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Overdose
- restlessness
- irritability
- drowsiness
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Before Taking This Medicine
The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of antihistamines. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
- Enlarged prostate or
- Urina
ry tract blockage or difficult urination¡XAntihistamines may make urinary problems worse
- Glaucoma¡XThese medicines may cause a slight increase in inner eye pressure that may make the condition
rse
- Intestinal obstruction or
- Stomach ulcer¡XUse of cyproheptadine may make these conditions worse.
- Liver disease or
- Kidney disease¡XEffects of desloratadine may be increa
because of slower removal from the body.
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Cautions
Antihistamines may cause dryness of the mouth, nose, and throat. Some antihistamines are more likely to cause dryness of the mouth than others . For temporary relief of mouth dryness, use sugarless ca
ndy or gum, melt bits of ice in your mouth, or use a saliva substitute. However, if your mouth continues to feel dry for more than 2 weeks, check with your medical doctor or dentist. Continuing drynes
s of the mouth may increase the chance of dental disease, including tooth decay, gum disease, and fungus infections.
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Possible food and drug 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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Side Effects
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they seek medical attention immediately.
Check wi
th your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Incidence rare
- Chest tightness ; feeling of warmth, redness of the face, neck, arms and occasionally, upper ches
t; large, hive-like swelling on face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, sex organs; shortness of breath, difficult or labored breathing
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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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