What is Zyrtec (cetirizine)?
Zyrtec, also known as cetirizine, is an over-the-counter allergy medication used to relieve symptoms associated with seasonal allergies, such as hay fever, as well as year-round allergies like pet dander and dust mites. It is an antihistamine that works by blocking the effects of histamine, a substance produced by the body in response to allergens. By taking Zyrtec as directed, individuals can experience relief from common allergy symptoms like sneezing, itching, runny nose, and watery eyes. Zyrtec is available in various forms, including tablets, chewable tablets, and liquid, making it convenient for different age groups. While Zyrtec is generally well-tolerated, it may cause mild drowsiness or dry mouth in some individuals. It is important to read and follow the package instructions and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen.
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Zyrtec, also known as cetirizine, is an over-the-counter allergy medication used to relieve symptoms associated with seasonal allergies, such as hay fever, as well as year-round allergies like pet dander and dust mites. It is an antihistamine that works by blocking the effects of histamine, a substance produced by the body in response to allergens. By taking Zyrtec as directed, individuals can experience relief from common allergy symptoms like sneezing, itching, runny nose, and watery eyes. Zyrtec is available in various forms, including tablets, chewable tablets, and liquid, making it convenient for different age groups. While Zyrtec is generally well-tolerated, it may cause mild drowsiness or dry mouth in some individuals. It is important to read and follow the package instructions and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen.
What is Zyrtec?
Suitable for adults and children aged 2 and older, Zyrtec relieves the symptoms caused by allergies and allergic skin conditions. These symptoms can occur after coming into contact with allergens like plant pollen or mold, affecting:
- The nose
- The sinuses
- The throat
- Other parts of the upper respiratory system
The symptoms can include:
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Itchy throat or nose
Zyrtec also helps to alleviate the effects of skin conditions including hives: itchy rashes from allergies to food or medication.
You do not need a prescription for Zyrtec, which comes in capsule and tablet form, as it can be bought from pharmacies over the counter (OTC) and is not costly. It is also available as a liquid and an injection that would be administered by a healthcare provider. Zyrtec is generally considered a safe and effective drug that may also be recommended by your doctor for either seasonal allergies or those you have throughout the year.
How does it work?
Zyrtec falls into the category of medications named second-generation antihistamines. Specifically, Zyrtec is a histamine receptor antagonist. After encountering substances to which you might be allergic (allergens), histamine, a natural chemical, is produced by the body. Most symptoms from allergic reactions are caused by histamine.
Zyrtec, the brand name for Cetirizine, helps neutralize the mild to moderate symptoms histamine can cause, but does not prevent them. It normally begins working very quickly, within 20 minutes of having taken it, so you should begin feeling the symptoms lessen within an hour of taking Zyrtec. It generally continues working for around 24 hours.
Your condition may impact how long you will need to take Zyrtec, whether it is a one-off dose or ongoing use for seasonal or other types of allergies.
Appearance & Ingredients
Zyrtec is generally available as modified-rectangle-shaped 20 mg tablets that are white, coated, and feature “20” and “P” on one side and nothing on the other. Each tablet contains 20 mg of cetirizine hydrochloride and the following ingredients:
- corn starch
- hypromellose
- lactose
- magnesium stearate
- polyethylene glycol
- povidone
- titanium dioxide
Instructions
Whether you are taking Zyrtec in its oral or injection form, you should take it exactly as directed on the label or prescribed by your doctor. You should not use Zyrtec in a higher or lower dosage than has been recommended for you.
Zyrtec capsules and tablets are to be taken by mouth, either with or without food. Chewable Zyrtec tablets must be chewed before being swallowed. Dissolving tablets must not be chewed and should be allowed to dissolve in the mouth whilst swallowing. You can take it with liquid to aid the swallowing of the dissolving tablet.
Zyrtec in its liquid form should be measured carefully using a dosing syringe, but not a regular kitchen spoon.
The Zyrtec injection would be given by a healthcare professional and is generally given for the treatment of hives. It is an infusion injected into a vein once every 24 hours.
Dosage
Unless the doctor recommends it, children should not take Zyrtec for over 14 consecutive days.
A 5 mg dose is recommended for children between the ages of 2 and 6, either once a day or 2.5 mg in the morning and another 2.5 mg in the evening.
Children between the ages of 6 and 12 should take either a 10 mg dose once a day, or 5 mg in the morning and another 5 mg in the evening.
Adults and children aged 12 and older should take 5 mg to 10 mg once a day, depending on how severe the symptoms are and the condition of the person taking Zyrtec. You should consult your doctor if 10 mg does not bring your symptoms under control.
It is normal for adults aged 65 and over to be recommended a lower dose. 5 mg once a day is recommended, but you should follow your doctor’s instructions.
If your symptoms do not improve or you develop a fever, you should contact your doctor.
Overdose
An overdose of Zyrtec may result in one or more of the following symptoms:
- extreme drowsiness
- vision problems
- agitation
- restlessness followed by drowsiness or tiredness
- rapid heartbeat
- stomach pain
- nausea
- vomiting
- difficulty walking
- difficulty swallowing or speaking
Call a doctor if you believe you or someone else has overdosed on Zyrtec. If someone taking Zyrtec collapses, contact the emergency services.
Side Effects
If you are concerned about experiencing side effects from taking Zyrtec, you should talk it over with your doctor and weigh up the risks against the benefits. Many of these side effects may disappear over time or can be managed. Your pharmacist should be able to make recommendations for managing these side effects, however, you should contact your doctor if they become severe or significantly uncomfortable.
