Cetirizine
Information about Cetirizine
Cetirizine uses
Cetirizine is used in the treatment of allergic conditions.
How cetirizine works
Cetirizine is an antihistaminic medication. It treats allergy symptoms such as such as itching, swelling, and rashes by blocking the effects of a chemical messenger (histamine) in the body.
Common side effects of cetirizine
Sleepiness
Content Details
Last updated on:
11 Apr 2019 | 11:02 AM (IST)
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Expert advice for Cetirizine
- Your doctor has prescribed Cetirizine to help relieve allergy symptoms such as itching, swelling, and rashes.
- It's much less likely to make you feel sleepy than other similar medications.
- It is okay to take Cetirizine with most other medications as it has few drug interactions.
- Use caution while driving or doing anything that requires concentration as Cetirizine can cause dizziness and sleepiness.
- Do not drink alcohol while taking Cetirizine as it may cause increased sleepiness.
- Stop taking Cetirizine at least three days before taking an allergy test as it can affect the test results.
- Your doctor has prescribed Cetirizine to help relieve allergy symptoms such as itching, swelling, and rashes.
- As compared to other similar medications, it is much less likely to make you feel sleepy.
- Be cautious while driving or doing anything that requires concentration as it can cause dizziness and sleepiness.
- Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication as it may cause increased sleepiness.
- Stop taking Cetirizine at least three days before taking an allergy test as it can affect the test results.
Frequently asked questions for Cetirizine
Cetirizine
Q. Can you take cetirizine for prickly heat?
Cetirizine can be used for prickly heat to reduce the itching. Patients should follow the advice of the doctor regarding its use.
Q. Can I take cetirizine with high blood pressure?
Patients with high blood pressure can take cetirizine. Patients should follow the advice of the doctor regarding its use.
Q. Does cetirizine make you gain weight?
It is rarely seen, but there is a possibility that cetirizine, like other anti-histamines, might cause weight gain.
Q. Is cetirizine safe?
Cetirizine is safe at the prescribed dose by the doctor. Patients should follow the advice of the doctor regarding its use.
Q. Is cetirizine good for cold/ used for sore throat/ allergic reaction/itching/hives?
Cetirizine is used to treat cold or allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, watery eyes, or runny nose. It is also used to treat hives, but not used for sore throat. Patients should follow the advice of the doctor regarding its use.
Q. Can I take cetirizine with loratadine/ diphenhydramine/ brompheniramine/ fexofenadine?
No. Patient should not take cetirizine with these drugs as they are from same category of antihistamines. Patients should follow the advice of the doctor regarding its use.
Q. Does cetirizine make you sleepy or cause drowsiness?
Patient may feel sleepy after taking cetirizine. Always consult your doctor
Q. Can I take Cetirizine with Betahistine?
Cetirizine should not be taken with Betahistine as Cetirizine has antihistamine action and Betahistine has histamine-like action. Using the two medicines together may lower the efficacy of either of them.