Cetirizine is a prescription medication indicated to alleviate allergy symptoms, such as sneezing or hives, in affected patients. This medication is an antihistamine and works by limiting the effect that histamine--an allergy-inducing substance--has on the body. Side effects associated with cetirizine should be discussed with a doctor or pharmacist before beginning treatment.
Drowsiness or Fatigue
During clinical trials for this medication, almost 14 percent of patients reported drowsiness or somnolence as a side effect of cetirizine treatment, according to RxList, an online drug index for consumers. Sensations of drowsiness or fatigue can arise shortly after taking a dose of cetirizine. As a result, affected patients may be unable to remain focused or alert while participating in usual daily tasks. Alternatively, children who take this medication may find it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep through the night, reports Drugs.com, a peer-reviewed drug information resource. Inadequate amounts of sleep during the night can exacerbate daytime fatigue or drowsiness in these patients.
Upset Stomach
After taking a dose of cetirizine, patients can develop stomach-related side effects. These upset stomach symptoms can include nausea, stomach pain, or vomiting, explains MedlinePlus, a health information website supported by the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health. Affected patients can also develop diarrhea, a side effect characterized by frequent bowel movement urges that yield loose stools. Additional side effects, such as abdominal cramping or bloating, can also develop in patients who experience diarrhea. To limit the severity of these side effects, patients should avoid taking cetirizine on an empty stomach unless otherwise instructed by a physician.
Dry Mouth
In clinical trials, RxList reports that approximately 5 percent of patients taking cetirizine developed dry mouth as a side effect of treatment. Dry mouth symptoms include thick, sticky saliva; sore throat; increased thirst and oral discomfort. Typically, these side effects subside with continued use of this medication. Certain patients may also experience nasal or throat dryness, which can occur in conjunction with nasal irritation or difficulty swallowing. Patients who develop these side effects while taking cetirizine should contact a doctor as soon as possible.
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