CETIRIZINE (Zyrtec®) is an antihistamine. Antihistamines work by preventing the effects of a substance called histamine, which is produced by the body. Cetirizine is used to relieve or prevent the symptoms of hay fever and other types of allergy. It is also used to help relieve itching and hives. Generic cetirizine tablets are not yet available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
liver disease
kidney disease
an unusual or allergic reaction to cetirizine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take cetirizine tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. You can take this medicine with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take more often than directed. You may need to take cetirizine for several days before your symptoms improve.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. Cetirizine has been used in children as young as 2 years old.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What drug(s) may interact with cetirizine?
Because cetirizine can cause drowsiness, other medicines that also cause drowsiness may increase this effect of cetirizine. Some medicines that cause drowsiness are:
alcohol
barbiturates such as phenobarbital
certain antidepressants or tranquilizers (for example, amitriptyline, chlorpromazine, desipramine, doxepin, imipramine, nortriptyline, thioridazine, trifluoperazine)
certain narcotics or pain medicines (for example, codeine, hydrocodone, meperidine, methadone, morphine, oxycodone, or propoxyphene)
certain medicines used for anxiety or to help produce sleep (for example, alprazolam, chloral hydrate, diazepam, lorazepam, meprobamate)
certain antihistamines used in cold medicines (for example, diphenhydramine or chlorpheniramine)
Ask your prescriber or health care professional about other medicines that may increase the effect of cetirizine.
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from taking cetirizine?
Serious side effects to cetirizine are rare. Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
any unusual effects that are bothersome
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
diarrhea
dizziness
drowsiness
dry mouth
fatigue
headache
nausea or stomach upset
sore throat
What should I watch for while taking cetirizine?
Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not start to improve in 2 or 3 days.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how cetirizine affects you.
Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water will help.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature, between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
What is the shelf life of the pills?
The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.
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What is a generic drug?
A generic drug (pl. generic drugs, short: generics) is a drug which is produced and distributed without patent protection. A generic must contain the same active ingredients as the original formulation. In most cases, it is considered bioequivalent to the brand name counterpart with respect to pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties. By extension, therefore, generics are assumed to be identical in dose, strength, route of administration, safety, efficacy, and intended use.
Facts about generic drugs
It is the chemical compound that makes up drug.
It is manufactured in strict compliance within th FDA guidelines.
It costs less because they don't have to spend R&D advertising.
It works identical to brand name Drugs to treat a medical condition.
Generic drugs generally cost 30-50% less then the equivalent.
Half of all prescription drugs have generic equivalents.
By asking your pharmacist for generics, you may save a lot.
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