cetirizine
Cetirizine (Zyrtec) is an antihistamine. It's used for relief of allergy symptoms, such as runny nose or watery eyes, in adults and children. Cetirizine (Zyrtec) is also a safe option for people who are pregnant. This medication is available in different formulations, including tablets and liquid solutions. Typically, cetirizine (Zyrtec) is taken by mouth once per day. The most common side effect of cetirizine (Zyrtec) is sleepiness. But it's less likely to make you drowsy compared to some other antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl).
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What is Cetirizine (Zyrtec)?
What is Cetirizine (Zyrtec) used for?
Short-term relief of allergy symptoms (sneezing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, itching of the nose or throat)
Relief of itchiness due to chronic (long-term) hives in children ages 6 months to under 6 years old - certain liquid solutions only
How Cetirizine (Zyrtec) works
Cetirizine (Zyrtec) is a second-generation antihistamine. It blocks histamine, a natural chemical in your body that can cause allergy symptoms like itchiness, itchy eyes, or runny nose. By blocking histamine, cetirizine (Zyrtec) helps relieve allergy symptoms.
Drug Facts
More on Cetirizine (Zyrtec) essentials
What are the side effects of Cetirizine (Zyrtec)?
Common Side Effects
- Sleepiness (14%)
- Tiredness (6%)
- Dry mouth (5%)
- Headache (11-14%)
- Sore throat (3-6%)
- Stomach pain (4-6%)
- Cough (3-4%)
- Sleepiness (2-4%)
Other Side Effects
- Sore throat
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Nose bleed
- Difficulty breathing
Serious Side Effects
- Accidentally taking too much medication: fast heartbeat, flushing, extreme sleepiness, hallucinations, changes in vision, irritability in children
Source: DailyMed
More on Cetirizine (Zyrtec) side effects
The following side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
Pros and cons of Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
Pros
First-choice option for relieving allergy symptoms
Taken once per day
Available in several formulations (e.g., pills, chewable tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, liquids)
Safe to take while pregnant
Cons
Can cause you to feel sleepy
Higher risk of side effects in people with liver or kidney problems
Pills can't be used in children younger than 6 years.
Pharmacist tips for Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
You can take cetirizine (Zyrtec) only when you need it if you have allergy symptoms once in a while. But if you have allergy symptoms on a daily basis, taking it regularly according to the manufacturer's directions might give you the most relief.
Take cetirizine (Zyrtec) with or without food. If it hurts your stomach, try taking it with food to help.
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking cetirizine (Zyrtec) because this combination raises your risk of sleepiness and dizziness. Also, don't drive until you know how this medication affects you.
For the liquid form: Use a medication dose cup or an oral syringe to measure your dose of cetirizine (Zyrtec). Ask your pharmacy to provide you with one if the product doesn't include it in its packaging or if you need extras. Don't use household spoons because they might not be accurate and might cause you to take the wrong dose.
For the orally disintegrating tablet: Place the tablet on your tongue and let it dissolve in your mouth. You can take it with or without water.
For the chewable tablet: Chew or crush the tablets before swallowing; don't swallow the tablets whole. You don't need to eat or drink anything when you take the medication.
Don't start any new medications while taking cetirizine (Zyrtec), especially other antihistamines or sleep medications, without talking to your healthcare team first. Doing so can raise your risk of taking too much medication (overdose) and lead to severe side effects, including seizures, hallucinations (seeing things that aren't real), and even death.
Store cetirizine (Zyrtec) up and away from children and pets so they're less likely to reach and accidentally take the medication. If you think your child accidentally took the medication, call a Poison Control Center right away at 1-800-222-1222.
More on Cetirizine (Zyrtec) tips
Frequently asked questions about Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
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What are the risks and warnings for Cetirizine (Zyrtec)?
Cetirizine (Zyrtec) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Sleepiness
Risk factors: Drinking alcohol while taking cetirizine (Zyrtec) | Taking other medications that cause sleepiness | Age 65 and older
Cetirizine (Zyrtec) can make you sleepy, which can affect your ability to focus, think, or react. This side effect might be more likely to happen or more intense if you're over 65 years old, drink alcohol while taking cetirizine (Zyrtec), or take other medications that also cause sleepiness (e.g., opioids, certain anxiety medications, sleep medications). Don't drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
Accidentally taking too much medication
Cetirizine (Zyrtec) and other antihistamines can be found in many over-the-counter products. Taking too much cetirizine (Zyrtec) or using more than one medication containing an antihistamine (including products used on the skin) can lead to an accidental overdose and cause serious side effects, such as seizures, hallucinations, or even death.
To prevent an accidental overdose, read package labels carefully. If you're not sure if a product has an antihistamine, ask your pharmacist. Don't start any new medications while taking cetirizine (Zyrtec) without talking to your healthcare team first. If you think you or your loved one has taken too much medication, get medical help right away or contact a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.
