brand name
Zyrtec , Allacan , Benadryl Allergy, Piriteze Allergy, Zirtek Allergy
About cetirizine
Cetirizine is an antihistamine that helps relieve allergy symptoms.
It is used to treat:
- hay fever
- Conjunctivitis (red, itchy eyes)
- eczema
- Urticaria (urticaria)
- Reactions to insect bites and stings
- some food allergies
Cetirizine is known as a non-drowsy antihistamine. It is less likely to make you feel drowsy than some other antihistamines.
Cetirizine is available with a prescription, but you can also buy it from pharmacies and supermarkets.
It is available in tablets, capsules, and liquid form that can be swallowed.
key facts
- Cetirizine is usually taken once daily. Children under 12 years of age take twice daily.
- Cetirizine is classified as a non-drowsy antihistamine, but some people still find that it makes them feel very sleepy.
- Common side effects include headache, dry mouth, nausea, dizziness and diarrhea.
- Some brands of cetirizine are available in capsule form. These may contain soybean oil. Do not take cetirizine capsules if you have a peanut or soy allergy.
- Some Benadryl products do not contain cetirizine but contain a different antihistamine, such as acrivastine.
Who can take Cetirizine and who cannot take Cetirizine
Most adults can take cetirizine.
children
- Children 1 year and older can take cetirizine liquid with a doctor's prescription.
- Children over 2 years old can take liquid cetirizine purchased from pharmacies or prescribed by a doctor.
- Children 6 years and older can take cetirizine tablets and liquids available from pharmacies and supermarkets.
- Children over 12 years of age can take cetirizine in capsules, tablets and liquid form available from pharmacies and supermarkets.
Who should not take cetirizine
Cetirizine is not suitable for some people. To make sure it's safe for you, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you:
- Have ever had an allergic reaction to cetirizine or any other medicine
- allergic to food additives
- Allergy to peanuts or soybeans - some brands of cetirizine capsules (but not tablets) contain soybeans
- Have kidney failure
- Have epilepsy or other health problems that may cause seizures or convulsions
- have a condition that means you have trouble urinating
- Allergy testing is required - taking cetirizine may affect the results, so you may need to stop taking it a few days before the test
How and when to take cetirizine
If you or your child take cetirizine, follow your doctor's instructions on how and when to take it. If you purchased it from a pharmacy or store, follow the instructions on the package.
Dosage and Strength
Cetirizine is available as tablets and capsules (10 mg) and as a liquid (labeled 5 mg/5 ml or 1 mg/1 ml).
The usual dose for adults is 10 mg once daily.
The dose is usually lower for people with kidney problems.
children
- For children 6 to 11 years old, the usual dose is 5 mg twice daily. Try to leave 10 to 12 hours between doses. So, first thing in the morning, first thing before bed.
- The dosage for children 2 to 5 years old is 2.5 mg twice daily.
- For children 1 to 2 years old, your doctor will calculate the correct dose based on their weight or age.
how to take
You can take cetirizine with food or alone, but be sure to take tablets or capsules with water, milk, or pumpkin. Swallow them whole. Don't chew them.
Cetirizine liquid may be easier for children to take than tablets. Liquid medications will come with a plastic syringe or spoon to provide the correct dose. If you don't have a syringe or spoon, ask your pharmacist for one. Don't use a kitchen teaspoon as it won't measure the correct amount.
when to take
You may only need to take cetirizine on the day you develop symptoms - for example, if you have been exposed to an allergy-triggering substance, such as animal hair.
Or you may need to take it regularly to prevent symptoms - for example, to stop hay fever in spring and summer.
What if I forget to get it?
Take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose. In this case, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at your usual time.
Do not take 2 doses to make up for a forgotten dose.
If you forget to give a dose of cetirizine to a child who is taking it twice a day, you can give the missed dose within 4 hours of the time they are supposed to take it.
If it is more than 4 hours before you remember, do not take the missed dose. Instead, wait until your next dose and continue as usual.
