May be taken with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.

Cetirizine is a potent and highly selective H1-receptor antagonist. It works by blocking the action of histamine, a natural substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms. It does not cause significant sedation at recommended doses because it does not readily cross the blood-brain barrier.

• •Known hypersensitivity to cetirizine, hydroxyzine, or any piperazine derivative.
• •Severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance less than 10 mL/min).

Store in a cool, dry place, below 30°C, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Symptoms include drowsiness, sedation, tachycardia, urinary retention. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive. Gastric lavage may be considered soon after ingestion.

Pregnancy Category B. Use only if clearly needed. Excreted in breast milk, so caution should be exercised when administered to a nursing mother.