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Why is this drug prescribed?
Antihistamines are used to relieve or prevent the symptoms of hay fever and other types of allergy. They work by preventing the effects of a substance called histamine, which is produced by the body.
Histamine can cause itching, sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes. Also, in some persons histamine can close up the bronchial tubes (air passages of the lungs) and make breathing difficult.
Some of the antihistamines are also used to prevent motion sickness, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. In patients with Parkinson's disease, diphenhydramine may be used to decrease stiffness and tremor
s. Also, the syrup form of diphenhydramine is used to relieve the cough due to colds or hay fever.
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Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication
You should avoid drinking alcohol or taking sedatives, tranquilizers, sleeping pills, or muscle relaxants while using Zyrtec. They can lead to increased drowsiness and reduced mental alertness. Among
the products to avoid are the following:
- Antidepressants such as Tofranil, Elavil, Ludiomil, and Anafranil
- Muscle relaxants such as Valium and Soma
- Pain-relieving narcotics s
uch as codeine, Demerol, and Percocet
- Sedatives such as Nembutal, Seconal, and phenobarbital
- Sleeping pills such as Halcion, Restoril, and Ambien
- High doses of theophylline (Theo-
Dur)
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How to Use
Cetirizine comes as a tablet and syrup to take by mouth. It usually is taken once a day. It may be taken regularly or when allergy symptoms flare up. Follow the directions on your prescription label c
arefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take cetirizine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your
doctor.
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Cautions
This medicine may cause some people to become drowsy or less alert than they are normally. Even if taken at bedtime, it may cause some people to feel drowsy or less alert on arising. Some antihistamin
es are more likely to cause drowsiness than others. Drowsiness is less likely with cetirizine, and rare with desloratadine and loratadine. Make sure you know how you react to the antihistamine you are
taking before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
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What special precautions should I follow?
Allergies¡XTell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to antihistamines. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods,
preservatives, or dyes.
Diet¡XMake certain your health care professional knows if you are on a low-sodium, low-sugar, or any other special diet. Most medicines contain more than their active
ngredient, and many liquid medicines contain alcohol.
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Management of Overdoses:
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. In adults, the primary symptom of a Zyrtec overdose is extreme sleepiness. In children, restlessness and irritability may precede drowsine
ss. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical treatment immediately.
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