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cetirizine hydrochloride
Zyrtec

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

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