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What special precautions should I follow?
This medicine may cause some people to become drowsy or less alert than they are normally. Even if taken at bedtime, it may cause some people to feel drowsy or less alert on arising. Some antihistamin
es are more likely to cause drowsiness than others. Drowsiness is less likely with cetirizine, and rare with desloratadine and loratadine. Make sure you know how you react to the antihistamine you are
taking before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
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Drug Interactions
You should avoid drinking alcohol or taking sedatives, tranquilizers, sleeping pills, or muscle relaxants while using Zyrtec. They can lead to increased drowsiness and reduced mental alertness. Among
the products to avoid are the following:
- Antidepressants such as Tofranil, Elavil, Ludiomil, and Anafranil
- Muscle relaxants such as Valium and Soma
- Pain-relieving narcotics s
uch as codeine, Demerol, and Percocet
- Sedatives such as Nembutal, Seconal, and phenobarbital
- Sleeping pills such as Halcion, Restoril, and Ambien
- High doses of theophylline (Theo-
Dur)
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Precautions Before Using This Medicine
Pregnancy¡XIn animal studies, this medicine did not cause birth defects but did cause a decrease in weight of the infant. Discuss with your doctor whether or not you should continue to use this medici
e if you become pregnant.
Breast-feeding¡XIt is not known whether fexofenadine passes into breast milk. Although most medicines pass into breast milk in small amounts, many of them may be use
safely while breast-feeding. Mothers who are taking this medicine and who wish to breast-feed should discuss this with their doctor.
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How should this medicine be used?
Antihistamines are used to relieve or prevent the symptoms of your medical problem. Take them only as directed. Do not take more of them and do not take them more often than recommended on the label,
unless otherwise directed by your doctor. To do so may increase the chance of side effects.
Dosing¡X
- The dose of an antihistamine will be different for different patients. Follow y
ur doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of antihistamines. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you
to do so.
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Overdose
Clumsiness or unsteadiness; convulsions (seizures); drowsiness (severe); dryness of mouth, nose, or throat (severe); feeling faint; flushing or redness of face; hallucinations (seeing, hearing,
or feeling things that are not there); shortness of breath or troubled breathing ; trouble in sleeping
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Why is this medication prescribed?
Zyrtec is used in the treatment of nervous and emotional conditions to help control anxiety. It can also be used to help control anxiety and produce sleep before surgery.
Some antihistamines
are used in the treatment of chronic urticaria, which is a persistent hive-like rash.
Antihistamines may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Some antihist
amine preparations are available only with your doctor's prescription. Others are available without a prescription. However, your doctor may have special instructions on the proper dose of the medicin
e for your medical condition.
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