cetirizine (oral/injection)

Pronunciation: se TIR a zeen

Cetirizine Hydrochloride

slide 1 of 11, Cetirizine Hydrochloride,

5 mg, round, white, imprinted with C35, M

Image of Cetirizine Hydrochloride
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Cetirizine Hydrochloride

slide 2 of 11, Cetirizine Hydrochloride,

10 mg, round, white, imprinted with M, C37

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Cetirizine Hydrochloride

slide 3 of 11, Cetirizine Hydrochloride,

10 mg, rectangular, white, imprinted with APO, 10MG

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Cetirizine Hydrochloride

slide 4 of 11, Cetirizine Hydrochloride,

10 mg, rectangular, white, imprinted with APO, 10 MG

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Cetirizine Hydrochloride

slide 5 of 11, Cetirizine Hydrochloride,

10 mg, oblong, white, imprinted with CTN, 10

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Cetirizine Hydrochloride

slide 6 of 11, Cetirizine Hydrochloride,

10 mg, capsule, white, imprinted with S 521

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Cetirizine Hydrochloride

slide 7 of 11, Cetirizine Hydrochloride,

10 mg, oval, white, imprinted with 4H2

Image of Cetirizine Hydrochloride
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Cetirizine Hydrochloride

slide 8 of 11, Cetirizine Hydrochloride,

10 mg, rectangular, white, imprinted with APO, 10 MG

Image of Cetirizine Hydrochloride
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Cetirizine Hydrochloride

slide 9 of 11, Cetirizine Hydrochloride,

10 mg, oval, white, imprinted with 4H2

Image of Cetirizine Hydrochloride
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ZyrTEC

slide 10 of 11, ZyrTEC,

10 mg, rectangular, white, imprinted with ZYRTEC, 10

Image of ZyrTEC
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ZyrTEC

slide 11 of 11, ZyrTEC,

5 mg, rectangular, white, imprinted with ZYRTEC, 5

Image of ZyrTEC
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What is the most important information I should know about cetirizine?

Use only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

What is cetirizine?

Cetirizine oral is used to treat cold or allergy symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, itching of nose, throat, or eyes.

Cetirizine oral tablet, capsule, and oral disintegrating tablet are used in adults and children at least 6 years of age.

Cetirizine oral liquid and chewable tablet can be used in adults and children at least 2 years of age.

Cetirizine injection is used in adults and children at least 6 months old to treat hives (urticaria).

Cetirizine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using cetirizine?

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to cetirizine or similar medicines such as: levocetirizine or hydroxyzine.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using cetirizine oral if you have any health problems.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

  • recently used alcohol, sedatives, or tranquilizers; or
  • liver or kidney disease.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How should I use cetirizine?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Cetirizine oral is taken by mouth with or without food.

You must chew the chewable tablet before you swallow it.

Remove an orally disintegrating tablet from the blister pack with dry hands only when you are ready to take the medicine. Take this medicine immediately after opening the blister pack. Allow the orally disintegrating tablet to dissolve in your mouth without chewing.

Measure liquid medicine with the supplied measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Cetirizine injection is injected into a vein by a healthcare provider.

Your dose needs may change if you switch to a different brand, strength, or form of this medicine. Avoid medication errors by using exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Cetirizine oral is used when needed. If you are on a dosing schedule, skip any missed dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

In a medical setting you are not likely to miss a dose of cetirizine injection.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include severe drowsiness, vision problems, agitation, fast heartbeats, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, trouble walking, trouble swallowing or speaking.

What should I avoid while using cetirizine?

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Dizziness or drowsiness can cause falls, accidents, or severe injuries.

Drinking alcohol with this medicine can cause side effects.

What are the possible side effects of cetirizine?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Common side effects may include:

  • nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
  • cough, drowsiness, tiredness;
  • headache, dizziness, feeling light-headed;
  • feeling hot, sweating;
  • numbness, tingling, burning pain;
  • altered sense of taste;
  • upset stomach, constipation; or
  • nosebleed, dry mouth, sore throat.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect cetirizine?

Using cetirizine with other drugs that make you drowsy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.

Other drugs may affect cetirizine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about cetirizine.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.