FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
ZyrtecŪ is a non-prescription medication used to treat several allergy symptoms, including runny nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes. The drug is also used to treat itching due to hives (which may or not be caused by allergies). Zyrtec works by blocking the effects of histamine -- a chemical in the body that causes sneezing, itching, and irritation when you come into contact with something you're allergic to. While some people take the drug year-round, others take it only during allergy season.
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.
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