This article is not medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or use the medication guide.

Cetirizine Information

What is Cetirizine?

Cetirizine hcl is a popular antihistamine used to treat and offer relief from symptoms of hay fever, including runny nose, watery eyes, itching, and sneezing. This drug will also help treat several other types of allergies, such as mold and dust mites.

This drug has been used in the medical world since 1987, but it’s only in 2007 that the US FDA approved it for sale without a prescription

Cetirizine brand name

Cetirizine hydrochloride is a generic drug, but you can also find it in different names. Cetirizine other names include:

• Zyrtec
• Zyrtec Allergy
• Children’s Zyrtec Allergy
• children’s Zyrtec Allergy Relief
• Aller-Tec
• Wal-Zyr

Cetirizine Medicine Forms and Dosages

Cetirizine OTC comes in the following forms;

• Tablet
• Extended-release tablets
• Capsule
• Syrup
• Ophthalmic solution (eye drops)

Proper use of Cetirizine generic

If the drug has been prescribed by a doctor, ensure that you take it according to the directions. Consult the doctor if you’re uncertain about any information about the drug. If you’re self-treating with Cetirizine 10mg tablets, read and understand instructions on the package carefully before ingesting the drug and consult the pharmacist if you have any questions.

You can take Cetirizine antihistamine at any time of the day with or without food. Although it’s non-sedating, one study shows that a small percentage of people say that it causes drowsiness. In that case, you might want to take it as you go to bed. All in all, it’s important to take the drug at around the same time each day. This will ensure that there is enough drug circulating in your system at any given time.

If you’re taking the chewable tablet, chew the tablet thoroughly until it dissolves completely before swallowing. Note that chewable tablets are not meant to be swallowed full. For the rapidly-dissolving tablet, place one tablet of Cetirizine hydrochloride under the tongue and let it disintegrate into a soft paste or suspension (takes 20-30 seconds) before swallowing. You can use water to help with the swallowing. If you’re using the syrup form, use a dropper, dosing spoon, syringe, or medicine cup to measure the correct amount of the drug.

If the package didn’t come with any of these measuring devices, ask the doctor or pharmacist to provide one. Never use household spoons, including teaspoons, to measure medicine as they don’t always offer the correct dosage.

Cetirizine hydrochloride dosage

Cetirizine (Zyrtec generic) should only be used for the treatment of allergies. It shouldn’t be used for treating colds as there’s no proven benefit. Multiple studies, including this one, demonstrate that Cetirizine for baby is safe for infants as young as 6 months of age. For babies, Cetirizine is best dosed in terms of weight.

• For 14-17 lbs, give 2.5 mg of Cetirizine syrup once every 24 hour
• For 18-47 lbs, give 5 mg of Cetirizine liquid suspension once every 24 hour
• For 6+ years (above 48 lbs), give 5 mg of Cetirizine syrup once every 24 hours.
• Cetirizine chewable tablets should be administered to patients above 12 months of age only. For 1 to 5-year old children, give one Cetirizine hydrochloride 5mg tablet every 24 hours. For 6+ years, give one tablet of 5mg Cetirizine every 12 hours. Do not exceed Cetirizine hydrochloride 10 mg per day.
• Cetirizine hcl 10 mg chewables and tablets should only be administered to patients above 6 years and in doses of 1 tablet every 24 hours.

The maximum Cetirizine dosage for adults per day is 10 mg. However, some experts advise patients above 65 years of age to take 5 ml of Cetirizine liquid every 24 hours.

When using Cetirizine ophthalmic solution, the recommended dosage is to put a single drop into each affected eye twice every 24 hours. Space the dosing according to the doctor’s instructions, usually 8 hours apart.

Missed dose

If you take one Cetirizine hcl 10 mg tablet once daily (in the morning), you can take the missed dose as soon as you remember throughout the day. However, if you remember only a few hours to your next dose, just skip it and carry on with your daily schedule. Importantly, do not double up to make up for a missed dose. If you or your child takes Cetirizine twice daily, you can give the forgotten dose within 4 hours of when you were supposed to administer the drug. To emphasize, if you were to give the dose at 8 AM, it’s safe to give the drug anywhere between 8 AM and 12 noon. Beyond this, don’t administer the forgotten dose. Wait for the next dose and continue as required.

Can you overdose on Cetirizine?

