Podcast
Questions and Answers
What are some common brands of cetirizine?
What are some common brands of cetirizine?
Zyrtec, Children's Cetirizine, Child Allergy Relief
What is the classification of cetirizine?
What is the classification of cetirizine?
What drug class does cetirizine belong to?
What drug class does cetirizine belong to?
2nd generation histamine H1 antagonist
How does cetirizine act in the body?
How does cetirizine act in the body?
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DO NOT CONFUSE ZYRTEC(CETIRIZINE) WITH __________.
DO NOT CONFUSE ZYRTEC(CETIRIZINE) WITH __________.
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What are common side effects of cetirizine?
What are common side effects of cetirizine?
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Cetirizine is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to cetirizine.
Cetirizine is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to cetirizine.
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What considerations should be made for patients taking cetirizine?
What considerations should be made for patients taking cetirizine?
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Study Notes
Cetirizine Overview
- Commonly marketed under brands like Zyrtec and Children's Cetirizine.
- Used to alleviate allergy symptoms such as hay fever, hives, and itching.
Classification
- Classified as an antihistamine.
- Therapeutic uses include treatments for allergies, colds, and coughs.
- Falls under the pharmacologic category of piperazines, which are peripherally selective.
Drug Class
- A member of the 2nd generation histamine H1 antagonists, providing fewer sedative effects than first-generation antihistamines.
Mechanism of Action
- Functions by antagonizing histamine effects at H1-receptor sites; does not bind to or inactivate histamine directly.
- Minimal anticholinergic effects observed.
- Therapeutic effect includes the reduction of symptoms related to histamine excess such as sneezing, rhinorrhea, ocular tearing, redness, and pruritus.
Nursing Considerations
- It is crucial to differentiate between Zyrtec (cetirizine) and other medications like Zantac (ranitidine) or Zyprexa (olanzapine).
- Administer cetirizine once daily, with no dietary restrictions impacting its effectiveness.
Side Effects
- Common side effects include headache, somnolence, fatigue, dry mouth, insomnia, and abdominal pain.
- Serious side effects may involve aggressiveness and hallucinations.
- Often reported side effects include drowsiness and fatigue.
Contraindications and Precautions
- Contradicted in cases of hypersensitivity to cetirizine or hydroxyzine.
- Caution advised in patients with hepatic or renal impairment; dosage adjustment needed for those with severe impairment (CCr ≤31 mL/min).
- Safety is not established for pregnant women or children; recommended limit is 10 mg/day.
Patient Instructions
- Patients should be warned about possible daytime drowsiness and its impact on attention and focus.
- Caution advised while driving or engaging in activities needing quick reflexes due to a lower risk of drowsiness compared to traditional antihistamines.
- Patients should refrain from alcohol and other CNS depressants to minimize the risk of increased sedation and side effects.
- Instruct patients to report any troubling side effects, especially severe dry mouth or upper respiratory irritation.
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Description
Test your knowledge on Cetirizine, commonly known as Zyrtec, and its classifications. This quiz includes flashcards covering definitions, drug classes, and therapeutic uses of this second-generation antihistamine. Perfect for students and healthcare professionals looking to refresh their understanding of allergy medications.
