AskTried or prescribed Cetirizine? Share your experience.
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(se TI ra zeen)
U.S. Brand Names
All Day Allergy; Zyrtec® Allergy [OTC]; Zyrtec® Children’s Allergy [OTC]; Zyrtec® Children’s Hives Relief [OTC]
Canadian Brand Names
Apo-Cetirizine®; PMS-Cetirizine; Reactine™
Mexican Brand Names
Cetitev; Reactine; Tradaxin
Pharmacologic Category
Histamine H1 Antagonist; Histamine H1 Antagonist, Second Generation
Reasons not to take this medicine
• If you have an allergy to cetirizine, hydroxyzine, or any other part of this medicine.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• If you are breast-feeding.
How does it work?
• Cetirizine blocks the allergic reaction by minimizing or preventing the body's reaction to the allergen.
How is it best taken?
• This medicine is most effective if started before contact with the allergen. Take at least 1-3 hours before.
• Take this medicine at a similar time of day.
• Take this medicine with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
• A liquid (syrup) is available if you cannot swallow pills.
• Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given.
• Chewable tablet: Chew or crush well. Mix crushed tablet with food. Do not swallow whole.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
• Many times this medicine is taken on an as needed basis.
What should I monitor?
• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
• Dry mouth may cause an increase in cavities. Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.
How should I store this medicine?
• Store tablets at room temperature.
• Protect tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
• Store liquid (syrup) at room temperature or in a refrigerator.
General statements
• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Most medicines can be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or in Canada to Health Canada's Canada Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Created: 2006-10-13 11:20:10.0
Modified: 2010-03-19 14:14:58.0
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