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Drug

Cetirizine

Pronounced

"se-TIR-i-zeen"

Uses

This medication is used to prevent itching of the eyes due to allergies. Cetirizine is an antihistamine. It works by blocking a certain natural substance (histamine) that causes allergic symptoms.

Do not use this medication to treat red or irritated eyes due to wearing contact lenses. Contact your doctor for further instructions if this occurs.

How to Use This Medication

Use this medication in the affected eye(s) as directed by your doctor, usually twice daily (about 8 hours apart).

To apply eye drops, wash hands first. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any other surface.

If you are wearing contact lenses, remove them before using eye drops. Wait at least 10 minutes before replacing your contact lenses. Do not wear contact lenses if your eyes are red.

Do not open the single-use container until just before you are ready to use it. After use, throw away the remaining contents of the container right away.

Tilt your head back, look upward, and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Hold the dropper directly over your eye and place one drop into the pouch as directed by your doctor. Look downward, gently close your eyes, and place one finger at the corner of your eye (near the nose). Apply gentle pressure for 1 to 2 minutes before opening your eyes. This will prevent the medication from draining out. Try not to blink or rub your eye. If directed to use this medication in both eyes, repeat these steps for your other eye.

If you are using another kind of eye medication (such as other drops or ointments), wait at least 5 minutes before applying other medications. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the drops to enter the eye.

Wait several minutes for your vision to clear before driving or operating machinery.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day.

Do not use this product if it becomes contaminated (for example, if drops turn a dark color). Using contaminated eye medication can cause infection, serious damage to the eye, or loss of vision. Contact your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better in a few days or if it gets worse.

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RxAnswers™ is a copyrighted combined product from TraceGains and First DataBank, Inc.

Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.

This information is intended only for residents of the United States. Products sold under the same brand names in other countries may contain different ingredients.

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Information expires December 2025.