Zyrtec
Drug name: ZYRTEC
Other names used:
- Reactine®
- Virlix®
Active Ingredients:
cetirizine HCl
Therapeutic actions: Potent histamine (H1) receptor antagonist; inhibits histamine release and eosinophil chemotaxis during inflammation, leading to reduced swelling and decreased inflammatory response
Indications:
- Management of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis
- Treatment of chronic, idiopathic urticaria
- Treatment of year-round allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathis urticaria in infants > 6 mo
Contraindications and cautions: If you have kidney or liver disease, be sure to tell your doctor. Your dose of this medication may have to be reduced.
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 such 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)
Adverse effects: Stop taking Zyrtec and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives). Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Zyrtec and talk to your doctor if you experience
- sleepiness, fatigue, or dizziness
- headache;
- dry mouth
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
Interactions: With the simultaneous designation of Zyrtec and theophylline (especially if the doses of theophylline exceed 400 mH) can be observed an increase of the concentration in the serum and the relative overdose of Zyrtec because of the decreased clearance. During treatment by Zyrtec patients should abstain from alcoholic beverages and sedative preparations, since sleepiness and retarding of psycho-motor reactions can be noted.
Additional Information: DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS PRODUCT, as well as syringes and needles, if needed during treatment, out of the reach of children. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials.
