Cetrizine: Uses, Side Effects, Precautions And Drug Interaction

An antihistamine called cetirizine is used to treat allergy symptoms like runny nose, watery eyes, itchy nose, sneezing, hives, and itching. It functions by preventing your body from producing histamine, a natural chemical produced during an allergic reaction. 

Cetirizine does neither cure nor prevent severe allergic reactions (like anaphylaxis), nor does it stop hives. Make sure you always have your epinephrine injector on hand if your doctor has ordered it to treat allergic reactions. 

How Cetirizine Is Used?

Before taking this medicine, make sure to read all of the guidelines on the product box if you are using the over-the-counter product for self-treatment. Take this medication as suggested by your doctor, generally once a day.

When taking the chewable pills, make sure to thoroughly chew each one before swallowing. When taking a rapidly-dissolving pill, let it dissolve on your tongue before swallowing it, either with or without water. 

Use a specific measuring tool or spoon to accurately measure the dosage if you are taking this medication in liquid form. 

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Side Effects Of Cetrizine

There may be fatigue, drowsiness, and dry mouth. Also possible is stomach pain, particularly in young patients. Notify your chemist or doctor right once if any of these side effects persist or worsen.

If your doctor has recommended this drug, keep in mind that they have determined that the likelihood of positive side effects outweighs the medication's potential benefits for you. 

If you have any major side effects, such as weakness or trouble urinating, notify your doctor straight once.

Rarely, this medication might cause a very dangerous adverse response. However, if you have any of the following signs of a significant allergic response, obtain medical attention right away: rash, breathing difficulties, extreme dizziness, itching, or swelling, especially in the face, tongue, or neck.

There may be more side effects than those listed here. Speak with your chemist or doctor if you have any other side effects not on this list.

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Precautions While Taking Cetirizine

If you have any allergies, please let your doctor or chemist know before using cetirizine, including hydroxyzine, levocetirizine, and cetirizine. Allergies or other issues may arise from the inactive chemicals in this product. 

Please discuss all of your medical history with your doctor or chemist before using this drug, with specific attention to renal illness, liver disease, and problems urinating (such as from an enlarged prostate).

If you develop any of the following symptoms while taking this medicine for hives, contact your doctor right away since they might indicate a more serious illness: hives that don't hurt, hives that have an odd color, or hives that seem bruised or blistered.

Take this medication if you're sleepy. Both marijuana and alcohol (cannabis) might increase your drowsiness. Until you can do so safely, avoid using machinery, driving, or doing anything else that requires awareness. Steer clear of booze. See your physician if you use cannabis, often known as marijuana.

Liquid products could include sugar. Consult your physician or chemist about the safe use of this product.

Inform your doctor or dentist about everything you use before surgery, including over-the-counter, prescription, and herbal medications.

This drug should only be taken when necessary during pregnancy. Talk to your doctor about the advantages and disadvantages.

Breast milk contains this medicine. Before nursing, speak with your doctor.

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Drug Interaction Of Cetrizine

Drug interactions might alter the way your prescriptions function or raise the possibility of experiencing severe adverse effects. Not every potential medication interaction is covered in this publication. Make a list of everything you use, including over-the-counter and prescription medications as well as herbal remedies, and provide it to your chemist and physician. Before beginning, stopping, or altering the amount of any medication, get your doctor's clearance.

Inform your physician or pharmacist about any other medications that make you feel sleepy, like alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), opioid pain or cough relievers (like codeine, hydrocodone), muscle relaxants (like carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), alcohol, or other antihistamines (like chlorpheniramine, diphenhydramine).

All of your medications, even those for allergies or colds and coughs, should have chemicals that might make you drowsy listed on the label. To find out how to use certain products safely, ask your chemist.

Use of diphenhydramine cream, ointment, or spray in combination with other topical antihistamines should be avoided due to the possibility of worsening adverse effects.

Cetirizine shares several similarities with levocetirizine and hydroxyzine. Avoid using these drugs at the same time as cetirizine.

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