Warnings
What are the risks of taking cetirizine hydrochloride?
Cetirizine (Zyrtec) can cause serious health problems in certain groups of people. You should talk to your healthcare provider if you have any concerns or about other treatment options. Severe allergic reaction:
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What should I tell my doctor before starting cetirizine?
Tell all your doctors your full medical history. You should inform your doctor about all of your medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, and breastfeeding status. Also, let your doctor know if you have any kidney or liver disease.
If you are allergic to cetirizine, Zyrtec, or hydroxyzine, you should not take cetirizine. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding.
Cetirizine is considered to be relatively safe to be used during pregnancy. However, do not start taking cetirizine before discussing it with your doctor.
Cetirizine is not to be used with children under six months old. Always talk to your child’s doctor before you start giving cetirizine regardless of their age.
What proper medical care should I take while on cetirizine?
- If you use cetirizine liquid medicine, you should measure the dose carefully using an oral syringe or medicine cup.
- Do not take cetirizine with other medicines that make you sleepy.
- Consult with your child’s pediatrician before using cetirizine to treat hives or allergies.
- Cetirizine is not indicated to treat allergic reactions. If your doctor prescribes you epinephrine (EpiPen) to treat an anaphylactic reaction, you should always carry it with you.
What drugs can interact with cetirizine hydrochloride?
Cetirizine can cause drowsiness; Taking cetirizine with other medications that make you drowsy worsens this effect. Examples of those medications are anti-anxiety medications, anti-seizure medications, opioid pain relievers, muscle relaxers, and sleeping pills. Inform your doctor and pharmacist of all your medicines to avoid drug interaction.
This is not a complete list; there may be other drugs that can interact with cetirizine. Other drugs, including prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, herbal products, and vitamins, may interact with cetirizine. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this guide. It is highly recommended to keep a list of all the drug products you are using (prescriptions, over-the-counter products, herbal supplements, natural products, and vitamins) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist.
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