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Possible Side Effect
Although side effects from cetirizine are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- dry mouth, nose, and throat
- drowsiness
- dizziness
- upset stomach
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- fast or irregular heartbeat
- difficulty urinating
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Proper Use of This Medicine
Antihistamines are used to relieve or prevent the symptoms of your medical problem. Take them only as directed. Do not take more of them and do not take them more often than recommended on the label,
unless otherwise directed by your doctor. To do so may increase the chance of side effects.
Dosing¡X
- The dose of an antihistamine will be different for different patients. Follow y
ur doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of antihistamines. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you
to do so.
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Special warnings about this medication
Before you have any skin tests for allergies, tell the doctor in charge that you are taking this medicine. The results of the test may be affected by this medicine.
When taking antihistamines
on a regular basis, make sure your doctor knows if you are taking large amounts of aspirin at the same time (as for arthritis or rheumatism). Effects of too much aspirin, such as ringing in the ears,
may be covered up by the antihistamine.
- Antihistamines will add to the effects of alcohol and other CNS depressants (medicines that slow down the nervous system, possibly causing drowsines
s).
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Before Taking This Medicine
Children¡XSerious side effects, such as convulsions (seizures), are more likely to occur in younger patients and would be of greater risk to infants than to older children or adults. In general, child
en are more sensitive to the effects of antihistamines. Also, nightmares or unusual excitement, nervousness, restlessness, or irritability may be more likely to occur in children.
Older adult
s¡XElderly patients are usually more sensitive to the effects of antihistamines. Confusion; difficult or painful urination; dizziness; drowsiness; feeling faint; or dryness of mouth, nose, or throat m
y be more likely to occur in elderly patients.
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Why is this medication prescribed?
Fexofenadine (fex-oh-FEN-a-deen) is an antihistamine. It is used to relieve the symptoms of hay fever and hives of the skin.
Antihistamines work by preventing the effects of a substance calle
d 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 lu
ngs) and make breathing difficult. Histamine can also cause some persons to have hives, with severe itching of the skin.
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Significant Interactions:
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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