Pregnancy Risk Category B
How supplied
Tablets: 5 mg, 10 mg
Oral solution: 5 mg/5 ml
Action
Drug is a nonsedating antihistamine that selectively inhibits peripheral H1 receptors.
Indications & dosage
Seasonal allergic rhititis, perennial allergic rhinitis, chronic urticaria--
Adults and children ages 12 and older: 5 or 10 mg P.O. daily depending on symptom severity.
Children ages 6 to 11: 5 or 10 mg (1 or 2 tsp) P.O. once daily depending on symptom severity.
Adjust-a-dose: For renally impaired patients with creatinine clearance of 11 to 31 ml/minute, those on dialysis (creatinine clearance less than 7 ml/minute), or those with hepatic impairment, 5 mg P.O. daily.
Adverse reactions
CNS: somnolence, fatigue, dizziness, headache.
EENT: pharyngitis.
GI: dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, abdominal distress.
Interactions
Drug-drug. CNS depressants: possible additive effect. Avoid concomitant use.
Theophylline: may cause decreased clearance of cetirizine. Monitor patient closely.
Drug-lifestyle. Alcohol use: possible additive effect. Avoid concomitant use.
Effects on diagnostic tests
Discontinue drug 4 days before performing diagnostic skin tests. Drug can prevent, reduce, or mask positive skin test response.
Contraindications
Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to drug or hydroxyzine.
Nursing considerations
Patient teaching
*Liquid contains alcohol. **May contain tartrazine. †Canada ‡Australia §U.K. OTCOver the counter
Reactions may be common, uncommon, life-threatening, or COMMON AND LIFE-THREATENING