Pronunciation: se-TIR-i-zeen
Generic Name: Cetirizine
Brand Name: Zyrtec
Zyrtec Syrup is used for:
Preventing or treating symptoms of hay fever and other upper respiratory allergies such as stuffy nose, runny nose, sneezing, itching of the nose and throat, and itchy, watery eyes. It is also used for preventing or treating chronic hives. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Zyrtec Syrup is an antihistamine. It works by blocking the action of histamine, which reduces the symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Do NOT use Zyrtec Syrup if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Zyrtec Syrup or to hydroxyzine
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using Zyrtec Syrup:
Some medical conditions may interact with Zyrtec Syrup. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
- if you have kidney or liver problems, or you are receiving dialysis
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Zyrtec Syrup. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
Theophylline because it may increase the risk of Zyrtec Syrup's side effects
How to use Zyrtec Syrup:
Use Zyrtec Syrup as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- Take Zyrtec Syrup by mouth with or without food.
- Use a measuring device marked for medicine dosing. Ask your pharmacist for help if you are unsure of how to measure your dose.
- If you miss a dose of Zyrtec Syrup, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Zyrtec Syrup.
Important safety information:
- Zyrtec Syrup may cause drowsiness or dizziness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Zyrtec Syrup with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
- Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Zyrtec Syrup; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.
- Zyrtec Syrup may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Zyrtec Syrup. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.
- Zyrtec Syrup may interfere with skin allergy tests. If you are scheduled for a skin test, talk to your doctor. You may need to stop taking Zyrtec Syrup for a few days before the tests.
- Use Zyrtec Syrup with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects.
- Caution is advised when using Zyrtec Syrup in CHILDREN; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially stomach pain and trouble sleeping.
- Zyrtec Syrup should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN younger than 6 months old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
- PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: It is not known if Zyrtec Syrup can cause harm to the fetus. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Zyrtec Syrup while you are pregnant. Zyrtec Syrup is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Zyrtec Syrup.
Possible side effects of Zyrtec Syrup:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Drowsiness; dry mouth; stomach pain (in children); tiredness; trouble sleeping (in children).
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; unusual hoarseness); dark urine; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; mental or mood changes; persistent fatigue; seizures; severe dizziness; unusual bruising or bleeding; yellowing of eyes or skin.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.
See also: Zyrtec side effects (in more detail)
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include irritability; restlessness; severe drowsiness.
Proper storage of Zyrtec Syrup:
Store Zyrtec Syrup at 77 degrees F ( 25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Zyrtec Syrup may be refrigerated at 36 to 46 degrees F (2 to 8 degrees C). Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Zyrtec Syrup out of the reach of children and away from pets.
General information:
- If you have any questions about Zyrtec Syrup, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- Zyrtec Syrup is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
- If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
- Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.
This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Zyrtec Syrup. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
More Zyrtec resources
- Zyrtec Side Effects (in more detail)
- Zyrtec Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Drug Images
- Zyrtec Drug Interactions
- Zyrtec Support Group
- 53 Reviews for Zyrtec - Add your own review/rating
Compare Zyrtec with other medications
- Hay Fever
- Urticaria
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