Zyrtec is an antihistamine that reduces the natural histamine responsible for producing allergy symptoms in the body. Histamine produces symptoms like sneezing, itching, runny nose and watery eyes that are commonly known as allergy symptoms. Zyrtec is thus used to treat symptoms of hay fever and other seasonal as well as perennial allergies. Generic Zyrtec also treats the itching and swelling related to chronic urticaria or hives. Zyrtec can be prescribed to you by your doctor, for uses other than the ones mentioned below. You do not need a prescription to purchase Zyrtec as it is now even available over the counter.

If you are buying Zyrtec over the counter and haven't had a discussion with your health care professional, you should use Zyrtec in the exact manner directed on its label. You can however consult your doctor or pharmacist on the exact dosage recommendations relevant to your case. Below are some more usage instructions for Zyrtec.

• Do not use Zyrtec in quantities that are larger than recommended, especially if you are in for a long term course.


• Zyrtec can be taken with or without food.


• If you are using the chewable tablet version of generic Zyrtec, you should make sure that the tablet is chewed completely before it is swallowed.


• It is important to measure the liquid doses of Zyrtec with a dose measuring spoon, to avoid excess dosages.


• If the symptoms worsen or show no improvement, consult a doctor regarding your Zyrtec course.

Allergic reactions to Zyrtec require urgent emergency care at medical institutions. Such allergic reactions can be noticed when the patient suffers from breathing difficulties, swelling of face, lips and mouth, hives, etc. Certain other serious side effects may also require medical intervention. Such serious side effects are:

• Unnaturally fast heartbeat


• Tremors or uncontrollable shaking


• Insomnia


• Hyperactivity


• Vision problems


• Urination problems.

The less serious side effects are usually minor irritants that pass. If they increase in severity or last for long durations, they should also be reported to your doctor. These minor side effects of Zyrtec are:

• Dizziness


• Drowsiness


• Tiredness


• Dry mouth, sore throat and cough


• Nausea and constipation


• Headaches

There are certain drugs that may interact with Zyrtec. The list of such interactions can be obtained from your doctor or your pharmacist. Larger doses of drugs like theophylline, certain vitamin and mineral supplements, other prescription and over-the counter medications and certain herbal products may interact with Zyrtec. It is important to tell your doctor if you are taking any of these or if you plan to start a new medication while taking Zyrtec.

You should seek immediate medical attention if you suspect that you have had an overdose of Zyrtec. The symptoms that alert you to an overdose of Zyrtec include restlessness, nervousness and excessive drowsiness. The effects of frequent overdoses and the long term abuse of Zyrtec can be serious and your doctor should be able to tell you how to avoid them.

As with other medications, you should be aware of certain important things that relate to Zyrtec. Such notes on Zyrtec are listed below.

• Zyrtec can impair thinking and slow reactions. It should hence not be taken before activities that require you to be alert and awake.


• Alcohol may interact with Zyrtec and increase your risks of side effects. Hence, avoid alcohol consumption while on a Zyrtec course.


• Medicines such as cold and allergy medications, narcotic pain relief medications, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, etc. are known to make the patient sleep. If these medications are taken in combination with Zyrtec, the effect is much more potent and they may make the patient drowsier.


• Do not take Zyrtec if you are allergic to any of the Zyrtec ingredients.


• It is important to tell your doctor of your medical history before you are prescribed with Zyrtec.


• Though Zyrtec is not expected to be harmful during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, it is important to discuss its usage with a doctor.

If you forget a dose of Zyrtec, you can take it as soon as you remember it. If it is almost the time for the next dose when you remember your forgotten one, you should just skip the missed dose altogether and continue as per schedule.

Zyrtec is an anti-allergy medication. Its main uses are as listed below.

• For seasonal allergic rhinitis symptoms such as sneezing, rhinorrhea, nasal pruritus, ocular pruritus, tearing eyes and redness of eyes.


• For perennial allergic rhinitis symptoms such as sneezing, rhinorrhea, nasal discharge, nasal pruritus, ocular pruritus and watery eyes.


• For the treatment of chronic idiopathic urticaria and hives.

To know more about the uses of Cetirizine (Zyrtec), you will need to speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

Zyrtec should be stored in cool, dry, moisture-free places. Zyrtec should be kept away from kids and pets. Store Zyrtec at room temperatures where temperature extremes are not experienced.

The following precautions should be taken before taking Zyrtec.

• Zyrtec should not be taken before doing activities that require mental alertness.


• Zyrtec should not be used in concurrence with alcohol or other depressants.


• Do not self treat yourself with Zyrtec if you have other medical conditions, especially kidney and liver diseases.


• Zyrtec may pass through breast milk and hence its use while breastfeeding should be discussed with your doctor.

This list of precautions is not exhaustive and you may find out more of them by reading the label provided with Zyrtec. You can also find out more on Zyrtec from your doctor or pharmacist.

You can buy Zyrtec over the counter from your local pharmacy. You do not need a prescription for buying Zyrtec. You can even order cetirizine HCl from reputed online pharmacies. Online purchases give you great price discounts as well as home deliveries.