Well, Cetirizine is considered a safe medication. This means that a one-time Cetirizine high dose is less likely to cause adverse reactions. However, several studies suggest that long-term use Cetirizine overdose in children may cause extrapyramidal side effects, including uncontrollable tremors. We recommend consulting with your doctor before self-prescribing Cetirizine to your child, especially for extended periods.

Cetirizine uses- What is Cetirizine used for?

Cetirizine (Zyrtec generic) belongs to a category of medications called antihistamines. This over-the-counter drug is used to treat symptoms of hay fever, hives (itchy red skin), and seasonal allergies. Note that Cetirizine for hives is used to reduce and treat the redness and itchiness. However, it does not prevent hives infection. Your doctor may prescribe it for other uses, but these are the most common.

Cetirizine for dogs

Cetirizine medication is used in dogs and cats when treating pruritis (itching) due to urticaria, atopic dermatitis, and reactions to insect bites.

As other medications, Cetirizine dosage for dogs and other pets is usually on an off-label or extra-label status. That said, follow your veterinarian’s guidelines on the dosage and how to administer the drug keenly.

Before using Cetirizine

Before using any type of drug, it’s important to understand everything about it, including side effects, allergies, and interactions with other types of drugs that you may be on. Here is what you need to know before using Cetirizine.

Cetirizine allergy

Cetirizine over the counter is not known to cause allergies. However, a study recorded in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology shows that on rare occasions, Cetirizine 10 mg dosage is capable of causing anaphylaxis. This is a life-threatening reaction, whose symptoms include skin rash, nausea, vomiting, and difficulty breathing. Seek immediate medical attention in case you show any of these symptoms after taking this drug. Importantly, avoid Cetirizine if you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to it or any Cetirizine ingredients.

Cetirizine interactions

Cetirizine may interact with other medications, thereby changing how they work besides increasing their side effects. Therefore, make a list of other drugs that you may be taking (or you’re planning to start taking) and avail it to your doctor or pharmacist for further advice on how to use them safely.

Generally, there is a possibility of Cetirizine interaction with drugs that work on your central nervous system, such as sedatives, tranquilizers, and sleep aid medications. Cetirizine may also interact with other sleep and anxiety drugs as well as cough and pain relievers.

Substances such as marijuana and alcohol may affect how Cetirizina works in your body too. Make sure that your doctor or pharmacist understands your usage of these other substances beforehand.

Cetirizine alcohol interaction

It’s advisable not to mix Cetirizine and alcohol as these 2 tend to affect your nervous system in a similarly. Taking alcohol while on Cetirizine medication may make side effects, including dizziness, drowsiness, and poor concentration even worse. In addition, keep in mind that similar to alcohol, Cetirizine is partly metabolized in the liver. As such, mixing the 2 causes this organ to work extra harder putting it at the risk of adverse effects.

Special conditions

• Cetirizine in pregnancy: Cetirizine dose is safe for use throughout pregnancy. Lots of small studies that have been done around this issue show that Cetirizine does not increase the risk of miscarriage, premature delivery, or low birth weight.

• Cetirizine breastfeeding side effects: there are no direct studies on the effects of Cetirizine pill on breastfeeding. However, it’s argued that antihistamines may lead to low milk production in moms.

• Cetirizine for children: Cetirizine is safe for use in infants above 6 months of age. However, Cetirizine for baby dosage should be maintained at 2.5 mg per day. For 12-23 months babies, the maximum Cetirizine pediatric dose can be increased to 5 mg consisting of 2.5mg dose every 12 hours.

Cetirizine Warnings

• Although not common to everyone, beware that Cetirizine zyrtec may cause drowsiness. First, understand how it will affect you, especially before operating a car or machinery.
• Discuss with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re allergic to Cetirizine or any other antihistamines.
• Explain to your doctor any other medications that you may be taking or plan to take to avoid adverse interactions. Importantly, be sure to mention about sedatives, tranquilizers, sleeping pills, and other antihistamines that you may be on.
• Tell your doctor if you’re pregnant or in case you get pregnant while taking Cetirizine.
• Talk to your doctor if you have kidney and liver disease. He/she may advise on the right dosage, depending on your condition.
• Keep in mind substances, such as marijuana and alcohol, may increase certain side effects of Cetirizine. Discuss with your doctor before mixing these 2 with Cetirizine use.

