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GENERIC NAME: cetirizine

BRAND NAME: Zyrtec

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Cetirizine is the fourth addition to a new generation of allergy medications called "non- sedating" antihistamines or histamine (H-1) receptor blockers. These new antihistamines are called non-sedating because they cause less sedation than their predecessors; however, cetirizine is more sedating than the other non-sedating antihistamines.

Antihistamines block the effects of histamines. Histamines cause symptoms of allergy when released by allergic reactions in the body. Antihistamines block the ability of histamine to promote the allergy symptoms. For further information, please read the Allergic Rhinitis article.

PRESCRIPTION: Yes

GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes

PREPARATIONS: 5mg and 10mg oral tablets.

STORAGE: Store in a dry place at 15-30 degrees C (59- 86 F).

PRESCRIBED FOR: Cetirizine is used by people who suffer from allergic symptoms such as sneezing, itchy nose (allergic rhinitis) and itchy eyes. It also has been used to treat hives.

DOSING: Cetirizine should be taken at doses specifically directed by a physician. Cetirizine can be taken with food.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Cetirizine should be taken only in doses prescribed. Increasing the dose can be dangerous. When taking cetirizine with theophylline the dose of theophylline may need to be reduced. Cetirizine occasionally can cause sleepiness . Cetirizine can be taken with erythromycin or ketaconazole without the increased risk of heart irregularities common to other non-sedating antihistamines. Cetirizine also can be used to treat children.

SIDE EFFECTS: Sleepiness occurs in 14% of patients. Dry mouth, nausea, headache, fatigue, jitteriness and sore throat are infrequently reported with cetirizine.

Reference: FDA Prescribing Information


Last Editorial Review: 3/8/1999




Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

 

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.


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Related Drugs - WebMD Health Network

cetirizine, Zyrtec

What are hives (urticaria)?

Hives (medically known as urticaria) are red, itchy, raised areas of skin that appear in varying shapes and sizes. They range in size from a few millimeters to several inches in diameter. Hives can be round, or they can form rings or large patches. Wheals (welts), red lesions with a red "flare" at the borders, are another manifestation of hives. Hives can occur anywhere on the body, such as the trunk, arms, and legs.

It is estimated that 15% of all people will develop urticaria at some point in their lives. Of those with chronic hives, some 80% are idiopathic, the medical term which means that no cause, allergic or otherwise, can be found.

One hallmark of hives is their tendency to change size rapidly and to move around, disappearing in one place and reappearing in other places, often in a matter of hours. Individual hives usually last two to 24 hours. An outbreak that looks impressi...

Read the Hives article »










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