Cetirizine (Zyrtec) dosage forms
| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24 hour of 10mg | 30 tablets | $3.16 | $0.11 |
Typical dosing for Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
This medication comes in many different formulations, like tablets, chewable tablets, capsules, orally disintegrating tablets, and oral liquids. Depending on the manufacturer and formulation, your medication can have different amounts of cetirizine in each dose and age cut-offs for use.
The directions can be different depending on the product you have. Be sure to check the medication box for specific instructions. In general:
Pills (including chewable and orally disintegrating tablets): The tablets and capsules are swallowed whole, the chewable tablets are chewed, and the orally disintegrating tablets are dissolved on your tongue.
Ages under 6 years: Ask your child's pediatrician.
Ages 6 to under 65 years: The typical dose is 5 mg or 10 mg once per day, depending on how severe your allergy symptoms are. The maximum dose is 10 mg per day.
Ages 65 years and older: Ask your primary care provider.
Oral liquids
Ages under 2 years of age: Ask your child's pediatrician.
Ages 2 to under 6 years: The typical dose is 2.5 mL (2.5 mg) by mouth once per day. If needed, the dose can be raised to 5 mL (5 mg) once per day or 2.5 mL (2.5 mg) twice per day. The maximum dose is 5 mL (5 mg) per day.
Ages 6 to under 65 years: The typical dose is 5 mL (5 mg) or 10 mL (10 mg) by mouth once per day, depending on how severe your allergy symptoms are. The maximum dose is 10 mL (10 mg) per day.
Ages 65 years and older: The typical dose is 5 mL (5 mg) by mouth once per day. The maximum dose is 5 mL (5 mg) per day.
Your dose might differ if you have liver or kidney problems.
More on Cetirizine (Zyrtec) dosage forms
Cetirizine (Zyrtec) Reviews
GoodRx has partnered with PatientsLikeMe to provide reviews on the different aspects of Cetirizine (Zyrtec).
Effectiveness
Learn more about the effectiveness of Cetirizine (Zyrtec) based on real life experiences.
Overall Rating
Based on 173 people taking this medication
3
Effectiveness by condition:
seasonal allergy88 reviews
3.7
allergic rhinitis42 reviews
3.7
perennial allergy27 reviews
3.6
idiopathic angioedema8 reviews
2.3
chronic idiopathic hives8 reviews
1.7
Severity of side effects
Based on 344 people taking this medication
0%
50%
100%
Top side effects
Drowsiness
6%
Dry mouth
5%
Sleepiness
4%
Excessive daytime sleepiness (somnolence)
2%
Fatigue
1%
Reasons people stopped taking Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
Based on 258 people who have taken this medication
Did not seem to work
32%
Other
21%
Doctor's advice
14%
Side effects too severe
12%
Course of treatment ended
11%
Expense
9%
Personal research
3%
Change in health plan coverage
2%
How long people take Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
Based on 878 people taking this medication
0%
50%
100%
How much does Cetirizine (Zyrtec) cost?
Cetirizine (Zyrtec) contraindications
Allergy to another antihistamine called hydroxyzine (Vistaril)
What are alternatives to Cetirizine (Zyrtec)?
Short-term relief of allergy symptoms (sneezing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, itching of the nose or throat)
Relief of itchiness due to chronic (long-term) hives in children ages 6 months to under 6 years old - certain liquid solutions only
Short-term relief of allergy symptoms (runny nose, itchy nose, itchy or watery eyes)
Short-term relief of allergy symptoms (sneezing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, itchy nose or throat)
What is the latest news about Cetirizine (Zyrtec)?
Cetirizine (Zyrtec) images
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References
Best studies we foundAmneal Pharmaceuticals LLC. (2023). Cetirizine hydrochloride- cetirizine solution [package insert]. DailyMed.
Borowy, C. S., et al. (2023). Antihistamine toxicity. StatPearls.
Chartwell RX, LLC. (2023). Cetirizine hydrochloride oral solution solution [package insert]. DailyMed.
Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®). (2024). Cetirizine. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.
Dykewicz, M. S., et al. (2020). Rhinitis 2020: A practice parameter update. The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.
Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. (2023). Childrens Zyrtec Allergy- cetirizine hydrochloride syrup [package insert]. DailyMed.
Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. (2023). Childrens Zyrtec Allergy- cetirizine hydrochloride tablet, orally disintegrating [package insert]. DailyMed.
Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. (2023). Zyrtec Allergy- cetirizine hydrochloride tablet, film coated [package insert]. DailyMed.
Naqvi, A., et al. (2024). Cetirizine. StatPearls.
Patel, R. H., et al. (2023). Biochemistry, histamine. StatPearls.
Pfizer Labs. (2002). Zyrtect® (cetirizine hydrochloride) tablets and syrup for oral use.
Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc. (2024). Cetirizine hydrochloride tablet, chewable [package insert]. DailyMed.
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