Zyrtec
Generic name: cetirizine hydrochloride
Dosage form: Children's Zyrtec Hives Relief Syrup, Children's Zyrtec Allergy Relief Syrup, Children's Zyrtec Dissolve Tabs, Children's Zyrtec Chewables Allergy Medicine for kids ages 6+, Children's Zyrtec Chewable Allergy Medicine for kids ages 2+, Zyrtec Hives Relief Medicine Tablets, Zyrtec Liquid Gels, Zyrtec 24 Hour Allergy Relief Dissolve Tablets, Zyrtec Dye-Free Chewable Allergy Medicine
Drug class: Antihistamines
What is Zyrtec?
Zyrtec (cetirizine) is an over-the-counter antihistamine used to relieve allergy symptoms, including sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and a runny nose, and also reduces hives (urticaria).
Zyrtec is usually taken once a day.
Zyrtec is available as tablets, capsules, chewable tablets, dissolving tablets and an oral syrup, in strengths of 2.5 mg, 5 mg and 10 mg. Which product is suitable depends on age.
Allergy symptoms are caused by your immune system releasing histamine when triggered by allergens, such as pollen, dust, or pet dander. Zyrtec works by blocking histamine H1 receptors, which prevents histamine from triggering allergy symptoms. Once Zyrtec blocks the H1 receptor, allergy symptoms improve.
How does Zyrtec work?
Zyrtec is a second-generation antihistamine that works by blocking H1 histamine receptors in your body (not your brain or spinal cord). This means this medicine is less likely to cause drowsiness compared with some older antihistamines. When your immune system releases histamine due to allergies, Zyrtec works by preventing histamine from attaching to the receptors and triggering allergy symptoms. By blocking histamine, Zyrtec reduces allergy symptoms.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Zyrtec if you are allergic to cetirizine or similar medicines such as levocetirizine or hydroxyzine.
Do not use Zyrtec to prevent hives from any known cause, such as foods, insect stings, medicines, or latex or rubber gloves. This medicine will not prevent hives or an allergic skin reaction from occurring.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using Zyrtec if you have any health problems.
To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- recently used alcohol, sedatives, or tranquilizers; or
- liver or kidney disease.
- hives that are an unusual color, look bruised or blistered, or do not itch.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. You should not use Zyrtec if you are breastfeeding.
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.
Common Zyrtec side effects may include:
- nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
- cough, drowsiness, tiredness;
- headache, dizziness, feeling light-headed;
- feeling hot, sweating;
- numbness, tingling, burning pain;
- altered sense of taste;
- upset stomach, constipation; or
- nosebleed, 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.
Related/similar drugs
Warnings
These warnings are for every Zyrtec product containing cetirizine HCl. Zyrtec products for hives have additional warnings that are listed in that product's own section below.
Do not use if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this product or any of its ingredients, or to an antihistamine containing hydroxyzine.
Ask a doctor before use if you have liver or kidney disease. Your doctor should determine if you need a different dose.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you are taking tranquilizers or sedatives.
When using this product:
- drowsiness may occur
- avoid alcoholic drinks
- alcohol, sedatives and tranquilizers may increase drowsiness
- be careful when driving a motor vehicle or operating machinery
- in rare cases, you may experience itching after stopping cetirizine. Consult your healthcare provider if this happens.
Stop use and ask a doctor if an allergic reaction to this product occurs. Seek medical help right away.
If pregnant or breast-feeding:
- if breastfeeding: not recommended
- if pregnant: ask a health professional before use.
Zyrtec product summary table
All Zyrtec products in this range contain cetirizine HCl. Only two are suitable for children under 6 years. The dose for adults 65 years and over depends on the strength of the product rather than on which product family it belongs to. People with liver or kidney disease should ask a doctor before use. See specific product information for more detail.
