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Zyrtec®
(Cetirizine
hydrochloride)
Drug Uses
Zyrtec is an antihistamine. Antihistamines
prevent sneezing, runny nose, itching and watering of the eyes, and other
allergic symptoms. Zyrtec is used to treat allergies, hives (urticaria), and
other allergic inflammatory conditions.
How Taken
Zyrtec comes as a tablet to take it
orally. It usually is taken once a day. It may be taken regularly or when
allergy symptoms flare up. Follow the directions on your prescription label
carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not
understand. Take Zyrtec exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or
take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Warnings/Precautions
Before taking this medication, tell your
doctor if you have kidney or liver disease. You may need a lower dose or special
monitoring during your therapy with Zyrtec. Zyrtec is in the FDA pregnancy
category B. This means that it is unlikely to harm an unborn baby. Do not take
Zyrtec without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. Zyrtec passes
into breast milk and may affect a nursing baby. Do not take Zyrtec without first
talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. If you are over 60
years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from Zyrtec. You
may require a lower dose of this medication.
Missed Dose
If you forget to take a dose, do not take
an extra tablet to catch up for the dose you forgot. Wait and take your next
tablet at the regular time. Do not take more tablets than your doctor
prescribed.
Possible Side Effects
Stop taking Zyrtec and seek emergency
medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing;
closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take
Zyrtec and talk to your doctor if you experience sleepiness, fatigue, or
dizziness; headache; or dry mouth. Side effects other than those listed here may
also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that
is especially bothersome.
Storage
Store at 20-25°C (68-77°F); excursions
permitted to 15-30°C (59-86°F).
Overdose
Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms
of a Zyrtec overdose are not well known, but extreme sleepiness, confusion, and
weakness may be expected.
More Information
Use caution when driving, operating
machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Zyrtec may cause dizziness
or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these
activities. Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and
dizziness while you are taking Zyrtec.
Cetirizine hydrochloride, the active component of
Zyrtec® tablets and syrup, is an orally active and selective H1-receptor
antagonist. The chemical name is
(±) - [2- [4- [ (4-chlorophenyl)phenylmethyl]
-1- piperazinyl] ethoxy]acetic acid, dihydrochloride.
Cetirizine hydrochloride
is a racemic compound with an empirical formula of C21H25ClN2O3•2HCl. The
molecular weight is 461.82.
Cetirizine hydrochloride is a white, crystalline
powder and is water soluble. Zyrtec tablets are formulated as white,
film-coated, rounded-off rectangular shaped tablets for oral administration and
are available in 5 and 10 mg strengths. Inactive ingredients are: lactose
monohydrate; microcrystalline cellulose; colloidal silicon dioxide;
croscarmellose sodium; magnesium stearate; titanium dioxide; hypromellose; and
polyethylene glycol.
Zyrtec chewable tablets are formulated as purple round tablets for oral
administration and are available in 5 and 10 mg strengths. Inactive ingredients
of the chewable tablets are: acesulfame potassium; artificial grape flavor;
betadex, NF; blue dye; colloidal silicon dioxide; lactose monohydrate; magnesium
stearate; mannitol; microcrystalline cellulose; natural flavor; red dye
(carmine).
Zyrtec syrup is a colorless to slightly yellow syrup containing cetirizine
hydrochloride at a concentration of 1 mg/mL (5 mg/5 mL) for oral administration.
The pH is between 4 and 5. The inactive ingredients of the syrup are: banana
flavor; glacial acetic acid; glycerin; grape flavor; methylparaben; propylene
glycol; propylparaben; sodium acetate; sugar syrup; and water.
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