Zyrtec
Brand Names
All Day Allergy, Indoor/Outdoor Allergy Relief, ZyrtecWhat is Zyrtec
Zyrtec (cetirizine) is an antihistamine. That medecine works by reducing the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.
Side effects of Zyrtec
You should tell your doctor if you have such symptoms of an allergic reaction to Zyrtec:
hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat.
You should call your doctor immediately if you have:
- fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
- weakness, tremors (uncontrolled shaking), or sleep problems (insomnia)
- severe restless feeling, hyperactivity
- confusion
- problems with vision
- urinating less than usual or not at all
- dizziness, drowsiness
- tired feeling
- dry mouth
- sore throat, cough
- nausea, constipation
- headache
Indication
Zyrtec is intended to treat cold or allergy symptoms such as itching, swelling (caused by chronic urticaria (hives)), sneezing,watery eyes or runny nose.
Precautions
You should not use Zyrtec if you are allergic to cetirizine.
Zyrtec is not harmful to an unborn baby, but do not use Zyrtec without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Dosage forms
The recommended dose of Zyrtec depends on following:
- Your age
- The severity of your symptoms
- Other medical conditions you may have
Doses of Zyrtec for Adults and Older Children: 10 mg once daily. For mild symptoms- 5 mg once daily.
People at the age of 65 and older: should consulted with their healthcare providers before taking Zyrtec in order to determine the best dose.
Dosing for Young Children: 2. 5 mg once daily. This dose is equivalent to half a teaspoonful (2.5 ml) of Zyrtec syrup.