Allergy relief products
| Product | Form and strength | Who can use it | Children 2 to under 6 years | Adults under 65 years and children 6 years and over | Adults 65 years and over |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Children's Zyrtec Allergy Relief Syrup | Oral solution, 5 mg per 5 mL | Adults and children 2 years and over | 2.5 mL once daily. If needed, dose can be increased to a maximum of 5 mL once daily or 2.5 mL every 12 hours. Do not give more than 5 mL in 24 hours. | 5 mL or 10 mL once daily | 5 mL once daily |
| Children's Zyrtec 2.5 mg Chewable Allergy Medicine for kids ages 2+ | Chewable tablet, 2.5 mg | Adults and children 2 years and over | 1 tablet (2.5 mg) once daily. If needed, dose can be increased to a maximum of 2 tablets (5 mg) once daily or 1 tablet (2.5 mg) every 12 hours. Do not give more than 2 tablets (5 mg) in 24 hours. | 2 tablets (5 mg) or 4 tablets (10 mg) once daily | 2 tablets (5 mg) once daily |
| Children's Zyrtec Dissolve 10 mg Tabs | Orally disintegrating tablet, 10 mg | Adults and children 6 years and over | Ask a doctor | One tablet once daily | Ask a doctor |
| Children's Zyrtec Chewables Allergy Medicine for kids ages 6+ | Chewable tablet, 10 mg | Adults and children 6 years and over | Ask a doctor | One tablet once daily | Ask a doctor |
| Zyrtec Allergy Relief Medicine 5 mg Tablets | Tablet, 5 mg | Adults and children 6 years and over | Ask a doctor | 1 tablet (5 mg) or 2 tablets (10 mg) once daily | 1 tablet (5 mg) once daily |
| Zyrtec Allergy Relief Medicine 10 mg Tablets | Tablet, 10 mg | Adults and children 6 years and over | Ask a doctor | One tablet once daily | Ask a doctor |
| Zyrtec Liquid 10 mg Gels | Capsule, 10 mg | Adults and children 6 years and over | Ask a doctor | One capsule once daily | Ask a doctor |
| Zyrtec 24 Hour Allergy Relief Dissolve 10 mg Tablets, Citrus Flavored | Orally disintegrating tablet, 10 mg | Adults and children 6 years and over | Ask a doctor | One tablet once daily | Ask a doctor |
| Zyrtec Dye-Free 10 mg Chewable Allergy Medicine | Chewable tablet, 10 mg | Adults and children 6 years and over | Ask a doctor | One tablet once daily | Ask a doctor |
Children 2 to under 6 years can only use Children's Zyrtec Allergy Relief Syrup or Children's Zyrtec 2.5 mg Chewable Allergy Medicine. See those product sections for the dose. Children under 2 years should not be given any Zyrtec product without asking a doctor.
Hives relief products
| Product | Form and strength | Who can use it | Usual dose, 6 years and over | Adults 65 years and over |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Children's Zyrtec Hives Relief Syrup |
Oral solution, 5 mg per 5 mL |
Adults and children 6 years and over |
5 mL or 10 mL once daily |
5 mL once daily |
|
Zyrtec Hives Relief Medicine 10 mg Tablets |
Tablet, 10 mg |
Adults and children 6 years and over |
One tablet once daily |
Ask a doctor |
Both hives products carry additional warnings that do not apply to the allergy relief products, including a severe allergy warning about the signs of anaphylactic shock. Read the full warnings in each product section before use.
For all Zyrtec products, consumers with liver or kidney disease should ask a doctor before use.
Zyrtec dosing information and products
Children's Zyrtec Allergy Relief Syrup (5 mg per 5 mL)
Cetirizine HCl 5 mg per 5 mL (1 mg/mL) Oral solution. For adults and children 2 years and over.
Used for
Temporarily relieves these symptoms due to hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies:
- runny nose
- sneezing
- itchy, watery eyes
- itching of the nose or throat
Directions
- Use only with enclosed dosing cup
- find the right dose on the chart below
- mL = milliliter
| Age or condition | Dosage Children's Zyrtec Allergy Relief Syrup (5 mg per 5 mL) |
|---|---|
|
Adults under 65 years and children 6 years and over |
5 mL or 10 mL once daily depending upon severity of symptoms; do not take more than 10 mL in 24 hours. |
|
Adults 65 years and over |
5 mL once daily; do not take more than 5 mL in 24 hours. |
|
Children 2 to under 6 years of age |
2.5 mL once daily. If needed, dose can be increased to a maximum of 5 mL once daily or 2.5 mL every 12 hours. Do not give more than 5 mL in 24 hours. |
|
Children under 2 years of age |
Ask a doctor. |
|
Consumers with liver or kidney disease |
Ask a doctor. |
Warnings
See the Warning section above for warnings that apply to all Zyrtec cetirizine products, including this product. There are no additional product-specific warnings.
