What it means
An H1 antihistaminean-tee-HIS-tuh-meenA drug that blocks the effects of histamine, used mostly for allergy symptoms.anti- againsthistamine Full entry sold over the counter for hay fever, itchy watery eyes, sneezing, runny nose and hives. It causes less drowsiness than older antihistamines such as diphenhydramine, but some people still feel sleepy. It is taken once a day.
For the nurse
Teach the client to see how it affects them before driving and to avoid alcohol. Doses are lowered in kidney disease and in older adults. Zyrtec is on the ISMP list of names confused with Zyprexa and Lipitor.
At a glance
| Drug class | antihistamine (second-generation H1 blocker) |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Zyrtec, Quzyttir (IV) |
| Spanish | cetirizina |
| Also written | Zyrtec, Quzyttir |
Easy to confuse with
sertraline
An SSRI antidepressant used for depression, anxiety disorders, OCD and PTSD.
atorvastatin
A statin drug that lowers LDL cholesterol and the risk of heart attack and stroke.
olanzapine
A second-generation antipsychotic drug used for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
simvastatin
A statin drug that lowers LDL cholesterol and the risk of heart disease.
Related terms
histamine
A chemical released by certain immune cells that widens blood vessels, makes them leaky and tightens airway muscles.
antihistamine
A drug that blocks the effects of histamine, used mostly for allergy symptoms.
allergic reaction
A harmful response of the immune system to a substance that is harmless to most people.