Cetirizine is a:
A. Nonspecific histamine antagonist
B. Histamine 1 antagonist
C. Histamine 2 antagonist
D. Histamine 1 agonist
E. Histamine 2 ahonist.
--------------------------------
For what conditions or diseases is this medication prescribed?
Cetirizine is used to temporarily relieve the symptoms of hay fever (allergy to pollen, dust and other substances suspended in the air) and allergies to other substances (such as dust mites, animal dander, cockroaches and molds). Symptoms include: sneezing; runny nose; itching, redness or tearing of eyes; and itchy nose or throat. Cetirizine is also used to treat itching and redness of hives. However, cetirizine does not prevent hives or other allergic skin reactions. Cetirizine is in a class of medications called antihistamines. It works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance present in the body that causes allergy symptoms.
Cetirizine is also sold in combination with pseudoephedrine (Sudafed, others). The information in this monograph refers only to the use of cetirizine alone. If you are taking a mixed product of cetirizine and pseudoephedrine, read the information on the package label or ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How should this medicine be used?
Cetirizine comes in the form of normal tablets, chewable tablets and syrup (liquid) that are taken orally. It is usually taken once a day, with or without food. Take cetirizine at about the same time every day. Follow the prescription instructions carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain anything you do not understand. Take cetirizine as directed. Do not increase or decrease the dose, or take it more often than indicated on the package label or recommended by your doctor.
Do not use cetirizine to treat a rash with bruises or bruises, strangely colored or itchy. If you have these types of hives, call your doctor.
Stop taking cetirizine and call your doctor if your hives do not improve during the first 3 days of treatment or if it lasts more than 6 weeks. If you do not know the cause of your hives, call your doctor.
If you are taking cetirizine to treat hives and any of these symptoms appear, immediately seek emergency medical assistance: difficulty swallowing, speaking or breathing; swelling in the mouth and around it or swelling of the tongue; wheezing (panting); drooling; dizziness, or loss of consciousness These may be symptoms of an allergic reaction called anaphylaxis, which puts life at risk. If your doctor suspects that you may have anaphylaxis with hives, you may be prescribed an epinephrine injector (EpiPen). Do not use cetirizine instead of the epinephrine injector.
What other uses does this medication have?
Sometimes this medicine is prescribed for other uses; Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking cetirizine,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to cetirizine, hydroxyzine (Vistaril) or other medications.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: antidepressants, anxiety medications, mental illness medications, seizure medications, other cold and allergy medications, sedatives, sleeping pills, tranquilizers, and theophylline (Theo-24, Theolair) Your doctor may need to change the dose of your medications or monitor you closely for any side effects.
- tell your doctor if you have or have had any kidney or liver disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to be pregnant or breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking cetirizine, call your doctor.
- be aware that cetirizine may cause drowsiness. Avoid driving vehicles or operating machines until you know how this drug affects you.
- Remember that alcohol can increase the drowsiness that this medicine causes. Avoid alcoholic beverages while taking this medication.
What special diet should I follow while I take this medicine?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue with your normal diet.
What do I have to do if I forget to take a dose?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you forgot and continue your normal medication schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for the one you forgot.
A. Nonspecific histamine antagonist
B. Histamine 1 antagonist
C. Histamine 2 antagonist
D. Histamine 1 agonist
E. Histamine 2 ahonist.
--------------------------------
For what conditions or diseases is this medication prescribed?
Cetirizine is used to temporarily relieve the symptoms of hay fever (allergy to pollen, dust and other substances suspended in the air) and allergies to other substances (such as dust mites, animal dander, cockroaches and molds). Symptoms include: sneezing; runny nose; itching, redness or tearing of eyes; and itchy nose or throat. Cetirizine is also used to treat itching and redness of hives. However, cetirizine does not prevent hives or other allergic skin reactions. Cetirizine is in a class of medications called antihistamines. It works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance present in the body that causes allergy symptoms.
Cetirizine is also sold in combination with pseudoephedrine (Sudafed, others). The information in this monograph refers only to the use of cetirizine alone. If you are taking a mixed product of cetirizine and pseudoephedrine, read the information on the package label or ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How should this medicine be used?