Other information
- store between 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F)
- do not use if carton is open. Do not use if bottle wrap imprinted with "Sealed For Your Safety" is broken or missing
- dye-free and sugar-free. Available in grape and bubble gum flavors. Dosing cup included
Children's Zyrtec Dissolve 10 mg Tabs
Cetirizine HCl 10 mg per orally disintegrating tablet. For adults and children 6 years and over.
Used for
Temporarily relieves these symptoms due to hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies:
- runny nose
- sneezing
- itchy, watery eyes
- itching of the nose or throat
Directions
- tablet melts in mouth
- can be taken with or without water
| Age or condition | Dosage Children's Zyrtec Dissolve 10 mg Tabs |
|---|---|
|
Adults under 65 years and children 6 years and over |
One 10 mg tablet once daily; do not take more than one 10 mg tablet in 24 hours. A 5 mg product may be appropriate for less severe symptoms. |
|
Adults 65 years and over |
Ask a doctor. |
|
Children under 6 years of age |
Ask a doctor. |
|
Consumers with liver or kidney disease |
Ask a doctor. |
Warnings
See the Warning section above for warnings that apply to all Zyrtec cetirizine products, including this product. There are no additional product-specific warnings.
Other information
- store between 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F)
- avoid high humidity
- do not use if blister unit is torn or broken
- sugar-free and dye-free. Citrus flavor
Children's Zyrtec Chewables Allergy Medicine for kids ages 6+
Cetirizine HCl 10 mg per chewable tablet. For adults and children 6 years and over.
Used for
Temporarily relieves these symptoms due to hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies:
- runny nose
- sneezing
- itchy, watery eyes
- itching of the nose or throat
Directions
- may be taken with or without water
- chew or crush tablets completely before swallowing
| Age or condition | Dosage Children's Zyrtec 10 mg Chewables Allergy Medicine for kids ages 6+ |
|---|---|
|
Adults under 65 years and children 6 years and over |
Chew and swallow 1 tablet (10 mg) once daily; do not take more than 1 tablet (10 mg) in 24 hours. A 5 mg product may be appropriate for less severe symptoms. |
|
Adults 65 years and over |
Ask a doctor. |
|
Children under 6 years of age |
Ask a doctor. |
|
Consumers with liver or kidney disease |
Ask a doctor. |
Warnings
See the Warning section above for warnings that apply to all Zyrtec cetirizine products, including this product. There are no additional product-specific warnings.
Other information
- store between 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F)
- do not use if blister unit is torn or broken
- dye-free. Grape flavor
Children's Zyrtec 2.5 mg Chewable Allergy Medicine for kids ages 2+
Cetirizine HCl 2.5 mg per chewable tablet. For adults and children 2 years and over.
Used for
Temporarily relieves these symptoms due to hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies:
- runny nose
- sneezing
- itchy, watery eyes
- itching of the nose or throat
Directions
- may be taken with or without water
- chew or crush tablets completely before swallowing
| Age or condition | Dosage Children's Zyrtec 2.5 mg Chewable Allergy Medicine for kids ages 2+ |
|---|---|
|
Children 2 to under 6 years of age |
Chew and swallow 1 tablet (2.5 mg) once daily. If needed, dose can be increased to a maximum of 2 tablets (5 mg) once daily or 1 tablet (2.5 mg) every 12 hours. Do not give more than 2 tablets (5 mg) in 24 hours. |
|
Adults under 65 years and children 6 years and over |
Chew and swallow 2 tablets (5 mg) or 4 tablets (10 mg) once daily depending upon severity of symptoms; do not take more than 4 tablets (10 mg) in 24 hours. |
|
Adults 65 years and over |
Chew and swallow 2 tablets (5 mg) once daily; do not take more than 2 tablets (5 mg) in 24 hours. |
|
Children under 2 years of age |
Ask a doctor. |
|
Consumers with liver or kidney disease |
Ask a doctor. |
Warnings
See the Warning section above for warnings that apply to all Zyrtec cetirizine products, including this product. There are no additional product-specific warnings.
Other information
- store between 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F)
- do not use if blister unit is torn or broken
- dye-free. Grape flavor.
