Cetirizine FAQs
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Cetirizine prevents and treats allergy symptoms, such as red, itchy eyes, sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose, skin rashes or hives. It works by blocking histamine, a substance released by the body during an allergic reaction. It belongs to a group of medications called antihistamines.1
Cetirizine does not prevent hives or prevent/treat a serious allergic reaction (such as anaphylaxis). If your doctor has prescribed epinephrine to treat allergic reactions, always carry your epinephrine injector with you. Do not use cetirizine in place of your epinephrine.2
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Take cetirizine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You can take this medication with food or on an empty stomach. Take your medication at regular times. Do not take more often than directed. You may need to take this medication for several days before your symptoms improve.3
If you have any questions, consult your pharmacist. If your doctor has prescribed this medication, take it as directed, usually once a day.
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Cetirizine will start to work within one hour after you take it.4
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Cetirizine provides allergy relief for 24 hours.5
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The dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or take this medication more often than directed.6
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Cetirizine is available over the counter and by prescription and can be purchased online. Start a free online visit for rash and hives allergy symptoms with RedBox Rx to see if cetirizine could be right for you.
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With RedBox Rx, cetirizine starts at $10, one of the lowest prices available online. No insurance required.
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Before taking cetirizine:
Tell your doctor if you are allergic to or have had an adverse reaction to cetirizine, hydroxyzine, other medications, foods, dyes or preservatives.
Tell your doctor about all your medical conditions or if you have ever had kidney or liver disease.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Cetirizine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use cetirizine without telling your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
Older adults may need to take a lower-than-normal dose. Follow your doctor's instructions.
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Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
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If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
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Cetirizine may cause side effects including:
Dizziness.
Drowsiness.
Fatigue.
Dry mouth.
Sore throat.
Cough.
Nausea
Constipation.
Headache.
Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away.
Cetirizine may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
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Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).
It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children, as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location — one that is up and out of their sight and reach.
Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community.
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In case of overdose, call the Poison Control Center helpline at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.
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Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Tell your doctor if your allergy symptoms do not improve, if your hives do not improve after three days of treatment or if your hives last more than six weeks. Get medical help right away if your condition worsens or if you think you have a serious medical problem (such as a very serious allergic reaction/anaphylaxis).
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription. If you still have symptoms of infection after you finish the famciclovir, call your doctor.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all the prescription and nonprescription (over the counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
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