Cetirizine comes in the form of normal tablets, chewable tablets and syrup (liquid) that are taken orally. It is usually taken once a day, with or without food. Take cetirizine at about the same time every day. Follow the prescription instructions carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain anything you do not understand. Take cetirizine as directed. Do not increase or decrease the dose, or take it more often than indicated on the package label or recommended by your doctor.
Do not use cetirizine to treat a rash with bruises or bruises, strangely colored or itchy. If you have these types of hives, call your doctor.
Stop taking cetirizine and call your doctor if your hives do not improve during the first 3 days of treatment or if it lasts more than 6 weeks. If you do not know the cause of your hives, call your doctor.
If you are taking cetirizine to treat hives and any of these symptoms appear, immediately seek emergency medical assistance: difficulty swallowing, speaking or breathing; swelling in the mouth and around it or swelling of the tongue; wheezing (panting); drooling; dizziness, or loss of consciousness These may be symptoms of an allergic reaction called anaphylaxis, which puts life at risk. If your doctor suspects that you may have anaphylaxis with hives, you may be prescribed an epinephrine injector (EpiPen). Do not use cetirizine instead of the epinephrine injector.
What other uses does this medication have?
Sometimes this medicine is prescribed for other uses; Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking cetirizine,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to cetirizine, hydroxyzine (Vistaril) or other medications.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: antidepressants, anxiety medications, mental illness medications, seizure medications, other cold and allergy medications, sedatives, sleeping pills, tranquilizers, and theophylline (Theo-24, Theolair) Your doctor may need to change the dose of your medications or monitor you closely for any side effects.
- tell your doctor if you have or have had any kidney or liver disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to be pregnant or breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking cetirizine, call your doctor.
- be aware that cetirizine may cause drowsiness. Avoid driving vehicles or operating machines until you know how this drug affects you.
- Remember that alcohol can increase the drowsiness that this medicine causes. Avoid alcoholic beverages while taking this medication.
What special diet should I follow while I take this medicine?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue with your normal diet.
What do I have to do if I forget to take a dose?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you forgot and continue your normal medication schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for the one you forgot.
What are the side effects that this medicine could cause?
Cetirizine may cause side effects. Notify your doctor if any of these symptoms is severe or does not go away:
- drowsiness
- excessive tiredness
- dry mouth
- stomach ache
- diarrhea
- vomiting
Some Side Effects Can Be Serious. The following symptoms are rare, but if you have them, call your doctor immediately:
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
Cetirizine may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unexpected problems while taking this medication.
If you develop a serious side effect, you or your doctor can send a report to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 'MedWatch' side effects disclosure program on the website (http: / /www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone at 1-800-332-1088.
How should I store or dispose of this medicine?
Keep this product in its original container, perfectly closed and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and in a place away from excessive heat and humidity (never in the bathroom).
It is important that you keep all medications out of the sight and reach of children, because many containers (such as weekly pill boxes, and those containing ophthalmic drops, creams, patches and inhalers) are not proof of small children, who can easily open them. In order to protect them from intoxication, always wear safety covers and immediately place medications in a safe place, one that is up and away from your sight and reach.
Medications that are no longer needed should be disposed of in an appropriate manner to ensure that pets, children and others cannot consume them. However, you should not discard these medications by the toilet. Instead, the best way to get rid of your medications is through a medication return program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local trash / recycling department to learn about your community's drug return programs. See the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website (https://goo.gl/xRXbPn) for more information on how to safely dispose of medications if you do not have access to the medication return program.
what should I do in case of an overdose?
In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, has had a seizure, has difficulty breathing, or cannot wake up, call emergency services immediately at 911.
The symptoms of overdose are, among others:
- restlessness
irritability
- drowsiness
What other important information should I know?
Do not miss any appointment with your doctor.
Ask your pharmacist all questions you have about cetirizine.
It is important that you keep a written list of all the medications you are taking, including those you received with a prescription and those you bought without a prescription, including vitamins and diet supplements. You should have the list every time you visit your doctor or when you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information in emergencies.
Trademarks:
- Zyrtec®
- Zyrtec® Chewable
- Zyrtec® Hives Relief
- Zyrtec® Syrup
Labels
Pharma