Zyrtec Side Effects

Generic name: cetirizine

Note: This document contains side effect information about cetirizine. Some of the dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Zyrtec.

Some side effects of Zyrtec may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA.

For the Consumer

Applies to cetirizine: oral capsule, oral syrup, oral tablet, oral tablet chewable, oral tablet dispersible

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction while taking cetirizine (the active ingredient contained in Zyrtec) hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat;

• weakness, tremors (uncontrolled shaking), or sleep problems (insomnia);

• severe restless feeling, hyperactivity;

• confusion;

• problems with vision; or

• urinating less than usual or not at all.

Less serious side effects of cetirizine may include:

• dizziness, drowsiness;

• tired feeling;

• dry mouth;

• sore throat, cough;

• nausea, constipation; or

• headache.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to cetirizine: oral capsule, oral syrup, oral tablet, oral tablet chewable, oral tablet dispersible

Nervous system

Nervous system side effects have included headache (16%), fatigue (5.6%), and somnolence (5% to 20%). Somnolence tends to be dose-related and generally occurs more frequently with doses higher than 10 mg per day. Other nervous system side effects include dizziness (1.8%), insomnia (1.5%), and nervousness (1.1%). Post marketing reports have included aggression reaction and convulsions.

Cetirizine appears to be more sedating than loratadine.

Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal side effects have included dry mouth (5.7%) and nausea or vomiting (2.2%). Pharyngitis, dyspepsia, and increased appetite have occasionally been reported.

Hepatic

Hepatic side effects have included rare liver function test abnormalities which resolved spontaneously following discontinuation of cetirizine (the active ingredient contained in Zyrtec) therapy. At least one case of recurrent acute hepatitis has also been associated with cetirizine use.

Respiratory

Respiratory side effects have included relatively rare reports of wheezing, coughing, bronchitis, sinusitis, and asthma.

Dermatologic

Dermatologic side effects have included reports of maculopapular and urticarial eruptions. Fixed drug eruptions have also been associated with cetirizine (the active ingredient contained in Zyrtec)

General

General side effects have included epistaxis (1.1%) and accidental injury (1.1%).

Hypersensitivity

Hypersensitivity side effects have included a case report of an anaphylactic reaction.

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