Cetirizine + Phenylephrine

Dosage Forms Available

• Cetirizine + Phenylephrine is available as an oral tablet.
• It is to be taken by mouth, swallowed whole with a glass of water.

Age and Dose Restrictions

• This medicine is meant for adults and children above 12 years of age.
• Children below 12 years should not use this medication without a doctor's consultation.

Contraindications

• This medicine is contraindicated in individuals who are hypersensitive to any of its components.
• Patients with high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, thyroid disorders, glaucoma, or an enlarged prostate gland should also avoid using this combination.

Other Medications to Avoid

• Cetirizine + Phenylephrine may interact with MAO inhibitors (like selegiline, linezolid), beta-blockers (such as atenolol, propranolol), alpha-blockers (like prazosin, terazosin), diuretics (like furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide), and antidepressants (like fluoxetine, sertraline).

Overdose and Missed Dose

• An overdose of Cetirizine + Phenylephrine may cause extreme sleepiness, seizures, irregular heartbeat, and even coma. Immediate medical attention should be sought in case of an overdose.
• If you miss a dose of this medication, take it as soon as you remember. However, avoid taking the missed dose if it is close to the time for your next dose. Do not double up on doses to compensate for a missed one.

Management of Side Effects

Most side effects are temporary and generally harmless and resolve when discontinuing this medicine. However, if you experience any severe side effects or worsening of any symptoms, please consult your doctor.

• For dry mouth, try chewing sugarless gum or sucking on sugarless hard candies. Frequent mouth rinses and adequate hydration can also help.
• Try to rest and relax if you feel drowsy or dizzy.

Use in Driving and Operating Machinery

• Cetirizine + Phenylephrine may cause drowsiness or dizziness, which could affect your ability to drive or operate heavy machinery. If you feel these effects after taking this medication, avoid such activities.

Use in Pregnancy and Lactation

• It is advisable to consult your doctor before taking Cetirizine + Phenylephrine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Caution in Other Conditions

• Patients with conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes should exercise caution when using this medicine.
• Those with thyroid disorders, glaucoma, or an enlarged prostate gland should also be cautious while using this combination.

Special Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations

• Regular hydration can alleviate some side effects like dry mouth associated with Cetirizine + Phenylephrine.
• Avoid alcohol while taking this medication as it can increase the risk of side effects.
• Maintain a balanced diet to support overall health while managing symptoms of allergic rhinitis, hay fever, and the common cold.