About Zyrtec
Zyrtec (Cetirizine) is an antihistamine treatment for hay fever, seasonal allergies (including allergies to animal dander, dust, pollen, and mold) and food allergies. It is used to treat symptoms such as itchiness of the eyes, nose, throat and skin, runny nose, watery eyes, red eyes, and hives. It is much less likely to cause drowsiness than previous types of antihistamine. Zyrtec is usually taken once per day. Symptoms may improve on the first day and full effect is usually seen after two days of treatment.
Zyrtec is available in 5 and 10 mg tablets and syrup. Zyrtec is
also available in combination with a decongestant (pseudoephedrine).
This combination is called Zyrtec-D. Each 12 hour extended
release Zyrtec-D tablet contains 5 mg of Cetirizine and 120
mg of Pseudoephedrine. Zyrtec-D is used to relieve stuffy
nose in addition to the above symptoms.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of combining
treatment with any other prescription or over the counter
medication.
Zyrtec Side Effects
There are usually few side effects with this medication for adults.
The most common is dry mouth. Children may experience more
side effects. Other side effects may occur in both adults
and children. If any of them are severe, or don't go away
quickly, contact your doctor.
Common Zyrtec Side Effects in Adults: Dry mouth, drowsiness,
fatigue.
Common Zyrtec Side Effects in Children: Abdominal
pain, coughing, dry mouth, drowsiness, diarrhea, fatigue,
headache, nosebleed, sore throat, wheezing.
Less Common Zyrtec Side Effects in Adults: Dizziness,
sore throat.
Less Common Zyrtec Side Effects in Children: Dizziness,
nausea, vomiting.
Zyrtec-D may have additional side effects including decreased appetite, fast heart beat, nausea, nervousness.
Cautions: Alert your doctor if you have any of the following
conditions to determine whether a dosage adjustment or another
treatment is required. Zyrtec may not be right for every patient.
- Allergies - If you have ever had an allergic reaction
to Zyrtec, you should not use it. If you have ever had an
allergic reaction to pseudoephedrine, do not take Zyrtec-D.
- Allergy tests - If you are currently undergoing
skin tests for allergies, Zyrtec may interfere with these
tests.
- Asthma - If you have asthma, consult your doctor
before taking Zyrtec.
- Diabetes - Discuss with your doctor before taking
Zyrtec.
- Electrolyte Imbalance - Discuss this condition
with your doctor before using Zyrtec.
- Fainting or Drowsiness - If you have problems with
fainting or drowsiness, notify your doctor before taking
Zyrtec.
- Glaucoma - Your doctor may suggest cautious use
or a different treatment. You should not take Zyrtec-D if
you have narrow-angle glaucoma.
- Heart Disorders - Before taking Zyrtec, notify
your doctor if you have heart rhythm disorder or coronary
artery disease.
- High Blood Pressure - Zyrtec-D is not recommended
for people with high blood pressure.
- Kidney problems - You will need to take a lower
dose of Zyrtec. Follow your doctor's instructions about
maximum daily dosage.
- Liver Disorder - Contact your doctor. Dosage may
need to be reduced.
- Prostate - Discuss prostate problems with your
doctor before taking Zyrtec.
- Thyroid Problems - Discuss with your doctor before
taking Zyrtec.
- Urinary Problems - Before taking Zyrtec, notify
your doctor if you have a urinary related condition.
Zyrtec Interactions
Zyrtec may interact with certain prescription or over the counter medication. Be sure to speak to your doctor about other medications or supplements you may take while you are using Zyrtec.
- Alcohol - May increase drowsiness.
- Allergy or Cold medication (antihistamines or decongestants) - If you are currently taking any over the counter sinus medication, speak with your doctor or pharmacist regarding possible interactions before taking Zyrtec.
- Antidepressants - Antidepressants such as Tofranil (Imipramine hydrochloride), Elavil (Amitriptyline hydrochloride), Ludiomil (Maprotiline), and Anafranil (Clomipramine hydrochloride) should not be combined with Zyrtec.
- Asthma Medications - Zyrtec-D should not be combined with some asthma medications. Discuss your medications with your doctor.
- Kava Kava - May intensify drowsiness.
- Luvox (fluvoxamine) - May cause increased blood levels of Zyrtec.
- MAO inhibitors - Zyrtec-D should not be mixed with MAO (monoamine oxidase) inhibitors, a class of antidepressants and antisenility drugs, such as Eldepryl (selegiline), Furoxone (furazolidone), Nardil (phenelzine), Marplan (isocarboxazid), or Parnate (tranylcypromine). Do not use Zyrtec-D within 2 weeks of using these medications.
- Marijuana - May increase drowsiness.
- Muscle Relaxants - Notify your doctor if you take muscle relaxants such as Valium or Soma. These may decrease alertness and increase drowsiness.
