|
|
Why is this drug prescribed?
Cetirizine, an antihistamine, is used to relieve hay fever and seasonal allergy symptoms, including runny nose; sneezing; and red, itchy, tearing eyes. It also may be used to treat itching and hives t
hat result from certain skin conditions.
|
Overdose
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. In adults, the primary symptom of a Zyrtec overdose is extreme sleepiness. In children, restlessness and irritability may precede drowsine
ss. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical treatment immediately.
|
What special precautions should I follow?
Antihistamines may cause dryness of the mouth, nose, and throat. Some antihistamines are more likely to cause dryness of the mouth than others . For temporary relief of mouth dryness, use sugarless ca
ndy or gum, melt bits of ice in your mouth, or use a saliva substitute. However, if your mouth continues to feel dry for more than 2 weeks, check with your medical doctor or dentist. Continuing drynes
s of the mouth may increase the chance of dental disease, including tooth decay, gum disease, and fungus infections.
|
|
|
|
What special precautions should I follow?
ChildrenˇXThis medicine has been tested in children 6 years of age and older and, in effective doses, has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems than it does in adults. There is no
specific information comparing use of fexofenadine in children up to 6 years of age.
Older adultsˇXFexofenadine has been tested in patients 65 years of age and older and has not been shown to
cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults.
|
How should you take this medication?
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.
DosingˇX
- 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.
|
Possible food and drug interactions
Anticholinergics (medicine for abdominal or stomach spasms or cramps)ˇXSide effects, such as dryness of mouth, of antihistamines or anticholinergics may be more likely to occur
Erythromycin (e.g.
E-Mycin) or
Ketoconazole (e.g., Nizoral)ˇXUse of these medicines with fexofenadine may cause an increased amount of fexofenadine in the blood.
Central nervous system (CNS) depressants (medi
ines that cause drowsiness)ˇXEffects, such as drowsiness, of CNS depressants or antihistamines may be worsened; also, taking maprotiline or tricyclic antidepressants may cause some side effects of eit
er of these medicines, such as dryness of mouth, to become more severe
|
|
