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What is Zyrtec
 Zyrtec
is an antihistamine. Antihistamines prevent sneezing, runny
nose, itching and watering of the eyes, and other allergic
symptoms.
Zyrtec
is used to treat allergies, hives (urticaria), and other allergic
inflammatory conditions.
Zyrtec
may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
General medical information about Zyrtec
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or
performing other hazardous activities. Zyrtec may cause
dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or
drowsiness, avoid these activities.
Use alcohol cautiously.
Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you
are taking Zyrtec.
Who should not take Zyrtec
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if
you have kidney or liver disease. You may need a lower dose
or special monitoring during your therapy with Zyrtec.
Zyrtec is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that
it is unlikely to harm an unborn baby. Do not take Zyrtec
without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
Zyrtec passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing
baby. Do not take Zyrtec without first talking to your doctor
if you are breast-feeding a baby.
If you are over
60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side
effects from Zyrtec. You may require a lower dose of this
medication.
How should take Zyrtec Take Zyrtec exactly as directed by your doctor. If
you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist,
nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each
dose with a full glass of water.
Zyrtec can be taken
with or without food.
Zyrtec is usually taken once
daily. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Store Zyrtec
at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
If you miss a dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However,
if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed
dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do
not take a double dose of this medication.
What happens if you overdose: Seek emergency medical attention.
Symptoms
of a Zyrtec overdose are not well known, but extreme sleepiness,
confusion, and weakness may be expected.
Avoid while taking Zyrtec Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or
performing other hazardous activities. Zyrtec may cause
dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or
drowsiness, avoid these activities.
Use alcohol cautiously.
Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you
are taking Zyrtec.
Possible side effects of Zyrtec Stop taking Zyrtec and seek emergency medical attention
if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing;
closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or
face; or hives).
Other, less serious side effects
may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Zyrtec and
talk to your doctor if you experience
- sleepiness,
fatigue, or dizziness;
- headache; or
- dry
mouth.
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.
What other drugs will affect Zyrtec Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if
you are taking any of the following medicines:
-
medications for anxiety or sleep such as alprazolam (Xanax),
diazepam (Valium), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), temazepam
(Restoril), or triazolam (Halcion);
- medications
for depression such as amitriptyline (Elavil), doxepin (Sinequan),
nortriptyline (Pamelor), fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline
(Zoloft), or paroxetine (Paxil);
- other cough, cold,
or allergy medicines; or
- any other medications
that cause drowsiness, sleepiness, or relaxation.
Heavy sedation may occur if Zyrtec is taken with any of
the medicines listed above.
Drugs
other than those listed here may also interact with Zyrtec.
Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription
or over-the-counter medicines. |
