Side effects of cetirizine 20 mg. Side Effects of Cetirizine 20mg: Understanding the Antihistamine’s Impact

12.02.202316.07.2023 by alexxlab

What are the common side effects of cetirizine 20mg. How does cetirizine work as an antihistamine. When should you take cetirizine for allergy relief. Who can safely use cetirizine for allergies. What precautions should be taken when using cetirizine.

Содержание

Understanding Cetirizine: An Effective Antihistamine for Allergy Relief

Cetirizine is a widely used antihistamine medication that provides relief from various allergy symptoms. As a non-drowsy antihistamine, it offers an advantage over some older medications in its class. Cetirizine is effective in treating conditions such as hay fever, conjunctivitis, eczema, hives, insect bite reactions, and certain food allergies.

The medication works by blocking the effects of histamine, a substance produced by the body during an allergic reaction. By doing so, cetirizine helps alleviate symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and skin rashes.

Availability and Forms of Cetirizine

Cetirizine is available both by prescription and over-the-counter in various forms:

Tablets
Capsules
Liquid

This variety of forms makes it easier for people of different ages and preferences to take the medication as needed.

Dosage and Administration of Cetirizine

The appropriate dosage of cetirizine varies depending on age, the severity of symptoms, and other individual factors. Generally, adults and children 12 years and older typically take 10mg once daily. However, it’s crucial to follow the specific instructions provided by a healthcare professional or the product packaging.

Dosage Guidelines for Different Age Groups

Adults and children 12 years and older: 10mg once daily
Children 6-11 years: 5mg twice daily
Children 2-5 years: 2.5mg twice daily
Children 1-2 years: Dosage determined by weight or age (as prescribed by a doctor)

Is it necessary to take cetirizine with food? Cetirizine can be taken with or without food. However, it’s important to always take tablets or capsules with a drink of water, milk, or squash. For liquid formulations, use the provided measuring device to ensure accurate dosing.

Common Side Effects of Cetirizine 20mg

While cetirizine is generally well-tolerated, some individuals may experience side effects, particularly at higher doses such as 20mg. The most common side effects include:

Headaches
Dry mouth
Nausea
Dizziness
Diarrhea
Fatigue or drowsiness (less common than with other antihistamines)

Do these side effects typically subside over time? Many people find that side effects diminish as their body adjusts to the medication. However, if side effects persist or worsen, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider.

Who Should Exercise Caution When Taking Cetirizine?

While cetirizine is safe for most adults and children, certain individuals should exercise caution or avoid its use altogether. These include:

People with a history of allergic reactions to cetirizine or other medications
Individuals with kidney failure
Those with epilepsy or at risk of seizures
People with difficulty urinating
Individuals scheduled for allergy testing (cetirizine may affect results)

Additionally, some cetirizine capsules contain soya oil, making them unsuitable for individuals with peanut or soya allergies. It’s crucial to check the product ingredients if you have these allergies.

Proper Usage and Timing of Cetirizine

The timing of cetirizine intake can vary depending on the nature of your allergies. Some individuals may only need to take it on days when they experience symptoms, such as after contact with an allergen. Others, particularly those with seasonal allergies like hay fever, may benefit from regular daily use during high-risk periods.

What should you do if you forget to take a dose? If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for your next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Never double up on doses to make up for a missed one.

Special Considerations for Children

For children taking cetirizine twice daily, a missed dose can be given if remembered within 4 hours of the scheduled time. If more than 4 hours have passed, skip the missed dose and continue with the next scheduled dose.

Potential Interactions and Precautions

While cetirizine is generally safe, it’s important to be aware of potential interactions with other medications or substances. Alcohol consumption while taking cetirizine may increase drowsiness and affect coordination.

Can cetirizine interact with other medications? Yes, cetirizine may interact with certain medications. It’s crucial to inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you’re taking. Some medications that may interact with cetirizine include:

Other antihistamines
Certain antidepressants
Medications that affect liver enzymes

Always consult with a healthcare professional before combining cetirizine with other medications or if you have any underlying health conditions.

