How to use Cetirizine?
Ensure to read and understand the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using Cetirizine. If there are any doubts ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take Cetirizinetablet with a glass of water with or without food. Usually it is recommended to take once a day.

Swallow the whole tablet without chewing or splitting or crushing it.

Always try to take Cetirizine at evenly paced times. If you missed a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is too close to your next dose then skip the missed dose and take the regular dose. Should never double the dose in order to make up for the missed dose.

Take Cetirizineexactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take in doses which are either larger or for longer than what is recommended by your doctor.

Precautions
Prior to taking Cetirizine inform your doctor if you have
• any allergies to Cetirizine or to cetirizine or hydroxyzine or other allergies
• kidney disease
• enlarged prostate
• gallbladder problems
• problems with urination
• liver disease
• asthma
If you are pregnant you must take Cetirizine only if it's absolutely necessary. Discuss with your doctor the risks and the benefits involved.

Cetirizine passes into breast milk but it is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Discuss with your doctor the risks and the benefits involved.

Cetirizine side effects may increase if it interacts with alcohol so it is recommended to avoid alcohol. Interactions with marijuana and alcohol will make you extremely dizzy. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you feel well.

Side Effects
Your doctor prescribed this medicine after carefully analyzing the benefits over the risks involved. Most people do not experience any serious side effects. However, you may experience the following side effects.
• dry mouth
• drowsiness
• tiredness or sleepiness
• cough
• fever
• vomiting
• constipation or diarrhea
• stuffy nose
• sore throat

Inform your doctor immediately if you experience any of the serious side effects mentioned below.
• feeling like you might pass out
• swelling in your hands, feet, arms, lower legs, ankles
• hearing problems or eye pain
• hallucination, depression, agitation or aggression
• nose bleed
• stomach ache
• foul- smelling stools
• loss of appetite
• dark colour urine
• yellowing of your eyes or skin

Interactions
Inform your doctor about any medications that you are taking including prescription medications, over the counter medications, vitamins, supplements and herbal remedies.

Some of the medications that may interact with Cetirizine is
• ritonavir (Norvir, in Kaletra)
• medications for seizures, anxiety, mental illness
• sleeping pills
• antidepressants
• sedatives
• theophylline (theolair, theochron and others)
• other antihistamines
• tranquillizers
Alcohol consumption while taking Cetirizine may increase the risk of side effects, drowsiness in particular.

Cetirizine side effects may increase if it interacts with alcohol so it is recommended to avoid alcohol. Interactions with marijuana and alcohol will make you extremely dizzy. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you feel well.

Discuss with your doctor about how much alcohol is safe to consume while taking this medication.

Do not drive or operate machinery unless you feel well as Cetirizine can make you drowsy.