If you frequently forget your doses, it may be helpful to set an alarm to remind you. You can also ask your pharmacist for suggestions on other ways to help you remember to take your medication.
What if I take too much?
Cetirizine is generally very safe. Taking more than the usual dose of this medicine is unlikely to harm you or your child.
If you take extra doses, you may experience some common side effects. If this happens or you are concerned, contact your doctor.
side effect
Like all medicines, cetirizine can cause side effects, although not everyone will experience side effects.
Common side effects
The most common side effects of cetirizine are feeling drowsy and tired. This happens to more than 1 in 10 people. If this side effect bothers you or does not go away, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Other common side effects of cetirizine occur in more than 1 percent of people.
If these side effects bother you or don't go away, talk to your doctor or pharmacist:
- Headache
- dry mouth
- Feeling sick (nauseous)
- feeling dizzy
- diarrhea
- sore throat
- Sneezing or stuffy and runny nose
Children are more likely than adults to have diarrhea, sneezing, or a stuffy and runny nose.
serious side effects
Serious side effects of cetirizine are rare.
If you have more than normal bruising or bleeding, call your doctor right away.
severe allergic reaction
In rare cases, a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to cetirizine may occur.
These are not all side effects of cetirizine. For a full list, see the leaflet inside your medicine pack.
How to deal with cetirizine side effects
what to do :
- Feeling sleepy and tired – try a different non-drowsy antihistamine. If this doesn't help, talk to your doctor.
- Headaches – Make sure to rest and drink plenty of fluids. It's best not to drink too much. Ask your pharmacist to recommend a pain reliever for headaches, but headaches usually go away after the first week of taking cetirizine. If your headache lasts longer than a week or is severe, talk to your doctor.
- Dry mouth – chewing sugarless gum or sucking on sugarless candy.
- Feeling sick (nausea) – Try taking the tablets with food. It may also help if you stick to a simple diet and avoid greasy or spicy foods.
- Feeling dizzy – If cetirizine makes you feel dizzy when you stand up, try getting up very slowly or staying seated until you feel better. If you start to feel dizzy, lie down to avoid fainting and sit until you feel better. If you feel dizzy or a little shaken, do not drive, ride a bicycle, or use tools or machines.
- Diarrhea – If you have diarrhea, drink plenty of water or other fluids. If you have signs of dehydration, such as peeing less often than usual or having dark-colored, strong-smelling pee, talk to your pharmacist. Do not take any other medicines to treat diarrhea without consulting your pharmacist or doctor.
- Sore throat – If you are 16 years or older, you can try gargling with an aspirin solution (1 soluble aspirin tablet dissolved in half a glass of water) or using a pain-relieving mouthwash such as Oraldene. If your symptoms persist for more than a week, seek advice from your pharmacist or doctor. Children under 16 should not take aspirin.
- Sneezing or stuffy and runny noses – Try other non-drowsiness antihistamines. If this doesn't help, talk to your doctor.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Cetirizine can be used during pregnancy. There is no good evidence that it causes harm to babies. However, other antihistamines, such as loratadine, may be recommended because more information is available about their use during pregnancy.
Cetirizine and breastfeeding
If your doctor or health visitor says your baby is healthy, you can take cetirizine while breastfeeding.
There is some information that only very small amounts pass into breast milk. Cetirizine has been used for many years during breastfeeding and has no side effects on the baby.
If your baby is not feeding as well as usual, seems unusually sleepy, or you have any other concerns about your baby, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, health visitor or midwife.
Visit the Best Use of Medications in Pregnancy (BUMPS) website to learn more about how cetirizine affects you and your baby during pregnancy.
Precautions when using with other drugs
Some medications may increase the chance of side effects from cetirizine.
If you are taking any medications that cause drowsiness, dry mouth, or difficulty urinating, talk to your pharmacist or doctor. Taking cetirizine may make these side effects worse.
Mixing Cetirizine with Herbal Medicines and Supplements
There may be problems taking some herbs and supplements with cetirizine, especially those that cause drowsiness, dry mouth, or vomiting that makes it difficult to pee.