Long-term Use and Effectiveness of Cetirizine

Cetirizine is considered safe for long-term use in most individuals. However, as with any medication, it’s important to regularly assess its effectiveness and necessity with your healthcare provider.

Does cetirizine lose its effectiveness over time? While some people may develop a tolerance to cetirizine’s effects, many individuals find it remains effective even with prolonged use. If you notice a decrease in effectiveness, consult your healthcare provider to explore alternative options or dosing strategies.

Monitoring and Adjusting Treatment

Regular check-ins with your healthcare provider can help ensure that cetirizine continues to effectively manage your allergy symptoms. They may recommend adjusting the dosage or switching to a different antihistamine if needed.

Cetirizine vs. Other Antihistamines: A Comparative Analysis

Cetirizine belongs to a class of second-generation antihistamines, which are known for causing less drowsiness compared to first-generation antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl). However, individual responses can vary.

How does cetirizine compare to other popular antihistamines? Let’s examine some key differences:

Loratadine (Claritin): Both are non-drowsy, but some people find cetirizine more effective for certain symptoms.
Fexofenadine (Allegra): Similar in efficacy, but fexofenadine may cause even less drowsiness in some individuals.
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl): Cetirizine is less likely to cause significant drowsiness and has a longer duration of action.

The choice between these antihistamines often depends on individual response and specific allergy symptoms. It’s worth noting that some people may respond better to one antihistamine over another.

Managing Allergies: Beyond Medication

While cetirizine can effectively manage allergy symptoms, combining it with other strategies can enhance overall allergy control. Consider implementing the following measures:

Identify and avoid triggers: Keep track of what causes your allergy symptoms and minimize exposure when possible.
Use air purifiers: These can help remove allergens from indoor air.
Practice good hygiene: Regularly wash hands, shower after being outdoors, and change clothes to reduce allergen exposure.
Monitor pollen counts: Plan outdoor activities when pollen levels are lower, typically in the evening or after rain.
Use nasal irrigation: Saline nasal rinses can help flush out allergens and reduce nasal congestion.

Implementing these strategies alongside cetirizine use can lead to better overall allergy management and potentially reduce the need for higher medication doses.

The Role of Diet in Allergy Management

Some studies suggest that certain dietary changes may help reduce allergy symptoms. While more research is needed, consider incorporating the following into your diet:

Omega-3 fatty acids: Found in fish, flaxseed, and walnuts, these may help reduce inflammation.
Vitamin C: This antioxidant may help reduce histamine levels.
Quercetin: A flavonoid found in onions, apples, and berries that may have antihistamine properties.
Probiotics: These may help modulate the immune system and potentially reduce allergic responses.

Remember, dietary changes should complement, not replace, prescribed allergy treatments. Always consult with a healthcare provider before making significant changes to your diet or allergy management plan.

Special Populations and Cetirizine Use

While cetirizine is generally safe for most people, special considerations apply to certain populations:

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Is cetirizine safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding? Limited studies suggest that cetirizine is generally safe during pregnancy, particularly in the second and third trimesters. However, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before using any medication during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. They can help weigh the potential benefits against any risks.

Elderly Patients

Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of cetirizine and may require dose adjustments. Additionally, they should be monitored for potential side effects, particularly if they have reduced kidney function.

Individuals with Chronic Conditions

People with chronic conditions such as liver disease, kidney disease, or epilepsy should use cetirizine under close medical supervision. Dose adjustments may be necessary, and alternative treatments might be considered in some cases.

Future Developments in Allergy Treatment

While cetirizine and other antihistamines remain a cornerstone of allergy treatment, ongoing research is exploring new avenues for managing allergies. Some promising areas include:

Targeted immunotherapies
Biologics for severe allergic conditions
Novel drug delivery methods for improved efficacy
Personalized medicine approaches based on genetic profiles

These advancements may lead to more effective and personalized allergy treatments in the future, potentially offering alternatives or complements to traditional antihistamines like cetirizine.

As research progresses, it’s important to stay informed about new developments in allergy management. Regular consultations with healthcare providers can help ensure you’re receiving the most appropriate and up-to-date treatment for your specific allergy needs.