Children's Zyrtec Hives Relief Syrup (5 mg per 5 mL)
Cetirizine HCl 5 mg per 5 mL (1 mg/mL). Oral solution. For adults and children 6 years and over.
Used for
Reduces hives and relieves itching due to hives (urticaria). This product will not prevent hives or an allergic skin reaction from occurring.
Directions
| Age or condition | Dosage Children's Zyrtec Hives Relief Syrup (5 mg per 5 mL) |
|---|---|
|
Adults under 65 years and children 6 years and over |
5 mL or 10 mL once daily depending upon severity of symptoms; do not take more than 10 mL in 24 hours. |
|
Adults 65 years and over |
5 mL once daily; do not take more than 5 mL in 24 hours. |
|
Children under 6 years of age |
Ask a doctor. |
|
Consumers with liver or kidney disease |
Ask a doctor. |
Warnings
See the Warning section above for warnings that apply to all Zyrtec cetirizine products, including this product. The following additional warnings are specific to Children's Zyrtec Hives Relief Syrup (5 mg per 5 mL).
Severe allergy warning. Get emergency help immediately if you have hives along with any of the following symptoms:
- trouble swallowing
- dizziness or loss of consciousness
- swelling of tongue
- swelling in or around mouth
- trouble speaking
- drooling
- wheezing or problems breathing
These symptoms may be signs of anaphylactic shock. This condition can be life-threatening if not treated by a health professional immediately. Symptoms of anaphylactic shock may occur when hives first appear or up to a few hours later.
Not a substitute for epinephrine. If your doctor has prescribed an epinephrine injector for anaphylaxis or severe allergy symptoms that could occur with hives, never use this product as a substitute for the epinephrine injector. If you have been prescribed an epinephrine injector, you should carry it with you at all times.
Do not use to prevent hives from any known cause such as:
- foods
- insect stings
- medicines
- latex or rubber gloves
because this product will not stop hives from occurring. Avoiding the cause of your hives is the only way to prevent them. Hives can sometimes be serious. If you do not know the cause of your hives, see your doctor for a medical exam. Your doctor may be able to help you find a cause.
Ask a doctor before use if you have:
- hives that are an unusual color, look bruised or blistered
- hives that do not itch
Stop use and ask a doctor if:
- symptoms do not improve after 3 days of treatment
- the hives have lasted more than 6 weeks
Other information
- store between 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F)
- do not use if carton is opened or if bottle wrap imprinted with "Sealed For Your Safety" is broken or missing
- grape flavor. Dosing cup included
Zyrtec Allergy Relief Medicine 10 mg Tablets
Cetirizine HCl 10 mg per tablet. For adults and children 6 years and over.
Used for
Temporarily relieves these symptoms due to hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies:
- runny nose
- sneezing
- itchy, watery eyes
- itching of the nose or throat
Directions
| Age or condition | Dosage Zyrtec Allergy Relief Medicine 10 mg Tablets |
|---|---|
|
Adults under 65 years and children 6 years and over |
One 10 mg tablet once daily; do not take more than one 10 mg tablet in 24 hours. A 5 mg product may be appropriate for less severe symptoms. |
|
Adults 65 years and over |
Ask a doctor. |
|
Children under 6 years of age |
Ask a doctor. |
|
Consumers with liver or kidney disease |
Ask a doctor. |
Warnings
See the Warning section above for warnings that apply to all Zyrtec cetirizine products, including this product. There are no additional product-specific warnings.
Other information
- store between 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F)
- do not use if foil inner seal imprinted with "Sealed For Your Safety" is broken or missing
Zyrtec Allergy Relief Medicine 5 mg Tablets
Cetirizine HCl 5 mg per tablet. For adults and children 6 years and over.
Used for
Temporarily relieves these symptoms due to hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies:
- runny nose
- sneezing
- itchy, watery eyes
- itching of the nose or throat
Directions
| Age or condition | Dosage Zyrtec Allergy Relief Medicine 5 mg Tablets |
|---|---|
|
Adults under 65 years and children 6 years and over |
1 tablet (5 mg) or 2 tablets (10 mg) once daily depending upon severity of symptoms; do not take more than 2 tablets (10 mg) in 24 hours. |
|
Adults 65 years and over |
1 tablet (5 mg) once daily; do not take more than 1 tablet (5 mg) in 24 hours. |
|
Children under 6 years of age |
Ask a doctor. |
|
Consumers with liver or kidney disease |
Ask a doctor. |
Warnings
See the Warning section above for warnings that apply to all Zyrtec cetirizine products, including this product. There are no additional product-specific warnings.
