How does Quzyttir (cetirizine) work?

Quzyttir (cetirizine) is an [antihistamine](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538188/) that works by blocking a chemical in your body called histamine. [Histamine](https://medlineplus.gov/medlineplus-videos/histamine-the-stuff-allergies-are-made-of/) normally gets released in your body to defend against substances called allergens. This triggers an allergic reaction that can include hives. By blocking histamine, Quzyttir (cetirizine) can help relieve hives.

Quzyttir

Q: What is Quzyttir (cetirizine) used for?

Quzyttir (cetirizine) is used to treat [hives](https://www.aafp.org/afp/2017/0601/p717-s1.html) that can sometimes return over a period of [6 weeks](https://www.aafp.org/afp/2017/0601/p717.html). It can be used in people 6 months of age and older. However, it isn't recommended for children younger than 6 years old who have kidney or liver problems.

Q: How much Quzyttir (cetirizine) will I receive?

The typical dose of Quzyttir (cetirizine) will depend on your age and sometimes the severity of your hives. It's always given through an intravenous (IV) injection once every 24 hours on an as-needed basis. The injection through your vein will take about 1 to 2 minutes, and it's typically given by a trained healthcare provider.

Q: What are common side effects of Quzyttir (cetirizine)?

Quzyttir (cetirizine) doesn't have many common side effects. In clinical studies, fewer than 1% of people who received the medication experienced side effects. These side effects included stomach upset, feeling hot, change in taste, headache, numbness or tingling, feeling faint, and excessive sweating. As with most antihistamines, it's possible to feel sleepy after receiving Quzyttir (cetirizine). Be careful doing any activities that require your attention after receiving treatment.

Q: Is Quzyttir (cetirizine) safe to use during pregnancy?

There isn't enough information to know if Quzyttir (cetirizine) is safe during pregnancy, because it hasn't been studied in pregnant women. In pregnant animals, cetirizine hasn't been shown to cause harm to unborn babies when taken by mouth in high doses. If you’re pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant, let your provider know so they can weigh the risks and benefits of Quzyttir (cetirizine) for your unborn baby.

cetirizine

Used for Hives

Quzyttir (cetirizine) is an allergy medication that can treat hives (an itchy skin rash that forms in response to a substance that causes an allergic reaction). It's given as an injection through the vein by a healthcare provider, usually in the hospital or urgent care. It might cause less sleepiness compared to diphenhydramine (Benadryl).

Reviewed by:

Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD

Cydnee Ng, PharmD

Last reviewed on April 20, 2022

What is Quzyttir (cetirizine)?

What is Quzyttir (cetirizine) used for?

Hives

Are you looking for information on cetirizine (Zyrtec) tablets or liquid, or Zerviate (cetirizine) eye drops instead?

Drug facts

Common Brands	Quzyttir
Drug Class	Antihistamine
Controlled Substance Classification	Not a controlled medication
Generic Status	No lower-cost generic available
Availability	Prescription only

Common Brands

Quzyttir

Drug Class

Antihistamine

Controlled Substance Classification

Not a controlled medication

Generic Status

No lower-cost generic available

Availability

Prescription only

Common questions about Quzyttir

Quzyttir is used to treat hives that can sometimes return over a period of 6 weeks. It can be used in people 6 months of age and older. However, it isn't recommended for children younger than 6 years old who have kidney or liver problems.

Quzyttir is an antihistamine that works by blocking a chemical in your body called histamine. Histamine normally gets released in your body to defend against substances called allergens. This triggers an allergic reaction that can include hives. By blocking histamine, Quzyttir can help relieve hives.

The typical dose of Quzyttir will depend on your age and sometimes the severity of your hives. It's always given through an intravenous (IV) injection once every 24 hours on an as-needed basis. The injection through your vein will take about 1 to 2 minutes, and it's typically given by a trained healthcare provider.

Quzyttir doesn't have many common side effects. In clinical studies, fewer than 1% of people who received the medication experienced side effects. These side effects included stomach upset, feeling hot, change in taste, headache, numbness or tingling, feeling faint, and excessive sweating. As with most antihistamines, it's possible to feel sleepy after receiving Quzyttir. Be careful doing any activities that require your attention after receiving treatment.

There isn't enough information to know if Quzyttir is safe during pregnancy, because it hasn't been studied in pregnant women. In pregnant animals, cetirizine hasn't been shown to cause harm to unborn babies when taken by mouth in high doses. If you’re pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant, let your provider know so they can weigh the risks and benefits of Quzyttir for your unborn baby.

Quzyttir (cetirizine) dosage

Typical dosage for Quzyttir (cetirizine)

What are alternatives to Quzyttir (cetirizine)?

There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Quzyttir (cetirizine). Compare a few possible alternatives below.

Quzyttir (cetirizine)

Used for:

Hives

View prices

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

$8.70Lowest GoodRx priceView prices

Diphenhydramine

Used for:

Short-term relief of allergy or common cold symptoms (runny nose, sneezing, itchy nose or throat, and itchy or watery eyes) - people 6 years and older
Occasional trouble sleeping - people 12 years and older

$4.09Lowest GoodRx priceView prices