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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking cetirizine?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to cetirizine.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take this medicine if you have any medical conditions.

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.

Cetirizine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Older adults may need to take a lower than normal dose. Follow your doctor's instructions.

How should I take cetirizine?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

You may take this medication with or without food.

The chewable tablet must be chewed before you swallow it.

Do not swallow the dissolving tablet whole. Allow it to dissolve in your mouth without chewing. Swallow several times as the tablet dissolves. If desired, you may drink liquid to help swallow the dissolved tablet.

Measure liquid medicine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, if they get worse, or if you also have a fever.

Store this medicine at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not allow the liquid form of this medicine to freeze.

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