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Overview: Zerviate is an eye drop used to treat itchy eyes from allergies. The most common side effects of Zerviate eye drops are eye pain, eye redness, and temporary vision changes. Do not touch the tip of the dropper to your eye or any other surface, including your finger.

Uses

What is Zerviate used for?

Zerviate (cetirizine) is commonly used for itchy eyes from conjunctivitis due to allergies. Allergic conjunctivitis is a condition where part of your eye is inflamed (red and itchy) from allergens such as pollen, ragweed, grass, dust, or animal hair and dander.

Zerviate may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does Zerviate work (mechanism of action)?

Zerviate is an antihistamine. It blocks the release of histamine from cells involved in an allergic response. By blocking histamine release, Zerviate helps reduce allergy symptoms, such as itching.

How is Zerviate supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Zerviate

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 0.24% solution (eye drop)

See also: Cetirizine 

How should I store Zerviate?

Zerviate should be stored at room temperature, between 59 F to 77 F (15 C to 25 C). Single-use containers should be stored in the original foil pouch until ready for use.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Zerviate?

The most common side effects of Zerviate are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Eye pain or redness
  • Short-term or temporary vision changes

There may be other side effects of Zerviate that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Zerviate?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Zerviate are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Zerviate may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Zerviate and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Zerviate?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Zerviate.

  • Zerviate
  • Cetirizine
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Zerviate.

What should I know about Zerviate before using it?

Do not use Zerviate unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed. Zerviate is an eye drop medicine. Make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly administer eye drops. If you have any questions, talk to your healthcare provider.

Do not share Zerviate with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Zerviate out of the reach of children.

Zerviate ophthalmic should only be applied to the surface of the eye. Do not touch the tip of the dropper to your eye or any other surface including your finger. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use. Throw away the single-use container after using in each eye.

An ingredient in Zerviate may be absorbed by some contact lenses. If you wear contact lenses, wait at least ten minutes after using Zerviate before you put your contact lenses in your eyes. If your eyes are red and you wear contact lenses, talk with your healthcare provider.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Zerviate?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Zerviate is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Zerviate could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Zerviate passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use Zerviate while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Zerviate?

For more information about Zerviate, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.zerviate.com or call them at 1-833-442-7769 (1-833-4HARROW).

Interactions

Does Zerviate interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Zerviate and foods or drinks.

There are no known interactions between Zerviate and alcohol.

Does Zerviate interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between Zerviate and other medicines. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Zerviate?

If you or someone else has used too much Zerviate, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Zerviate?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.