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Cautions
Before you have any skin tests for allergies, tell the doctor in charge that you are taking this medicine. The results of the test may be affected by this medicine.
When taking antihistamines
on a regular basis, make sure your doctor knows if you are taking large amounts of aspirin at the same time (as for arthritis or rheumatism). Effects of too much aspirin, such as ringing in the ears,
may be covered up by the antihistamine.
- Antihistamines will add to the effects of alcohol and other CNS depressants (medicines that slow down the nervous system, possibly causing drowsines
s).
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Before Using This Medicine
The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of antihistamines. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
- Enlarged prostate or
- Urina
ry tract blockage or difficult urination¡XAntihistamines may make urinary problems worse
- Glaucoma¡XThese medicines may cause a slight increase in inner eye pressure that may make the condition
rse
- Intestinal obstruction or
- Stomach ulcer¡XUse of cyproheptadine may make these conditions worse.
- Liver disease or
- Kidney disease¡XEffects of desloratadine may be increa
because of slower removal from the body.
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Significant Interactions:
Anticholinergics (medicine for abdominal or stomach spasms or cramps)¡XSide 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)¡XUse 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)¡XEffects, 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
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How should you take this medication?
Dosing¡X
The dose of fexofenadine may be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average dose
of fexofenadine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
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What is this medicine
Zyrtec is an antihistamine. It is prescribed to treat the sneezing; itchy, runny nose; and itchy, red, watery eyes caused by seasonal allergies such as hay fever. Zyrtec also relieves the symptoms of
year-round allergies due to dust, mold, and animal dander. This medication is also used in the treatment of chronic itchy skin and hives.
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Side Effects
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your
doctor immediately if the following side effect occurs:
- Less common or rare
Less frequent or rare with azatadine, cetirizine, clemastine, cyproheptadine, desloratadine, dexchlorphenira
mine, diphenhydramine, or loratadine
Fast or irregular heartbeat; fever; abdominal or stomach pain; burning; chills; clay-colored stools or dark urine; cough; diarrhea; difficulty swa
llowing; dizziness; fast heartbeat; fever; headache; hives; itching;
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