Cetirizine: antihistamine that relieves allergy symptoms

1. About cetirizine

Cetirizine is an antihistamine medicine that helps the symptoms of allergies.

It’s used to treat:

hay fever
conjunctivitis (red, itchy eye)
eczema
hives (urticaria)
reactions to insect bites and stings
some food allergies

Cetirizine is known as a non-drowsy antihistamine. It’s much less likely to make you feel sleepy than some other antihistamines.

Cetirizine is available on prescription, but you can also buy it from pharmacies and supermarkets.

It comes as tablets, capsules and as a liquid that you swallow.

2. Key facts

It’s usual to take cetirizine once a day. Children aged under 12 take it twice a day.
Cetirizine is classed as a non-drowsy antihistamine, but some people still find it makes them feel quite sleepy.
Common side effects include headaches, dry mouth, feeling sick, dizziness and diarrhoea.
Some brands of cetirizine come as capsules. These may contain soya oil. Do not take cetirizine capsules if you are allergic to peanuts or soya.
Some Benadryl products do not contain cetirizine, but a different antihistamine such as acrivastine.

3. Who can and cannot take cetirizine

Most adults can take cetirizine.

Children

Children aged 1 and over can take cetirizine liquid if prescribed by their doctor.
Children aged 2 and over can take cetirizine liquid bought from pharmacies or prescribed by their doctor.
Children aged 6 and over can take cetirizine tablets and liquid that you buy from pharmacies and supermarkets.
Children aged 12 and over can take cetirizine capsules, tablets and liquid that you buy from pharmacies and supermarkets.

Who may not be able to take cetirizine

Cetirizine is not suitable for some people. To make sure it’s safe for you, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you:

have ever had an allergic reaction to cetirizine or any other medicine
have an allergy to food additives
have an allergy to peanuts or soya – some brands of cetirizine capsules (but not tablets) contain soya
have kidney failure
have epilepsy or another health problem that puts you at risk of having seizures or fits
have a condition that means you have difficulty peeing
are due to have an allergy test – taking cetirizine may affect the results, so you might need to stop taking it a few days before the test

4.

How and when to take cetirizine

If you or your child have been prescribed cetirizine, follow your doctor’s instructions about how and when to take it. If it is from a pharmacy or shop, follow the instructions that come with the packet.

Dosage and strength

Cetirizine comes as tablets and capsules (10mg) and as a liquid medicine (labelled either 5mg/5ml or 1mg/1ml).

The usual dose for adults is 10mg once a day.

Doses are usually lower for people with kidney problems.

Children

For children between 6 to 11 years of age, the usual dose is 5mg, twice a day. Try to leave 10 to 12 hours between doses. So, one first thing in the morning, and one before bedtime.
For children between 2 to 5 years of age, the dose is 2.5mg, twice a day.
For children between 1 to 2 years of age, your doctor will use their weight or age to work out the right dose.

How to take it

You can take cetirizine with or without food, but always take the tablets or capsules with a drink of water, milk or squash. Swallow them whole. Do not chew them.

Cetirizine liquid may be easier for children to take than tablets. The liquid medicine will come with a plastic syringe or spoon to give the right dose. If you do not have a syringe or spoon, ask your pharmacist for one. Do not use a kitchen teaspoon as it will not measure out the right amount.

When to take it

You may only need to take cetirizine on a day you have symptoms – for example, if you have been in contact with something that has triggered your allergy, like animal hair.

Or you may need to take it regularly to prevent symptoms – for example, to stop hay fever during spring and summer.

What if I forget to take it?

Take your forgotten dose as soon as you remember, unless it’s nearly time for your next dose. In this case, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time.

Do not take 2 doses to make up for a forgotten dose.

If you forget to give a dose to a child who is taking cetirizine twice a day, you can give the missed dose if it’s within 4 hours of when they should have had it.

If you remember more than 4 hours after, do not give the missed dose. Instead, wait until the next dose and carry on as normal.

If you often forget doses, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicine.

What if I take too much?

