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Overview: Cetirizine is an antihistamine that is taken to help treat allergy symptoms, such as a runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, sneezing, or an itchy nose or throat. It may also be used to reduce itching and hives on the skin. Cetirizine is available over-the-counter (OTC) and by prescription. Common side effects may include drowsiness and headache. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how cetirizine affects you. If you have trouble swallowing tablets or capsules, cetirizine is also available in several other forms, including chewable tablets, tablets that dissolve in your mouth, and a liquid.

Uses

What is cetirizine used for?

Cetirizine is commonly taken to help with the following.

Cetirizine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does cetirizine work (mechanism of action)?

Cetirizine is an antihistamine. It helps reduce allergy symptoms, itching, and hives by blocking the effect of a substance in your body called histamine.

How is cetirizine supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Children’s Zyrtec
  • Children’s Zyrtec Allergy
  • Children’s Zyrtec Chewable Tablets
  • Children’s Zyrtec Hives
  • Zyrtec Allergy

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg chewable tablets
  • 10 mg oral capsules
  • 5 mg/5 mL (1 mg/mL) oral solution or syrup
  • 5 mg, 10 mg oral tablets
  • 10 mg orally disintegrating tablets

Cetirizine is also available as an eye drop. See Zerviate for more information.

How should I store cetirizine?

Cetirizine should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Protect from light.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of cetirizine?

The most common side effects of cetirizine are listed below. Side effects may vary based on your age. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Drowsiness
  • Headache
  • Sore throat or cough
  • Stomach pain
  • Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
  • Nosebleeds
  • Acting irritable or fussy
  • Trouble sleeping

There may be other side effects of cetirizine that are not listed here. Contact your health care 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 (800-332-1088). 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 cetirizine?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Cetirizine may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking cetirizine 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

Breathing Problems. Cetirizine may rarely cause the muscles around the airways to tighten (bronchospasm) in certain people, which can be serious. Stop taking cetirizine and contact your health care provider right away if you have trouble breathing.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use cetirizine?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take cetirizine.

  • Cetirizine
  • Children’s Zyrtec
  • Children’s Zyrtec Allergy
  • Children’s Zyrtec Chewable Tablets
  • Children’s Zyrtec Hives
  • Hydroxyzine
  • Zyrtec Allergy
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific cetirizine products they stock.

What should I know about cetirizine before using it?

If cetirizine was prescribed to you by a health care provider, take it as prescribed. If you are taking over-the-counter (OTC) cetirizine, read and follow the instructions that come with the product.

Do not share cetirizine that was prescribed for you by a health care provider with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep cetirizine out of the reach of children.

If you are taking cetirizine chewable tablets, they should be chewed or crushed completely before swallowing them. 

If you are taking cetirizine liquid, use an accurate measuring device to measure your dose. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacist to recommend an appropriate measuring device.

Cetirizine can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how cetirizine affects you.

People who are 65 and older can be at greater risk of some side effects from cetirizine. Talk to your health care provider about your risks if you are in this age group.

What should I tell my health care provider before using cetirizine?

Tell your health care 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 cetirizine is right for you.

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

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following. 

  • Liver problems
  • Kidney problems

Other Medicines and Supplements. Cetirizine may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking cetirizine, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how cetirizine could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take cetirizine while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Cetirizine passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take cetirizine while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does cetirizine interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between cetirizine and foods or non-alcoholic drinks.

Do not drink alcohol while you are taking cetirizine. The risk of drowsiness may increase if you drink alcohol while taking cetirizine.

Does cetirizine interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking cetirizine.

  • Any other medicine that causes sleepiness, such as prescription pain medicines, sleep medicines, and medicines for anxiety
  • Theophylline (Elixophyllin, Theo-24), which is a medicine for asthma or certain other breathing problems 

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with cetirizine. Always check with your health care provider.

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 cetirizine?

If you or someone else has used too much cetirizine, 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 cetirizine?

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