Product Details

Cetirizine

A to Z Drug Facts

Cetirizine

Action
Indications
Contraindications
Route/Dosage
Interactions
Lab Test Interferences
Adverse Reactions
PrecautionsPatient Care Considerations
Administration/Storage
Assessment/Interventions
Patient/Family Education

(seh-TEER-ih-zeen)ZyrtecClass: Antihistamine

 Action Competitively antagonizes histamine at the H1 receptor site.

 Indications Symptomatic relief of symptoms (nasal and nonnasal) associated with seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis; treatment of uncomplicated skin manifestations of chronic idiopathic urticaria.

 Contraindications Standard considerations.

 Route/Dosage

ADULTS & CHILDREN ³ 6 YR: PO 5 or 10 mg daily.

Hepatic Impairment: PO 5 mg daily.

Renal Impairment

CrU (31 ml/min or hemodialysis): PO 5 mg daily.

 Interactions None well documented.

 Lab Test Interferences May prevent or diminish otherwise positive reactions to skin tests.

 Adverse Reactions

CV: Palpitations; tachycardia; hypertension; cardiac failure; syncope. CNS: Somnolence; fatigue; dizziness; headache; paresthesia; confusion; hyperkinesia; hypertonia; migraine; tremor; vertigo; ataxia; dystonia; abnormal coordination, hyperesthesia; hypoesthesia, myelitis; paralysis; twitching; insomnia; sleep disorder; nervousness; depression; emotional lability; impaired concentration; anxiety; depersonalization; paranoia; abnormal thinking; agitation; amnesia; decreased libido; euphoria. DERM: Pruritus; dry skin; urticaria; acne; dermatitis; erythematous rash; increased sweating; alopecia; angioedema; furunculosis; bullous eruption; eczema; hyperkeratosis; hypertrichosis; photosensitivity; maculopapular rash; seborrhea; purpura; skin disorder; skin nodule. EENT: Pharyngitis; visual field defect; earache; blindness; loss of accommodation; eye pain; conjunctivitis; xerophthalmia; glaucoma; ocular hemorrhage; earache; tinnitus; deafness; sinusitis; nasal polyp; parosmia. GI: Dry mouth; nausea; vomiting; abdominal pain; diarrhea; anorexia; salivation; increased appetite; dyspepsia; flatulence; constipation; stomatitis; ulcerative stomatitis; aggravated tooth caries; tongue discoloration; tongue edema; gastritis; rectal hemorrhage; hemorrhoids; melena, eructation; enlarged abdomen; taste pervision; taste loss. GU: Urinary retention; polyuria; cystitis; dysuria; urinary tract infection; hematuria; micturition frequency; urinary incontinence; dysmenorrhea; female breast pain; intermenstrual bleeding; leukorrhea; menorrhagia; vaginitis. HEPA: Abnormal hepatic function. META: Thirst; dehydration; diabetes mellitus, weight gain. RESP: Epistaxis; rhinitis; coughing; bronchospasm; dyspnea; upper respiratory tract infection; hyperventilation; increased sputum; pneumonia; respiratory disorder. OTHER: Flushing; myalgia; arthralgia; arthrosis; arthritis; muscle weakness; lymphadenopathy; back pain; malaise; fever; asthenia; edema; rigors; pain; chest pain; leg cramps; ptosis.

 Precautions

Pregnancy: Category B. Lactation: Excreted in breast milk. Children (< 6 yr): Safety and efficacy not established. Elderly patients: Side effect profile similar to younger patients. Renal and hepatic impairment: Dosage adjustment may be needed.

PATIENT CARE CONSIDERATIONS

 

 Administration/Storage

• Give as 2 single daily doses, without regard to meals.
• Available in PO tablets or liquid.
• Store tablets at room temperature (59°–86°F), liquid at 41°–86°F.

 Assessment/Interventions

• Obtain patient history, including drug history and any known allergies, especially to antihistamines.
• Assess for allergy symptoms (eg, rhinitis, conjunctivitis, hives) before and periodically throughout the therapy.
• Monitor pulse, blood pressure and respirations periodically throughout therapy.
• Observe for dizziness and excessive sedation.

OVERDOSAGE: SIGNS & SYMPTOMS Somnolence; restlessness, irritability.

 Patient/Family Education

• Advise patient that drug may cause drowsiness and to use caution while driving or performing other tasks requiring alertness until response to medication is known.
• Advise patient that photosensitivity may occur and to take protective measures (eg, sunscreens, protective clothing) against exposure to ultraviolet light or sunlight until tolerance is determined.
• Caution patients to avoid using alcohol or other CNS depressants (eg, sedatives, hypnotics, tranquilizers).
• Instruct patient to take sips of water frequently, suck on ice chips or sugarless hard candy, or chew sugarless gum if dry mouth occurs.
• If patient is to have allergy skin testing, advise to avoid taking medication for at least 4 days before test.

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Copyright © 2003 Facts and Comparisons
David S. Tatro
A to Z Drug Facts