Cetirizine 10mg (Retanyx)

Indications and Dosage

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

You may take cetirizine with or without food.

The chewable tablet must be chewed before you swallow it.

Oral doses: measure liquid medicine (oral solution) with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular tablespoon. 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 cetirizine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Warnings and Side Effects

Cetirizine can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase some of the side effects of cetirizine.

Tell your doctor if you regularly use other medicines that make you sleepy (such as other cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression, or anxiety). They can add to sleepiness caused by cetirizine.

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

Get emergency medical help if you have any serious adverse effects or any of these signs of an allergic reaction: chronic idiopathic urticaria (hives); difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using cetirizine and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat;

• weakness, tremors (uncontrolled shaking), or sleep problems (insomnia);

• severe restless feeling, hyperactivity;

• confusion;

• problems with vision; or

• urinating less than usual or not at all.

Less serious cetirizine side effects may include:

• dizziness, drowsiness;

• tired feeling;

• dry mouth;

• sore throat, cough;

• nausea, constipation; or headache.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.