Cetirizine Side effects

Cetirizine may cause some less serious side effects, including;

• Dry mouth
• Stomach pain
• Drowsiness
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Excessive tiredness

Rare (but possible) serious Cetirizine side effects

On infrequent occasions, Cetirizine may cause anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) or difficulties breathing or swallowing. Consult your doctor immediately in case any of these happens.

Proper storage of Cetirizine

You should store Cetirizine in its original package out of children’s reach and in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Cetirizine Cost/Price

The best price for Cetirizine varies depending on the form and strength. The oral syrup may cost as low as $13.57 for a 118-ml bottle. On the other hand, a packet of 100 oral tablets of Cetirizine 5 mg may cost around $30.90 without a Cetirizine coupon. A packet of 30 tablets of Cetirizine hydrochloride 10 mg dosage goes for around $11.24. Lastly, a 30-tablet pack of 5 mg or 10 mg chewables is sold for about $61. With the best Cetirizine coupon, you may be able to lower your household cost of this drug by up to 80%.

Mechanism of action- How Cetirizine Works

Cetirizine works by blocking histamines. Histamines are chemical neurotransmitters that are produced by the body in case of an allergic reaction due to dust, dust mites, pollen, and food allergies. These neurotransmitters commonly cause lung, skin, nose, and throat irritation. As an antihistamine, Cetirizine inhibits the role of these neurotransmitters, thereby minimizing the symptoms.

Is Cetirizine the same as Zyrtec?

Zyrtec and Cetirizine are one and the same thing. Both of them are antihistamines and are indicated for the treatment of allergic rhinitis. These drugs have an equal half-life and their side effects are very similar too.

The key difference between Cetirizine and Zyrtec is that the latter is a brand name drug while Cetirizine is generic. Consequently, Zyrtec costs almost 3 times the price of Cetirizine.

Cetirizine hydrochloride and Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride

This is a combination drug that consists of Cetirizine and Pseudoephedrine. This medication is also called Zyrtec-D and it’s used to manage allergy symptoms, such as runny/stuffy nose, watery eyes, sneezing, and itching eyes/nose. Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant indicated for temporary relief of sinus pain and stuffy nose due to common cold, flu, allergies, and bronchitis. You can buy Zyrtec-D over the counter without a prescription. However, this Cetirizine pseudoephedrine should not be used by patients under 12 years owing to the high amount of Pseudoephedrine in each tablet.

Cetirizine vs Benadryl

Cetirizine and Benadryl are antihistamines used to relief allergy symptoms, but they are different in a couple of ways. First, Cetirizine (Zyrtec generic) is a second generation antihistamine while Benadryl is a first generation medication. Unlike Benadryl, Cetirizine doesn’t cross the blood brain-barrier. As such, it causes less sedation and drowsiness than first generation antihistamines, such as Benadryl. Secondly, although both of these drugs are generally affordable, Benadryl is significantly cheaper than Cetirizine.

Fexofenadine vs Cetirizine

Allergy medicine Cetirizine (Zyrtec generic) and Fexofenadine (Allegra) are popular antihistamines. These drugs are used to treat symptoms, such as itchy, watery eyes, runny nose, hives, sneezing, and itchiness in the nose and throat.

The major difference between these drugs is that Cetirizine is more sedating than Fexofenadine although both drugs are second generation antihistamines. That said, Fexofenadine is more recommendable among safety-critical workers.

On the other hand, Cetirizine medication works within one hour after administration, whereas Fexofenadine can take up to 2 hours. Also, one study shows that Cetirizine is more effective than Fexofenadine for itchy/watery eyes, itchy nose/throat, sneezing, and runny nose.

Levocetirizine vs Cetirizine

Levocetirizine is also called Levocetirizine dihydrochloride or Xyzal (brand name). This is an antihistamine with a chemical structure that mirrors that of Cetirizine. This means that the 2 drugs treat similar symptoms and have almost similar side effects.

The major difference between these medications is that Zyrtec is a second generation antihistamine, while Xyzal is third generation. Unlike first generation antihistamines, such as Benadryl, second generation drugs don’t readily pass the blood-brain barrier in the head to cause sedation. However, third generation drugs, such as Xyzal have a much lower risk of sedating you.

The other difference between the 2 drugs is that 2.5 mg of Levocetirizine dihydrochloride is equivalent to Cetirizine 5 mg. This hypothesizes that Levocetirizine is more potent.