Zyrtec Side Effects

Serious Side Effects of Zyrtec

rapid heart rate or irregular heartbeat
loss of strength
uncontrollable muscle movement or shaking (tremors)
feeling restless and having trouble sleeping
changes in vision or blurred vision
feeling confused
decrease in urination or not being able to urinate
symptoms of a serious allergic reaction including hives, rash, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the mouth, tongue, throat, or face

Common Side Effects of Zyrtec

Headache, fatigue, and dizziness are common side effects of Zyrtec.
Zyrtec may also cause dryness of the mouth, coughing, and sore throat.
Upset stomach or nausea, and changes in bowels, particularly constipation, may also occur while taking this medication.

Warnings & Recalls for Zyrtec

Zyrtec Recalls

In early 2010 several allergy products, including Zyrtec, were voluntarily recalled on the basis that they were manufactured poorly. Certain children's Zyrtec medicines were packaged in bottles that did not meet safety standards and other bottles had expiration dates that were illegible.

Zyrtec and Pregnancy

Zyrtec has been assigned as a U.S. Food and Drug Administration pregnancy Category B medicine. Zyrtec is typically considered safe to use during pregnancy and has not been shown to cause harm to the fetus. However, Zyrtec can pass through breast-milk and could potentially harm a nursing baby. Women who are nursing, pregnant or planning to become pregnant should talk to their doctor first before using Zyrtec.

General Warnings

Zyrtec should not be used by anyone who is allergic to cetrizine. Let your doctor know about any pre-existing health conditions you may have, your dosage may need to be adjusted especially if you are an elderly patient. Take caution when participating in any form of activity that requires your full attention. Zyrtec may reduce your ability to react or think properly. Avoid using Zyrtec with other drugs that cause sleepiness, particularly:

narcotics and pain relievers
sleeping pills
muscle relaxers
seizure prevention treatments
anxiety or depression medication
other allergy medicines similar to Zyrtec

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Zyrtec, it may cause dangerous drowsiness.

Zyrtec Treatment and Use

Zyrtec | Cetirizine is an antihistamine drug marketed by Pfizer Pharmaceuticals for reducing cold and allergy symptoms. Zyrtec decreases symptoms of sneezing, itchiness, runny nose, and watering of the eyes caused by hay fever and allergies to the following:

pollen, dust, or dust mites
mold
dander from animals
cockroaches

Zyrtec may be prescribed for treating certain cases of hives (chronic urticaria).

Zyrtec does not prevent allergic reactions.

How Does Zyrtec Work?

Histamines in the body work by inducing inflammation which triggers immune system responses that cause allergy symptoms. Zyrtec treats these side effects by preventing histamines from signaling these reactions in the body.

How to Use Zyrtec

Zyrtec is available in tablet, chewable tablet, extended-release tablet, and oral suspension (liquid) form. It is recommended to take Zyrtec in 5mg to 10mg doses once each day by mouth, with or without food. Carefully read and follow all packaged instructions and directions given to you by your doctor. Do not use more Zyrtec than prescribed.

Do not crush or chew Zyrtec tablets; swallow tablets whole.

Chewable tablets should be chewed completely and dissolving tablets should be disintegrated fully before swallowing the medicine.

If you are using Zyrtec to treat hives and your symptoms are not reduced within 3 days, call your doctor right away. Zyrtec does not treat hives that are discolored and appear to be bruised or blistered.

Other Names for Zyrtec

Brand name:

Zyrtec

All Day Allergy Zyrtec

Indoor and Outdoor Allergy Relief Zyrtec

Generic name:

cetirizine