cetirizine, an H1-histamine antagonist. ▪ INDICATIONS: It is used to treat allergy symptoms and rhinitis. ▪ CONTRAINDICATIONS: Known hypersensitivity to this drug, lactation, and severe hepatic disease prohibit its use. It also should not be used in newborns or premature infants. ▪ ADVERSE EFFECTS: Life-threatening effects include hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, agranulocytosis, pancytopenia, and dysrhythmias (rare). Other serious adverse effects include urinary retention, impotence, diarrhea, vomiting, sedation, confusion, blurred vision, tremors, hypotension, palpitations, bradycardia, and tachycardia. Common side effects are thickening of bronchial secretions, nausea, drowsiness, and headache.
