Generic name: cetirizine (se TIR a zeen)
Brand name: Zyrtec
Drug class: Antihistamines
Zyrtec (cetirizine) is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.
Zyrtec is used in adults and children to treat cold or allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, watery eyes, or runny nose.
Zyrtec is also used to treat itching and swelling caused by chronic urticaria (hives).
Warnings
Before using Zyrtec tell your doctor about all your medical conditions or allergies, all medicines you use, and if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Zyrtec may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert. Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of cetirizine.
Tell your doctor if you regularly use other medicines that make you sleepy (such as other cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression, or anxiety). They can add to sleepiness caused by Zyrtec. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, if they get worse, or if you also have a fever.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Zyrtec if you are allergic to cetirizine or levocetirizine.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take cetirizine if you have any medical conditions.
Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
How should I use Zyrtec?
Zyrtec is taken by mouth.
Use Zyrtec exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.
Older adults may need to take a lower than normal dose. Follow your doctor's instructions.
You may take this medicine with or without food.
Do not swallow the Zyrtec orally disintegrating tablet whole. Allow the tablet to dissolve in your mouth without chewing. Swallow several times as the tablet dissolves. If desired, you may drink liquid to help swallow the dissolved tablet.
Measure liquid Zyrtec Syrup carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, if they get worse, or if you also have a fever.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not allow liquid medicine to freeze.
Dosing information
Usual Adult Dose for Allergic Rhinitis:
5 to 10 mg orally once a day
-Maximum dose: 10 mg/day
-Some experts recommend: Patients over 65 years of age should start with 5 mg orally once a day.
Usual Adult Dose for Urticaria:
5 to 10 mg orally once a day
-Maximum dose: 10 mg/day
-Some experts recommend: Patients over 65 years of age should start with 5 mg orally once a day.
Uses:
-Relief of symptoms associated with perennial allergic rhinitis due to allergens (e.g., sneezing, rhinorrhea, postnasal discharge, nasal pruritus, ocular pruritus, tearing)
-Treatment of uncomplicated skin manifestations of chronic idiopathic urticaria
Usual Pediatric Dose for Allergic Rhinitis:
6 months to 2 years:
-Initial dose: 2.5 mg orally once a day
-Maintenance dose: 2.5 mg orally once to 2 times a day
-Maximum dose: 5 mg/day
2 to 5 years:
-Initial dose: 2.5 mg orally once a day
-Maintenance dose: 2.5 mg orally 2 times a day OR 5 mg orally once a day
-Maximum dose: 5 mg/day
6 years and older: 5 to 10 mg orally once a day
-Maximum dose: 10 mg/day
Usual Pediatric Dose for Urticaria:
6 months to 2 years:
-Initial dose: 2.5 mg orally once a day
-Maintenance dose: 2.5 mg orally once to 2 times a day
-Maximum dose: 5 mg/day
2 to 5 years:
-Initial dose: 2.5 mg orally once a day
-Maintenance dose: 2.5 mg orally 2 times a day OR 5 mg orally once a day
-Maximum dose: 5 mg/day
6 years and older: 5 to 10 mg orally once a day
-Maximum dose: 10 mg/day
Uses:
-Relief of symptoms associated with perennial allergic rhinitis due to allergens (e.g., sneezing, rhinorrhea, postnasal discharge, nasal pruritus, ocular pruritus, tearing) in patients 2 years and older
-Treatment of uncomplicated skin manifestations of chronic idiopathic urticaria in patients 6 months and older
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, vision problems, agitation, feeling restless and then drowsy or tired, fast heartbeats, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, trouble walking, or trouble swallowing or speaking.
What should I avoid while using Zyrtec?
Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Zyrtec.
Zyrtec side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Zyrtec: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:
- fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat;
- weakness, tremors (uncontrolled shaking), or sleep problems (insomnia);
- severe restless feeling, hyperactivity;
- confusion;
- problems with vision; or
- little or no urination.
Common Zyrtec side effects may include:
- drowsiness, tiredness;
- dizziness, feeling light-headed;
- feeling hot, sweating;
- numbness, tingling, burning pain;
- decreased sense of taste;
- headache;
- upset stomach, nausea, constipation; or
- dry mouth, sore throat.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect Zyrtec?
Using Zyrtec with other drugs that make you drowsy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.
Other drugs may interact with cetirizine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.