According to the medical professionals at Drugs.com, cetirizine is a drug used to treat the symptoms and effects of colds and allergies. These include itchy, watery eyes, sneezing and runny noses. It is also prescribed for those suffering from the itching and swelling that accompanies hives. While many patients tolerate it well, some experience side effects ranging from mild to severe. It is imperative to know what these side effects are before beginning your course of treatment.
Common Side Effects
According to the health professionals at eMedTV.com, 2 to 13 percent of patients taking cetirizine experience drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, fatigue and sore throat.
Serious Side Effects
While cetirizine is fairly well tolerated by most who take it, serious side effects may accompany it. The experts at Drugs.com recommend contacting your doctor immediately if you experience breathing problems, such as wheezing, high blood pressure or difficulty passing urine. You may also find yourself becoming confused, suffering from tachycardia (rapid heart rate), anxiety or heart palpitations (a forceful and rapid heartbeat).
Common Side Effects in Children
Children may experience different side effects than adults. According to eMedTV, the most common side effects affect between 3 and 14 percent of children who take it. These include headaches, stomach pain, drowsiness, diarrhea, sore throat, coughing and nose bleeds.
Rare Side Effects
Rare side effects, which occur in less than 2 percent of patients who take this medication, include loss of appetite, migraines, flatulence (gas), urinary tract infections, ear infections, the onset of arthritis, decreased libido (sex drive) and hair loss. Some patients also develop hemorrhoids, suffer from a ringing in the ears, become dehydrated, experience muscle pain, develop acne or gain weight.
Signs of Allergic Reaction
Signs of an allergic reaction include the onset of hives or an inexplicable rash, itching, swelling of the lips, throat, face or tongue and breathing difficulties. If you experience any of these, you should seek emergency medical attention.
Signs of Overdose
Contact your local poison control center or call 911 if you become restless, nervous or extremely drowsy. These are indications that you may have taken too much cetirizine.
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