RHIZINE (CETIRIZINE)

anti-allergy drug
tabs: 10mg
syr: 5mg/5ml

Cetirizine hydrochloride
Brand names: Rhizin / Zyrtec

Why is Cetirizine hydrochloride prescribed?

It is an antihistamine. It is prescribed to treat the sneezing; itchy, runny nos
e; and itchy, red, watery eyes caused by seasonal allergies such as hay fever. I
t also relieves the symptoms of year-round allergies due to dust, mold, and anim
al dander. This medication is also used in the treatment of chronic itchy skin a
nd hives.

Most important fact about Cetirizine hydrochloride

It may cause drowsiness. Be especially careful driving or operating dangerous ma
chinery or participating in any hazardous activity that requires full mental ale
rtness until you know how you react to Cetirizine hydrochloride.

How should you take Cetirizine hydrochloride?

Take it once a day, exactly as prescribed. This medication can be taken with or
without food.
It may make your mouth dry. Sucking hard candy, chewing a stick of gum, or melti
ng bits of ice in your mouth can provide relief.

If you miss a dose...

If you are taking Cetirizine hydrochloride on a regular schedule, take the forgo
tten dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip
the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at
once.

Storage instructions...
Store the tablets and syrup at room temperature. The syrup may be refrigerated.

What side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell
your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe fo
r you to continue taking it.

Side effects in adults may include:

Drowsiness, dry mouth, fatigue
Side effects in children aged 6 to 11 may include:
Abdominal pain, coughing, diarrhea, headache, nosebleed, sleepiness, sore throat
, wheezing

Why should Cetirizine hydrochloride not be prescribed?

Avoid it if it causes a reaction, or if you have ever had a reaction to similar
drugs.

Special warnings about Cetirizine hydrochloride

If you have kidney or liver disease, be sure to tell your doctor. Your dose of C
etirizine hydrochloride may have to be reduced.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Cetirizine hydrochloride

You should avoid drinking alcohol or taking sedatives, tranquilizers, sleeping p
ills, or muscle relaxants while using it. They can lead to increased drowsiness
and reduced mental alertness. Among the products to avoid are the following:
Antidepressants
Muscle relaxants
Pain-relieving narcotics
Sedatives such as phenobarbital
Sleeping pills
High doses of theophylline
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
The effects of Zyrtec during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you
are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, tell your doctor immediately. Zyrtec ap
pears in breast milk and should not be used if you are breastfeeding.

Recommended dosage for Cetirizine hydrochloride

ADULTS AND CHILDREN 12 YEARS AND OLDER
The usual starting dose is 5 or 10 milligrams once a day, depending on the sever
ity of your symptoms. If you have a kidney or liver condition, the doctor will p
robably prescribe 5 milligrams daily.
CHILDREN 6 TO 11 YEARS
The usual starting dose is 5 or 10 milligrams (1 or 2 teaspoonfuls of syrup) onc
e a day. If your child has a kidney or liver condition, the doctor will probably
prescribe the lower dose.
CHILDREN 2 TO 5 YEARS
The usual starting dose is 2.5 milligrams (one-half teaspoonful) once a day. Dos
age may be increased to a maximum of 5 milligrams (1 teaspoonful) once daily or
2.5 milligrams (one-half teaspoonful) every 12 hours. If the child has a kidney
or liver condition, it should not be given.
CHILDREN 6 TO 23 MONTHS
The usual starting dose is 2.5 milligrams (one-half teaspoonful) once a day. In
children 12 to 23 months old, the dose can be increased to a maximum of 5 millig
rams a day, given as 2.5 milligrams (one-half teaspoonful) every 12 hours. It sh
ould not be used if your child has kidney or liver problems.
Overdosage
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. In adults, the pri
mary symptom of a Zyrtec overdose is extreme sleepiness. In children, restlessne
ss and irritability may precede drowsiness. If you suspect an overdose, seek med
ical treatment immediately.