Reactine (Cetirizine) is a prescription and over-the-counter medication used to relieve seasonal allergy symptoms in adults and children 2 years or older. Symptoms of allergies include sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, and teary, red eyes. The drug is also used to relieve symptoms of allergic skin conditions such as itchy skin and hives. Reactine is also used to treat symptoms of year-round allergies in adults and children older than 12. The active ingredient in Reactine is Cetirizine. Cetirizine belongs to a class of drugs called antihistamines. It works by blocking the action of histamine, one of the body's natural chemicals responsible for causing allergy symptoms.
Manufacturer Information
We currently offer the brand Reactine from Canada manufactured by Johnson & Johnson in the strength of 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg tablets, and 10 mg liquid gel. The generic Cetirizine is not available.
Get medical help immediately if you have any of these signs or an allergic reaction while using Reactine. The most common side effects of Reactine may include the following:
• Dry mouth;
• Headache;
• Loss of taste;
• Sleepiness
Contact your doctor right away if you have any of the severe side effects, including:
• Blurred vision;
• Hallucination;
• New rash;
• Painful urination
These are not all of the side effects of Reactine. Always contact your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms.
You should not use Reactine if you are allergic to Cetirizine or any ingredient in Reactine. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you:
• Are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed;
• Are pregnant or planning to be pregnant;
• Have difficulty urinating;
• Have kidney problems;
• Have liver disease
Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be drug interactions between Reactine and other medicines, like donepezil, atropine, clidinium, efavirenz, ketamine, valerian, trazodone, etc. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It is unknown if Reactine will harm your unborn baby. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. It is not known if Cetirizine passes into breast milk or if it may affect a nursing infant. Use this medicine exactly as your doctor prescribes. Reactine is a tablet. Swallow the tablets whole with water, and do not crush or chew. Dosage is based on age. Cetirizine usually relieves allergy symptoms within 20 minutes and lasts 24 hours. If your allergy symptoms do not improve or if your hives do not improve after 3 days of treatment, inform your doctor. Children should not use this drug for more than 14 days at a time unless recommended by your doctor. You may get drowsy when using this drug. Do not drive or operate machinery if you become drowsy while using Cetirizine. Store this drug at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.