Drug Uses

Zyrtec 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.

How To Use

Use Zyrtec as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions. Take Zyrtec by mouth with or without food. Zyrtec may make your mouth dry.

Possible Side Effects

Side effects, that may go away during treatment, include drowsiness, fatigue, or dry mouth. In children, stomach pain or vomiting may occur. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience yellowing of eyes or skin, dark urine, or persistent fatigue. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Precautions

This medicine may cause drowsiness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. Limit alcoholic beverages while taking this medicine. Do not increase your dose or take more of this medicine than prescribed without checking with your doctor. Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter (e.g., cough-and-cold products), check with your doctor or pharmacist about their safe use. These medicines may also contain ingredients which can cause drowsiness. This medicine may interfere with allergy test results. Check with your doctor for instruction on how long you will need to stop taking this medicine prior to those tests. caution is advised when using this medicine in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine, especially the drowsiness effect. For women: if you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and the risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. This medicine is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include severe drowsiness. In children symptoms may include restlessness and irritability at first followed by drowsiness.

Missed dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, 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.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children. Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.