DRUG INTERACTIONS: Cetirizine should be taken only in doses prescribed. Increasing the dose can be dangerous. When taking cetirizine with theophylline the dose of theophylline may need to be reduced. Cetirizine occasionally can cause sleepiness . Cetirizine can be taken with erythromycin or ketaconazole without the increased risk of heart irregularities common to other non-sedating antihistamines. Cetirizine also can be used to treat children.
Available as a prescription drug since 2001, Zyrtec-D is now approved as an over-the-counter drug for the relief of symptoms due to hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies such as runny nose; sneezing; itchy, watery eyes; itchy nose or throat; and nasal congestion.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription products you may use, especially of drugs that cause drowsiness such as: anti-anxiety drugs (e.g., diazepam), other antihistamines that cause drowsiness (e.g., diphenhydramine), anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine), medicine for sleep (e.g., sedatives), muscle relaxants, narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g., phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine, or tricyclics such as amitriptyline), tranquilizers.
|
