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 for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Cetirizine is an antihistamine. It works by blocking the action of histamine and reduces the symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Some medical conditions may interact with Cetirizine . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Cetirizine . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
Theophylline because it may increase the risk of Cetirizine 's side effects
Use Cetirizine as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use 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; stomach pain (in children); tiredness; trouble sleeping (in children).
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; unusual hoarseness); dark urine; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; mental or mood changes; persistent fatigue; seizures; severe dizziness; unusual bruising or bleeding; yellowing of eyes or skin.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org), or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include irritability; restlessness; severe drowsiness.
Proper storage of Cetirizine :Store Cetirizine at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Cetirizine out of the reach of children and away from pets.
This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Cetirizine . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.