Other information
- store between 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F)
- do not use if foil inner seal imprinted with "Sealed For Your Safety" is broken or missing
- meets USP Dissolution Test 2
Zyrtec Liquid 10 mg Gels
Cetirizine HCl 10 mg per capsule. For adults and children 6 years and over.
Used for
Temporarily relieves these symptoms due to hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies:
- runny nose
- sneezing
- itchy, watery eyes
- itching of the nose or throat
Directions
| Age or condition | Dosage Zyrtec Liquid 10 mg Gels |
|---|---|
|
Adults under 65 years and children 6 years and over |
One 10 mg capsule once daily; do not take more than one 10 mg capsule in 24 hours. A 5 mg product may be appropriate for less severe symptoms. |
|
Adults 65 years and over |
Ask a doctor. |
|
Children under 6 years of age |
Ask a doctor. |
|
Consumers with liver or kidney disease |
Ask a doctor. |
Warnings
See the Warning section above for warnings that apply to all Zyrtec cetirizine products, including this product. There are no additional product-specific warnings.
Other information
- store between 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F)
- avoid high humidity and excessive heat above 40°C (104°F)
- protect from light
- do not use if foil inner seal imprinted with "Sealed For Your Safety" is broken or missing
Zyrtec 24 Hour Allergy Relief Dissolve 10 mg Tablets Citrus Flavored
Cetirizine HCl 10 mg per orally disintegrating tablet. For adults and children 6 years and over.
Used for
Temporarily relieves these symptoms due to hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies:
- runny nose
- sneezing
- itchy, watery eyes
- itching of the nose or throat
Directions
| Age or condition | Dosage Zyrtec 24 Hour Allergy Relief Dissolve 10 mg Tablets |
|---|---|
|
Adults under 65 years and children 6 years and over |
One 10 mg tablet once daily; do not take more than one 10 mg tablet in 24 hours. A 5 mg product may be appropriate for less severe symptoms. |
|
Adults 65 years and over |
Ask a doctor. |
|
Children under 6 years of age |
Ask a doctor. |
|
Consumers with liver or kidney disease |
Ask a doctor. |
Warnings
See the Warning section above for warnings that apply to all Zyrtec cetirizine products, including this product. There are no additional product-specific warnings.
Other information
- store between 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F)
- avoid high humidity
- do not use if blister unit is torn or broken
- citrus flavor
Zyrtec Dye-Free 10 mg Chewable Allergy Medicine
Cetirizine HCl 10 mg per chewable tablet. For adults and children 6 years and over.
Used for
Temporarily relieves these symptoms due to hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies:
- runny nose
- sneezing
- itchy, watery eyes
- itching of the nose or throat
Directions
- may be taken with or without water
- chew or crush tablets completely before swallowing
| Age or condition | Dosage Zyrtec Dye-Free 10 mg Chewable tablet |
|---|---|
|
Adults under 65 years and children 6 years and over |
Chew and swallow 1 tablet (10 mg) once daily; do not take more than 1 tablet (10 mg) in 24 hours. A 5 mg product may be appropriate for less severe symptoms. |
|
Adults 65 years and over |
Ask a doctor. |
|
Children under 6 years of age |
Ask a doctor. |
|
Consumers with liver or kidney disease |
Ask a doctor. |
Warnings
See the Warning section above for warnings that apply to all Zyrtec cetirizine products, including this product. There are no additional product-specific warnings."
Other information
- store between 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F)
- do not use if blister unit is torn or broken
- dye-free
Zyrtec Hives Relief Medicine 10 mg Tablets
Cetirizine HCl 10 mg per tablet. For adults and children 6 years and over.
Used for
Reduces hives and relieves itching due to hives (urticaria). This product will not prevent hives or an allergic skin reaction from occurring.