The side effects of Zyrtec are not experienced by everyone who takes it, but at least 1% of people taking this medication have experienced those listed below.
- dizziness
- dry mouth
- headache
- loss of taste
- sleepiness
- difficulty sleeping
Serious Side Effects
These serious side effects are rare but can cause serious issues if they are not addressed. If you experience any of these, you should see your doctor as soon as possible.
- pain or swelling of the eye
- changes in behavior, such as agitation or aggression
- blurred vision
- uncomfortable or painful urination
- forgetfulness
- hallucinations
- new rash or itching after you have stopped the medication
- restlessness and physical agitation
- liver problem symptoms, such as:
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- loss of appetite
- weight loss
- jaundiced skin or whites of the eyes
- dark urine, pale stools
Side effects requiring urgent medical attention
If you experience any of the following side effects, discontinue the treatment and immediately seek the attention of a medical professional.
- serious allergic reaction symptoms, such as:
- abdominal cramps
- difficulty breathing
- nausea and vomiting
- swelling of the face and throat
- severe skin reaction symptoms, such as:
- blistering
- peeling
- a large rash
- a fast-spreading rash
- a rash with fever or discomfort
Side effects other than those listed above are possible. If any symptoms develop that worry you whilst taking Zyrtec, you should discuss them with your doctor.
Warnings & Precautions
Always check the ingredients of any medication you take for anything you may be allergic to. You should not take Zyrtec if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in Zyrtec or any antihistamines containing hydroxyzine.
Make sure your doctor is aware of any medical conditions or allergies you have as this may impact whether or not they recommend Zyrtec for you.
Before taking Zyrtec you should discuss it with your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease. Your doctor may recommend a lower dosage if they still feel it is safe for you to take Zyrtec. Your doctor may not recommend Zyrtec for you if your kidney function is severely compromised, or they may recommend special monitoring if you take it.
Zyrtec is not usually a cause of drowsiness, but people can react differently to it, especially during the first few doses. Do not drive a vehicle or use machinery until you have taken a few doses and have a better understanding of how your body reacts to Zyrtec.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
You should not use Zyrtec during pregnancy unless you and your doctor have considered the benefits and risks. You should seek your doctor’s guidance as soon as you become aware that you are pregnant if you become pregnant while using Zyrtec. It is not known whether Zyrtec can be passed from mother to baby through breast milk. However, there is a chance that it can affect your baby if you breastfeed whilst using Zyrtec. You should consult your doctor about whether you should carry on breastfeeding if you are using Zyrtec.
Interactions
Zyrtec may interact with any of the following drugs, so if you are taking any of them you should let your doctor know or seek guidance from your pharmacist.
- acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, such as:
- donepezil
- galantamine
- rivastigmine
- aclidinium
- alcohol
- amantadine
- amiodarone
- amphetamines, such as:
- dextroamphetamine
- lisdexamfetamine
- other antihistamines, such as:
- diphenhydramine
- chlorpheniramine
- hydroxyzine
- antipsychotics, such as:
- chlorpromazine
- clozapine
- haloperidol
- olanzapine
- quetiapine
- risperidone
- apalutamide
- atropine
- azelastine
- “azole” antifungals, such as:
- fluconazole
- ketoconazole
- voriconazole
- barbiturates, such as:
- butalbital
- pentobarbital
- phenobarbital
- benzodiazepines, such as:
- lorazepam
- diazepam
- belladonna
- benztropine
- betahistine
- botulinum toxin
- brimonidine
- buspirone
- cannabis
- carvedilol
- chloral hydrate
- clidinium
- clonidine
- cyclosporine
- darifenacin
- disopyramide
- domperidone
- dronedarone
- eluxadoline
- entacapone
- flavoxate
- flibanserin
- glucagon
- glycopyrrolate
- glycopyrronium
- hepatitis C antivirals, such as:
- daclatasvir
- glecaprevir and pibrentasvir
- ledipasvir
- velpatasvir
- hyaluronidase
- ipratropium
- macrolide antibiotics, such as:
- azithromycin
- clarithromycin
- erythromycin
- metoclopramide
- mirabegron
- mirtazapine
- muscle relaxants, such as:
- baclofen
- cyclobenzaprine
- methocarbamol
- orphenadrine
- nabilone
- narcotic pain medications, such as:
- codeine
- fentanyl
- oxycodone
- morphine
- nitroglycerin
- oxybutynin
- potassium supplements, such as:
- potassium chloride
- potassium citrate
- pramipexole
- pramlintide
- quinidine
- quinine
- reserpine
- rifampin
- ritonavir
- ropinirole
- John’s wort
- scopolamine
- seizure medications, such as:
- carbamazepine
- clobazam
- levetiracetam
- phenobarbital
- phenytoin
- primidone
- topiramate
- valproic acid
- zonisamide
- selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as:
- citalopram
- fluoxetine
- paroxetine
- sertraline
- sodium oxybate
- solifenacin
- suvorexant
- tapentadol
- thiazide diuretics (water pills), such as:
- hydrochlorothiazide
- indapamide
- metolazone
- tiotropium
- tolterodine
- tramadol
- tranylcypromine
- tricyclic antidepressants, such as:
- amitriptyline
- clomipramine
- desipramine
- trimipramine
- tyrosine kinase inhibitors, such as:
- dabrafenib
- imatinib
- nilotinib
- sunitinib
- umeclidinium
- verapamil
- zolpidem
- zopiclone