this medicine. Take this medicine orally with/without food.
Drug Class and Mechanism
Zyrtec is referred to as an antihistamine that works by jamming the action of histamine and thereby lowering the symptoms related to an allergic reaction.
Missed Dose
In case you miss a dosage of this medicated drug, prefer taking it as soon as you remember. If you find that time for your next dosage has come, prefer skipping the missed dosage followed by returning to the routine dosing plan. Avoid taking two dosages simultaneously.
Storage
Store this medicated drug at 20-25 degrees C or 68-77 degrees F. you can also store it for a products_description time at 15-30 degrees C or 59-86 degrees F.
Warnings Precautions
Avoid taking this drug if you have allergies to any of the ingredients present in it or if you have allergies to hydroxyzine. Contact your medical practitioner at the earliest if any of these goes for you. Certain medical conditions can interact with this medication. Consult your doctor if you find yourself in any of the following categories:
- You are planning to get pregnant, are pregnant or are breast feeding
- You take any nonprescription or prescription medicine, dietary supplement or herbal preparation
- You are allergic to foods, medicines, or other substances
- you have liver or kidney problems, or are taking dialysis
Possible Side Effects
All medicines can lead to side effects; however, many people may have little or no side effects. Consult your doctor if you experience any of the following common side effects
- Drowsiness
- dry mouth
- stomach pain (in kids)
- Tiredness
- Difficulty sleeping (in kids).
Consult your doctor instantly if you experience any of these hazardous side effects
- Acute allergic reactions (hives; rash; difficulty breathing; itching; tightness in the chest; swelling of the face, mouth, lips, or tongue, unusual gruffness)
- dark urine
- fainting
- irregular or fast heartbeat
- mood or mental changes
- persistent fatigue
- Seizures
- severe dizziness
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- yellowing of skin or eyes
More Information
Zyrtec can lead to drowsiness. These effects can worsen if you are taking this medicine with alcohol or some other medicines. Take this medication with care. Avoid driving as well as performing other hazardous jobs till you are aware of the ways to react to it. Avoid taking medicines or drinking alcohol that may lead to drowsiness (such as muscle relaxers, sleep aids) if you are taking Zyrtec. It is because this may lead to adverse effects. Consult your pharmacist if you have any further queries about this drug. Taking this medicine makes you more prone to sunburn. Hence, avoid the tanning booths, sunlamps or sun till you are aware of the ways to react to this medicine. If you are stepping out of your house prefer applying a sunscreen or wearing protective clothing that will shield you from the harmful rays of the sun. Elderly people should take care while taking this medicine as they are likely to get more susceptible to its effects, particularly drowsiness. Kids should take care while taking this medicine as they are likely to get more susceptible to its effects, particularly trouble sleeping and stomach pain. Special care needs to be taken if you are giving this medicine to a child who is less than 6 months old as the effectiveness and safety of this drug in kids haven’t yet been confirmed. If you get pregnant then prefer consulting your doctor before taking this medicine. Make sure to discuss with your doctor the pros as well as cons that come with taking this medicine. Zyrtec is present in breast milk hence avoid breast feeding if you are taking this medicated drug.