Directions
| Age or condition | Dosage Zyrtec Hives Relief Medicine 10 mg Tablets |
|---|---|
|
Adults under 65 years and children 6 years and over |
One 10 mg tablet once daily; do not take more than one 10 mg tablet in 24 hours. A 5 mg product may be appropriate for less severe symptoms. |
|
Adults 65 years and over |
Ask a doctor. |
|
Children under 6 years of age |
Ask a doctor. |
|
Consumers with liver or kidney disease |
Ask a doctor. |
Warnings
See the Warning section above for warnings that apply to all Zyrtec cetirizine products, including this product. The following additional warnings are specific to Zyrtec Hives Relief Medicine 10 mg Tablets.
Severe allergy warning. Get emergency help immediately if you have hives along with any of the following symptoms:
- trouble swallowing
- dizziness or loss of consciousness
- swelling of tongue
- swelling in or around mouth
- trouble speaking
- drooling
- wheezing or problems breathing
These symptoms may be signs of anaphylactic shock. This condition can be life-threatening if not treated by a health professional immediately. Symptoms of anaphylactic shock may occur when hives first appear or up to a few hours later.
Not a substitute for epinephrine. If your doctor has prescribed an epinephrine injector for anaphylaxis or severe allergy symptoms that could occur with hives, never use this product as a substitute for the epinephrine injector. If you have been prescribed an epinephrine injector, you should carry it with you at all times.
Do not use to prevent hives from any known cause such as:
- foods
- insect stings
- medicines
- latex or rubber gloves
because this product will not stop hives from occurring. Avoiding the cause of your hives is the only way to prevent them. Hives can sometimes be serious. If you do not know the cause of your hives, see your doctor for a medical exam. Your doctor may be able to help you find a cause.
Ask a doctor before use if you have:
- hives that are an unusual color, look bruised or blistered
- hives that do not itch
Stop use and ask a doctor if:
- symptoms do not improve after 3 days of treatment
- the hives have lasted more than 6 weeks
Other information
- store between 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F)
- do not use if foil inner seal imprinted with "Sealed For Your Safety" is broken or missing
- meets USP Dissolution Test 2
Questions? Call 1-800-343-7805 (toll-free) or 215-273-8755 (collect).
Zyrtec images
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What happens if I miss a dose?
Zyrtec is used when needed. If you are on a dosing schedule, skip any missed dose. Do not use 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 severe drowsiness, vision problems, agitation, fast heartbeats, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, trouble walking, 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. Dizziness or drowsiness can cause falls, accidents, or severe injuries.
Drinking alcohol with this medicine can cause side effects.
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 other medicines you use.
Common questions about Zyrtec
Is it OK to take antihistamines every day?
Yes, most people can take antihistamines every day, if they have daily symptoms of their allergies. If you have chronic allergies with daily symptoms, you may take a daily antihistamine. Continue reading
What cold medicine can you take with diabetes?
If you have diabetes and you catch a cold or flu, there are over-the-counter (OTC) medicines that are safe for you to take to help alleviate your symptoms. Check out our suggestions for pain and fever relievers, cough and congestion medications and more.
Remember to look for cold and flu medicines that are less likely to affect your blood sugar (glucose) levels, including sugar-free and alcohol-free options, or worsen any diabetes complications you may have.
Continue readingAllegra vs Zyrtec: What's the difference?
Allegra has the lowest risk of sedation out of all antihistamines so is preferred if an antihistamine is needed for people working in safety-critical jobs. Even though Zyrtec is 3.5 times more likely to cause sedation than Allegra, it is still much less sedating than some older antihistamines such as promethazine.
Continue readingCan you take Benadryl and Zyrtec together? Why it's not advised?
You should not take Benadryl and Zyrtec together unless directed by your doctor. Both are antihistamines, and combining them can increase risks for drowsiness, confusion, and other side effects.
Continue readingWhich antihistamines make you drowsy?
First-generation antihistamines, like Benadryl (diphenhydramine) and Chlor-Trimeton (chlorpheniramine), often cause sedation. This can include drowsiness, fatigue, and reduced alertness or concentration. Continue reading
Does Zyrtec cause weight gain?
Can you take antihistamines when pregnant?
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), several over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines may be taken during pregnancy. Older, first-generation antihistamines can be taken, but they may cause drowsiness. Newer, second-generation antihistamines can also be taken and have less risk of drowsiness. Continue reading
More FAQ
- Zyrtec vs Claritin: Which is more effective for allergies?
- Can I take Allegra in the morning and Zyrtec in the evening?
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