Cetirizine is generally very safe. Taking more than the usual dose is unlikely to harm you or your child.

If you take an extra dose, you might get some of the common side effects. If this happens or you’re concerned, contact your doctor.

5. Side effects

Like all medicines, cetirizine can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Common side effects

The most common side effect of cetirizine is feeling sleepy and tired. This happens in more than 1 in 10 people. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if this side effect bothers you or does not go away.

Other common side effects of cetirizine happen in more than 1 in 100 people.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if these side effects bother you or do not go away:

headaches
dry mouth
feeling sick (nausea)
feeling dizzy
diarrhoea
sore throat
sneezing or blocked and runny nose

Children are more likely to get diarrhoea, sneezing or a blocked and runny nose than adults.

Serious side effects

It’s rare to have a serious side effect with cetirizine.

Call your doctor straight away if you have bruising or bleeding that’s more than normal.

Serious allergic reaction

In rare cases, it’s possible to have a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to cetirizine.

Immediate action required: Call 999 now if:

your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen
you’re breathing very fast or struggling to breathe (you may become very wheezy or feel like you’re choking or gasping for air)
your throat feels tight or you’re struggling to swallow
your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)
you suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
someone faints and cannot be woken up
a child is limp, floppy or not responding like they normally do (their head may fall to the side, backwards or forwards, or they may find it difficult to lift their head or focus on your face)

You or the person who’s unwell may also have a rash that’s swollen, raised, itchy, blistered or peeling.

These can be signs of a serious allergic reaction and may need immediate treatment in hospital.

These are not all the side effects of cetirizine. For a full list, see the leaflet inside your medicines packet.

Information:

You can report any suspected side effect using the Yellow Card safety scheme.

Visit Yellow Card for further information.

6. How to cope with side effects of cetirizine

What to do about:

feeling sleepy and tired – try a different non-drowsy antihistamine. If this does not help, talk to your doctor.
headaches – make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids. It’s best not to drink too much alcohol. Ask your pharmacist to recommend a painkiller for your headaches, but they usually go away after the first week of taking cetirizine. Talk to your doctor if your headaches last longer than a week or are severe.
dry mouth – chew sugar-free gum or suck sugar-free sweets.
feeling sick (nausea) – try taking your tablets with food. It may also help if you stick to simple meals and avoid rich or spicy food.
feeling dizzy – if cetirizine makes you feel dizzy when you stand up, try getting up very slowly or stay sitting down until you feel better. If you begin to feel dizzy, lie down so that you do not faint, then sit until you feel better. Do not drive, cycle or use tools or machines if you feel dizzy or a bit shaky.
diarrhoea – drink plenty of water or other fluids if you have diarrhoea. Speak to a pharmacist if you have signs of dehydration, such as peeing less than usual or having dark, strong-smelling pee. Do not take any other medicines to treat diarrhoea without speaking to a pharmacist or doctor.
sore throat – if you’re 16 and over, you can try gargling with an aspirin solution (1 soluble aspirin tablet dissolved in half a glass of water) or use a pain-relieving mouthwash such as Oraldene. If your symptoms last longer than a week, ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice. Children under 16 must not be given aspirin.
sneezing or blocked and runny nose – try a different non-drowsy antihistamine. If this does not help, talk to your doctor.

7. Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Cetirizine can be used in pregnancy. There is no good evidence that it causes harm to the baby. However, other antihistamines such as loratadine may be recommended as there is more information about its use in pregnancy.

Cetirizine and breastfeeding

If your doctor or health visitor says your baby is healthy, you can take cetirizine while breastfeeding.

There is some information available which shows that only very small amounts get into breast milk. Cetirizine has been used for many years while breastfeeding without side effects in babies.

If your baby is not feeding as well as usual, seems unusually sleepy, or if you have any other concerns about your baby, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, health visitor or midwife.

Non-urgent advice: Tell your doctor if you’re:

trying to get pregnant
pregnant
breastfeeding

Find out more about how cetirizine can affect you and your baby during pregnancy on the Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy (BUMPS) website.

8. Cautions with other medicines

Some medicines can increase the chances of you having side effects with cetirizine.

