cetirizine

Generic Name

cetirizine Dosage: 1 tab PO ODHS

Brand Name

Verlix

Classification

Therapeutic: Antihistamine Pharmacologic: H1 receptor  blocker 

Mechanism of Action

Virlix competes with histamine or bin!ing at H1" receptor sites on the eector  cell surace# resulting in suppression o histaminic e!ema# lare# an! pruritus$ The low inci!ence o se!ation can be attribute! to re!uce! penetration o cetirizine into the %&S as a result o the less lipophilic carbox'l group on the eth'lamine si!e chain$

Indications

(or the relie o s'mptoms associate! with seasonal allergic rhinitis# perennial allergic rhinitis an! the treatment o the uncomplicate! skin maniestations o chronic i!iopathic urticaria$

Adverse Reactions

Nursing Considerations

%&S: hea!ache# nausea# sleep problems# restlessness# eelings o irritation )*: +omiting

•

Do not use cetirizine to trea hi+es that are bruise! or  blistere!# that are an unusua color# or that !o not itch$

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Stop taking cetirizine an! cal 'our !octor i 'our hi+es !o not impro+e !uring the irst !a's o 'our treatment or i 'our hi+es last longer than weeks$ * 'ou !o not know th cause o 'our hi+es# call 'ou !octor$