Download Patient Teaching-cetirizine hydrochloride - McGraw-Hill

PATIENT’S NAME:
MEDICATION: cetirizine hydrochloride (Brand names are Reactine and Zyrtec.)
WHAT IT'S USED FOR: Cetirizine hydrochloride is an antihistamine used to treat various
allergies.
HOW TO TAKE IT
§ Take drug with full glass of water, with or without food.
§ Take at same time each day.
WARNINGS & PRECAUTIONS!
• Avoid driving and other hazardous activities until you know how drug affects your
concentration and alertness.
• Tell prescriber if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.
SIDE EFFECTS
This drug may cause headache, sleepiness, stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting,
nosebleed, hoarseness, coughing, and spasms in air passages of lungs. Notify prescriber of
serious or bothersome symptoms.
INTERACTIONS
§ Cetirizine may interact with drugs called central nervous system depressants, which are used
to treat pain, sleep, anxiety, depression, and some other conditions. Tell all prescribers you're
taking it.
§ Avoid alcohol while taking this drug.
STORAGE
• Store regular tablets and syrup at 41o to 86o F (5o to 30o C).
• Store long-acting tablets at controlled room temperature of 59o to 86o F (15o to 30o C).
ADDITIONAL POINTS:
Your initials: ______________
Date: ______________
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