Check with your pharmacist or doctor if you’re taking any medicine that makes you drowsy, gives you a dry mouth, or makes it difficult for you to pee. Taking cetirizine might make these side effects worse.

Mixing cetirizine with herbal remedies and supplements

There might be a problem taking some herbal remedies and supplements alongside cetirizine, especially ones that cause sleepiness, a dry mouth, or make it difficult to pee.

Important:
Medicine safety

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you’re taking any other medicines, including herbal medicines, vitamins or supplements.

9. Common questions about cetirizine

How does cetirizine work?

Cetirizine is a type of medicine called an antihistamine. When you come into contact with something you’re allergic to, such as pollen, animal hair or fur, your body produces a chemical called histamine.

Usually histamine is a useful substance, but in an allergic reaction it causes unpleasant symptoms including itchy, watery eyes, a running or blocked nose, sneezing and skin rashes.

Cetirizine blocks the effects of histamine and reduces these symptoms.

When will I feel better?

You should start to feel better within an hour.

How long should I take cetirizine for?

It depends on why you’re taking cetirizine.

You may only need to take it for a short time or as a one-off dose.

For example, if you have a reaction to an insect bite, you may only need to take cetirizine for a day or two.

You may need to take cetirizine for longer if you’re taking it to prevent symptoms – for example, to stop hay fever when the pollen count is high.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you’re unsure how long you need to take cetirizine for.

Is it safe to take cetirizine for a long time?

Cetirizine is unlikely to do you any harm if you take it for a long time.

However it’s best to take cetirizine only for as long as you need to. If you take it regularly over a long period there’s a very small chance of severe itching if you stop treatment suddenly.

If you’ve been taking cetirizine every day for a long time, talk to your doctor before stopping it.

Can I drink alcohol with it?

It’s best not to drink alcohol while you’re taking cetirizine as it can make you feel sleepy.

Is there any food or drink I need to avoid?

You can eat and drink normally while taking cetirizine.

Can I drive or ride a bike with it?

Cetirizine is classed as a non-drowsy antihistamine, but it’s still possible to feel sleepy after taking it.

If this happens to you, do not drive a car, ride a bike, use tools or machinery until you do not feel tired anymore.

It’s an offence to drive a car if your ability to drive safely is affected. It’s your responsibility to decide if it’s safe to drive. If you’re in any doubt, do not drive.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you’re unsure whether it’s safe for you to drive while taking cetirizine. GOV.UK has more information on the law on drugs and driving.

What’s the difference between cetirizine and other antihistamines?

Cetirizine is known as a non-drowsy antihistamine. That’s because it’s less likely to make you feel sleepy than sedating antihistamines, such as Piriton (chlorphenamine).

Most people prefer to take a non-drowsy antihistamine instead of one that makes them drowsy. An exception is when you want the medicine to make you sleepy – for example, if you have itchy skin that’s keeping you awake.

What’s the difference between cetirizine and other non-drowsy antihistamines?

Other non-drowsy antihistamines, such as loratadine, desloratadine, fexofenadine and levocetirizine, seem to work just as well as cetirizine.

But cetirizine seems to be more likely to make you feel sleepy than loratadine, desloratadine or fexofenadine.

Can I take it with painkillers?

Yes, you can take cetirizine together with paracetamol or ibuprofen.

Can I take 2 types of antihistamine in 1 day?

Sometimes doctors recommend that people with a severe, itchy skin rash take 2 different antihistamines together for a few days.

As well as taking a non-drowsy antihistamine during the day (such as cetirizine or loratadine), your doctor may advise that you take a drowsy antihistamine at night time if the itching is making it difficult to sleep.

Do not take 2 antihistamines together unless recommended by your doctor.

Can I take cetirizine with other hay fever treatments?

Yes, it’s fine to take cetirizine together with some other hay fever treatments – for example, steroid nasal sprays (such as beclometasone (Beconase), Rhinocort Aqua and Flixonase Nasules) or eye drops.

Can I take cetirizine at higher doses than on the packet?

