What is Cetirizine?
The Bottom Line
Cetirizine (brand name Zyrtec) is an FDA-approved, over-the-counter medication used to help relieve allergy symptoms. It is relatively well-tolerated but is associated with side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and dry mouth. Because of this, use of cetirizine with alcohol and other sedating medications should be avoided.
What is cetirizine, and what is it used for?
Cetirizine is an anti-allergy medication that is used to help relieve symptoms such as itching, runny nose, watery eyes, hives, and sneezing. Zyrtec®, Aller-Tec®, Quzyttir®, and Wal-ZyrTM are common cetirizine brands. Cetirizine belongs to a class of medications known as antihistamines. Antihistamines are drugs used to treat conditions caused by excessive histamine release in the human body. Histamines are natural chemicals produced by the body’s immune system in response to contact with a potential allergen. Histamine is the main cause of symptoms commonly seen in allergic reactions. Cetirizine works by blocking histamine and was developed to be less sedating than other antihistamine medications.
What are the most common cetirizine side effects?
Cetirizine is relatively well-tolerated, but it can cause side effects including drowsiness, dizziness, headache, and dry mouth. Cetirizine can cause drowsiness when taken in higher doses; therefore, caution should be exercised when taking cetirizine and driving a car, operating dangerous machinery, or doing other tasks that require an individual to be alert. Allergic reactions to Cetirizine are rare but may be serious in some cases. People who develop trouble breathing, facial swelling, or feel any tightness in the throat while taking cetirizine should seek medical attention immediately.
What is typical cetirizine dosage?
The dosing of cetirizine depends on age. In adults and children 6 years and older, the recommended dose is 5 or 10 mg per day, depending on the severity of allergy symptoms. For children 6 months to 5 years of age, the recommended dose is 2.5 mg once daily. This medication is available as capsules, tablets, solutions, and oral-disintegrating tablets. People who have liver problems, kidney disease, or other serious health conditions should talk with their doctor prior to taking cetirizine.
Is it safe to take cetirizine when pregnant?
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACOG-ACAAI), cetirizine can be used safely by pregnant women. However, this medication should only be used in pregnancy when necessary due to limited well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
Cetirizine with alcohol: is it safe to drink when taking Zyrtec?
Since cetirizine (Zyrtec) may cause decreased alertness or sleepiness, concurrent use of this medication with alcohol should be avoided. Alcohol may also increase the side effects of cetirizine, such as drowsiness and dizziness. When taken together, the combination of alcohol and cetirizine can lead to impairment in coordination and judgment. Cetirizine can stay in the bloodstream for up to 24 hours after it is taken. During this time, it is recommended to avoid any alcohol consumption.
What cetirizine interactions should I be aware of?
Cetirizine should not be used at the same time as any sedating drugs such as benzodiazepines or opioids. Taking these medications together can result in excessive drowsiness. This medication can also interact with other medications such as gabapentin and theophylline. It is important to let your doctor know you are taking this medication to determine whether it is safe for you to take with all your other medications.
What to do if you take too much cetirizine or take it by accident
If you experience adverse or unexpected symptoms from cetirizine, take it by accident, or take too much, get guidance from Poison Control online at www.poison.org and by phone at 1-800-222-1222. Both options are free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day.
ZYRTEC® is a registered trademark of JOHNSON & JOHNSON.
ALLER-TEC® is a registered trademark of L. Perrigo Company.
Quzyttir® is a registered trademark ofTerSera Therapeutics LLC or its affiliates.
Wal-ZyrTM is distributed by Walgreen Co.
Branda Chaleunphonh, Pharm. D.
PGY-2 Emergency Medicine Pharmacy Resident – Memorial Medical Center
Poisoned?
Call 1-800-222-1222 or
Prevention Tips
- Store all medicines including cetirizine up, away, and out of sight of children.
- Stand up slowly or stay sitting down if you begin to feel dizzy after taking cetirizine.
- Some medications can increase the side effects of cetirizine. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any medications that make you feel drowsy.
This Really Happened
Case 1: A 75-year-old woman called Poison Control after taking 10 mg of Zyrtec, and then accidentally taking an additional two tablets instead of taking ibuprofen. She began to feel drowsy after taking the extra doses of Zyrtec. She was advised by the poison specialist that the drowsiness she was experiencing was a common side effect seen after taking an extra dose of Zyrtec and was told not to drive until the effects wore off. She took a nap and after waking up, she recovered without any other problems.
Case 2: A 12-month-old boy was found with a bottle of liquid cetirizine. His mother noticed he had ingested half of it, which was equivalent to about 60 mg of cetirizine. The mother fed the toddler dinner and noticed that he started to doze off. She called Poison Control and was advised to observe her son for any additional drowsiness for the remainder of the day. The next morning, the patient’s mother reported that her son had completely recovered.
References
Poisoned?
Call 1-800-222-1222 or
Prevention Tips
- Store all medicines including cetirizine up, away, and out of sight of children.
- Stand up slowly or stay sitting down if you begin to feel dizzy after taking cetirizine.
- Some medications can increase the side effects of cetirizine. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any medications that make you feel drowsy.
This Really Happened
Case 1: A 75-year-old woman called Poison Control after taking 10 mg of Zyrtec, and then accidentally taking an additional two tablets instead of taking ibuprofen. She began to feel drowsy after taking the extra doses of Zyrtec. She was advised by the poison specialist that the drowsiness she was experiencing was a common side effect seen after taking an extra dose of Zyrtec and was told not to drive until the effects wore off. She took a nap and after waking up, she recovered without any other problems.
Case 2: A 12-month-old boy was found with a bottle of liquid cetirizine. His mother noticed he had ingested half of it, which was equivalent to about 60 mg of cetirizine. The mother fed the toddler dinner and noticed that he started to doze off. She called Poison Control and was advised to observe her son for any additional drowsiness for the remainder of the day. The next morning, the patient’s mother reported that her son had completely recovered.