Citriz is an over-the-counter brand of cetirizine hydrochloride used to temporarily relieve the symptoms of hay fever (allergy to pollen, dust, or other substances in the air) and allergy to other substances (such as dust mites, animal dander, cockroaches, and molds). These symptoms include sneezing; runny nose; itchy, red, watery eyes; and itchy nose or throat. Citriz is also used to treat itching and redness caused by hives.
However, Citriz like other brands of cetirizine does not prevent hives or other allergic skin reactions. Citriz is in a class of medications called antihistamines. It works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms.
How should this medicine be used?
Citriz comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day with or without food. Take Citriz at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your package label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.
The usual dosage for adults younger than 65 years and children who are 6 years and older is one 10-milligram (mg) dose per day.
You shouldn’t take more than 10 mg in 24 hours. Your doctor may recommend a 5-mg dose once or twice per day if your allergies are mild.
Talk to your doctor about dosage for people who:
- are 2 to 6 years old
- are older than 65 years
- have liver or kidney disease
Take Citriz exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than directed on the package label or as recommended by your doctor.
Do not use Citriz to treat hives that are bruised or blistered, that are an unusual color, or that do not itch. Call your doctor if you have these types of hives.
Stop taking Citriz and call your doctor if your hives do not improve during the first 3 days of your treatment or if your hives last longer than 6 weeks. If you do not know the cause of your hives, call your doctor.
If you are taking Citriz to treat hives, and you develop any of the following symptoms, get emergency medical help right away: difficulty swallowing, speaking, or breathing; swelling in and around the mouth or swelling of the tongue; wheezing; drooling; dizziness; or loss of consciousness. These may be symptoms of a life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. If your doctor suspects that you may experience anaphylaxis with your hives, he may prescribe an epinephrine injector (EpiPen). Do not use Citriz in place of the epinephrine injector.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine or add extra doses to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, vision problems, agitation, feeling restless and then drowsy or tired, fast heartbeats, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, trouble walking, or trouble swallowing or speaking.
What should I avoid while using Citriz?
Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Citriz.
What are the possible side effects of Citriz?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:
• fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat;
• weakness, tremors (uncontrolled shaking), or sleep problems (insomnia);
• severe restless feeling, hyperactivity;
• confusion;
• problems with vision; or
• little or no urination.
Common side effects may include:
• drowsiness, tiredness;
• dizziness, feeling light-headed;
• feeling hot, sweating;
• numbness, tingling, burning pain;
• decreased sense of taste;
• headache;
• upset stomach, nausea, constipation; or
• dry mouth, sore throat.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect Citriz?
Using Citriz with other drugs that make you drowsy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.
Other drugs may affect Citriz, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.
Precautions and warnings
Following are a few things to consider before taking Citriz.
Be careful using machinery
Even though Citriz doesn’t usually cause drowsiness, some people respond differently when taking it, especially in the first few doses.
Be cautious. Don’t drive your car or use machinery until you know for sure how your body will respond to Citriz.
Check the ingredients
Don’t use Citriz if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it or to any of the ingredients in it. Also, steer clear of Citriz if you’re allergic to any antihistamine that contains hydroxyzine.
Use caution if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding
Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider before you take Citriz if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, or if you’re breastfeeding. Taking Citriz is generally safe during pregnancy.
Talk to your doctor if you have certain conditions
If you have liver or kidney disease, ask your doctor about taking Citriz. If your doctor feels it’s safe for you to take, they may recommend taking less than the typical dosage.