Your doctor may prescribe a higher dose of cetirizine (up to 4 times the usual dose) for you or your child, for a severe, itchy skin rash or swelling under the skin (angioedema).

Taking high doses of cetirizine is not suitable for everyone though. Speak to your doctor if you think cetirizine is not working for you.

Will it affect my fertility?

There’s no evidence to suggest that taking certirizine will reduce fertility in either men or women.

Speak to a pharmacist or your doctor before taking it if you’re trying to get pregnant.

Will it affect my contraception?

Cetirizine does not affect any type of contraception, including the combined pill and emergency contraception.

However, if cetirizine makes you vomit or have severe diarrhoea for more than 24 hours, your contraceptive pills may not protect you from pregnancy. Check the pill packet to find out what to do.

Read more about what to do if you’re on the pill and you’re being sick or have diarrhoea.

Can lifestyle changes relieve hay fever?

It’ll help if you do not spend too much time outside if the pollen count is high.

Tips for when you’re outside

Do not cut grass or walk on grass.
Wear wraparound sunglasses to stop pollen getting into your eyes.
Put Vaseline around your nostrils to help trap pollen.
Shower and change your clothes after you have been outside to wash off pollen.

Tips for when you’re inside

Keep windows and doors shut as much as possible.
Vacuum regularly and dust with a damp cloth.
Do not keep fresh flowers in the house.
Do not smoke or be around smoke as it makes hay fever symptoms worse.

Cetirizine Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing

Uses

Cetirizine is an antihistamine used to relieve allergy symptoms such as watery eyes, runny nose, itching eyes/nose, sneezing, hives, and itching. It works by blocking a certain natural substance (histamine) that your body makes during an allergic reaction.Cetirizine does not prevent hives or prevent/treat a serious allergic reaction (such as anaphylaxis). If your doctor has prescribed epinephrine to treat allergic reactions, always carry your epinephrine injector with you. Do not use cetirizine in place of your epinephrine.

How to use Cetirizine HCL

If you are taking the over-the-counter product to self-treat, read all directions on the product package before taking this medication. If you have any questions, consult your pharmacist. If your doctor has prescribed this medication, take it as directed, usually once daily.

If you are using the chewable tablets, chew each tablet well and swallow. If you are using the rapidly-dissolving tablet, allow the tablet to dissolve on the tongue and then swallow, with or without water. If you are using the liquid form of this medication, measure the dose carefully using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose.

The dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or take this medication more often than directed.

Tell your doctor if your allergy symptoms do not improve, if your hives do not improve after 3 days of treatment, or if your hives last more than 6 weeks. Get medical help right away if your condition worsens or if you think you have a serious medical problem (such as a very serious allergic reaction/anaphylaxis).

Side Effects

Drowsiness, tiredness, and dry mouth may occur. Stomach pain may also occur, especially in children. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

If your doctor has prescribed this medication, remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: difficulty urinating, weakness.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

Before taking cetirizine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to hydroxyzine; or to levocetirizine; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: difficulty urinating (such as due to an enlarged prostate), kidney disease, liver disease.

If you are using this medication to treat hives, tell your doctor right away if you have any of these other symptoms because they may be signs of a more serious condition: hives that are an unusual color, hives that look bruised or blistered, hives that do not itch.

This drug may make you drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

Liquid products may contain sugar. Caution is advised if you have diabetes. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this product safely.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products that cause drowsiness such as opioid pain or cough relievers (such as codeine, hydrocodone), alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (such as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), or other antihistamines (such as chlorpheniramine, diphenhydramine).

Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.

Do not use with any other antihistamines applied to the skin (such as diphenhydramine cream, ointment, spray) because increased side effects may occur.

Cetirizine is very similar to hydroxyzine and levocetirizine. Do not use these medications while using cetirizine.

This medication may interfere with certain lab tests (such as allergy skin testing), possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

Does Cetirizine HCL interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe drowsiness. In children, mental/mood changes (such as restlessness, irritability) may occur before drowsiness.

Keep all medical and lab appointments.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Different brands of this medication may have different storage needs. Check the product package for instructions on how to store your brand, or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.