- Narcotic pain medication like Codeine, Demerol
(meperidine), Buprenex (buprenorphine), Darvon (propoxyphene),
Dilaudid (hydromorphone), MS Contin or Kadian (morphine),
nalbuphine, OxyContin
(oxycodone), Percocet
(oxycodone and acetaminophen), Stadol (butorphanol),
Talwin compound (pentazocine), or Vicodin
(hydrocodone and acetaminophen), Vicoprofen
(hydrocodone and ibuprofen) may cause drowsiness, or
other undesirable side effects in combination with Zyrtec.
- Norvir (ritonavir) - Notify your doctor before taking Zyrtec.
- Paxil (Paroxetine) - Check with your doctor before taking Zyrtec with Paxil.
- Prozac (fluoxentine) - Check with your doctor before taking Zyrtec with Prozac.
- Sedatives - Notify your doctor of any sedatives such as Nembutal, Phenobarbital, or Seconal. These may cause increased drowsiness and decreased alertness.
- Sleeping Pills - Check with your doctor before combining Zyrtec with sleeping pills such as Ambien, Halcion, or Restoril. May cause increase in drowsiness.
- Theo-Dur (Theophylline) -May cause increase in blood level of Zyrtec.
- Tranquilizers - May cause increased drowsiness and decreased alertness when combined with Zyrtec. Check with your doctor before combining these medications with Zyrtec.
- Valerian - May increase drowsiness.
- Vitamin supplements - Some of these may interact with Zyrtec. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist regarding any vitamins you take.
Zyrtec Dosages
Zyrtec comes in the following dosages:
- 5 mg tablets
- 10 mg tablets
- Syrup: 5 mg per teaspoon
- Zyrtec-D 12 hour release tablet: 5 mg cerizine/120 mg pseudoephedrine
Zyrtec dosages for individuals 12 and older: Usually starts at 5 or 10 mg once per day with a maximum dose of 20 mg per day. If you have liver or kidney trouble, dosage should be lower, usually 5 mg per day maximum. For Zyrtec-D: dosage is usually one tablet twice per day.
Children 6 to 11 years old: Usually 5 or 10 mg (1 or 2 tsp of syrup) once per day.
Children 2 to 5 years old: Usually 2.5 mg (1/2 tsp syrup) once per day with a maximum of 5 mg sometimes taken 2.5 mg twice per day.
Children 6 to 23 months old: Usually 2.5 mg (1/2 tsp syrup) once per day with a maximum of 2.5 mg twice per day. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about accurate measuring of dosages for small children.
Zyrtec is not recommended for children with liver or kidney disorders. Zyrtec-D is not recommended for children.
If your doctor gives you a different dosage or schedule for Zyrtec, follow their instructions. Do not take this medication more often than prescribed.
Symptoms of overdose: For adults, the main symptom of overdose is sleepiness. In children, symptoms of overdose may include drowsiness, irritability, and restlessness. Seek medical attention immediately if you suspect overdose.
Zyrtec Directions
If you miss a dose of Zyrtec, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose. Skip the missed dose of Zyrtec and resume your regular schedule. Do not take double doses of this medication.
Store Zyrtec away from direct light and heat. Store in a dry location at room temperature; avoid storing it in the bathroom, near sinks, or other areas where it may become damp. Do not use after the expiration date.
Keep Zyrtec away from children; both when storing it, and when discarding any unused medication.
Zyrtec may cause drowsiness or disorientation, though it is much less likely to do so than older types of antihistamine. Be cautious if you plan to drive or operate heavy machinery, avoid these activities if you find yourself feeling tired or experience slowed reactions.
Zyrtec and Pregnancy
Zyrtec has not been fully studied for safety in pregnant and nursing women. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor before taking Zyrtec while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Zyrtec and Children
Always follow your pediatrician's advice on what dosage of Zyrtec is right for a child. Children 12 and older: Usually starts at 5 or 10 mg once per day with a maximum of 20 mg per day. Children 6 to 11 years old: Usually 5 or 10 mg (1 or 2 tsp of syrup) once per day. Children 6 to 23 months: Usually 2.5 mg (1/2 tsp of syrup) once per day. Children 2 to 5 years old: Usually 2.5 mg (1/2 tsp syrup) once per day with a maximum of 5 mg sometimes taken 2.5 mg twice per day. Children 6 to 23 months: Usually 2.5 mg (1/2 tsp of syrup) once per day with a maximum of 2.5 mg taken twice per day.
Zyrtec is not recommended for children with liver or kidney disorders.
Zyrtec-D is not recommended for children under 12 years old.
Zyrtec and Seniors
Zyrtec does not seem to affect healthy seniors any differently than the rest of the adult population.
Special cautions are extended, though, to individuals with pacemakers, heart or circulatory problems, prostate difficulties, and diabetes.
Zyrtec is a trademark of Glaxo-Wellcome
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This document is provided for information only. It is not a substitute for consultation with a physician, either to diagnose symptoms or prescribe treatment. Any dosages mentioned are general guidelines only, please follow the directions of your doctor or pharmacist exactly when taking medication. We have made every effort to ensure that this information is accurate, but only your doctor can say if a medication, or drug combination, is safe for you. Information intended for US residents only.
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