Zyrtec Side Effects

Generic name: cetirizine

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 31, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Zyrtec Side Effects associated with cetirizine. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Zyrtec.

Applies to cetirizine: intravenous solution.

Common side effects of Zyrtec

Some side effects of cetirizine may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Rare side effects

• acid or sour stomach
• belching
• burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
• change or loss of taste
• feeling hot
• headache
• heartburn
• increased sweating
• indigestion
• stomach discomfort, upset, or pain

Incidence not known

• bleeding, blistering, burning, coldness, discoloration of the skin, feeling of pressure, hives, infection, inflammation, itching, lumps, numbness, pain, rash, redness, scarring, soreness, stinging, swelling, tenderness, tingling, ulceration, or warmth at the injection site

Serious side effects of Zyrtec

Along with its needed effects, cetirizine (the active ingredient contained in Zyrtec) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking cetirizine:

Incidence not known

• drowsiness
• relaxed and calm
• sleepiness or unusual drowsiness

For healthcare professionals

Applies to cetirizine: intravenous solution, oral capsule, oral liquid, oral syrup, oral tablet, oral tablet chewable, oral tablet dispersible.

General adverse events

The most commonly reported side effects include somnolence, dizziness, and headache.^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Somnolence (up to 14.3%), headache (up to 14%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness
• Frequency not reported: Altered sense of taste, paresthesia, hypertonia, tremor, abnormal coordination/incoordination, ataxia, hyperesthesia, hyperkinesia, hypoesthesia, migraine, paralysis, twitching, parosmia, taste loss/perversion
• Postmarketing reports: Convulsions, dysgeusia, dyskinesia, dystonia, syncope, amnesia, vertigo, memory impairment^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Dry mouth, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dyspepsia
• Frequency not reported: Tongue disorder, constipation, flatulence, increased salivation, aggravated tooth caries, eructation, gastritis, hemorrhoids, melena, rectal hemorrhage, stomatitis/ulcerative stomatitis, tongue discoloration/edema, enlarged abdomen^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Pharyngitis, rhinitis, coughing, epistaxis
• Frequency not reported: Dyspnea, respiratory disorder, bronchospasm, upper respiratory tract infection, dysphonia, bronchitis, hyperventilation, increased sputum, pneumonia, sinusitis, nasal polyp^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Fatigue
• Frequency not reported: Earache, tinnitus, fever, pain, rigor, thirst, deafness, ototoxicity, accidental injury, face edema, leg edema, malaise
• Postmarketing reports: Asthenia, stillbirth^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Common (1% to 10%): Insomnia
• Frequency not reported: Nervousness, impaired concentration, confusion, decreased libido, abnormal thinking, anxiety, depersonalization, emotional lability, euphoria, paroniria, sleep disorder
• Postmarketing reports: Agitation, aggression/aggressive reaction, depression, hallucination, tic, suicidal ideation/suicide^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Myelitis
• Frequency not reported: Back pain, myalgia, arthralgia, bone disorder/fracture, leg cramps, arthritis, arthrosis, muscle weakness^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Frequency not reported: Pruritus/intense itching, increased sweating, acne, alopecia, bullous eruption, dermatitis, dry skin, eczema, erythematous rash, furunculosis, hyperkeratosis, hypertrichosis, maculopapular rash, photosensitivity/photosensitivity toxic reaction, purpura, seborrhea, skin disorder/nodule
• Postmarketing reports: Rash, urticaria, angioneurotic edema, fixed drug eruption, acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP)^[Ref]

Ocular

• Frequency not reported: Eye abnormality, periorbital edema, abnormal vision, eye pain, conjunctivitis, ptosis, visual field defects, blindness, glaucoma, ocular hemorrhage, xerophthalmia, periorbital edema/eye swelling
• Postmarketing reports: Accommodation disorder/loss of accommodation, blurred vision, oculogyration, orofacial dyskinesia^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Frequency not reported: Polyuria, urinary retention, urinary tract infection, dysmenorrhea, hematuria, micturition frequency, urinary incontinence, female breast pain, intermenstrual bleeding, leukorrhea, menorrhagia, vaginitis
• Postmarketing reports: Dysuria, enuresis^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Frequency not reported: Flushing, palpitations, tachycardia, edema/general edema, chest pain, cardiac failure, hypertension, hot flashes, peripheral edema, pallor
• Postmarketing reports: Severe hypotension^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Frequency not reported: Increased appetite, anorexia, increased weight, dehydration, diabetes mellitus^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Frequency not reported: Reversible transaminase elevations
• Postmarketing reports: Abnormal hepatic function (increased transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, GGT, bilirubin), cholestasis, hepatitis^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Frequency not reported: Allergic reactions/delayed allergic reactions
• Postmarketing reports: Hypersensitivity, anaphylactic shock^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Frequency not reported: Lymphadenopathy
• Postmarketing reports: Thrombocytopenia, hemolytic anemia^[Ref]

Renal

• Frequency not reported: Cystitis
• Postmarketing reports: Glomerulonephritis^[Ref]

Frequently asked questions

• Zyrtec vs Claritin: Which is more effective for allergies?
• Does Zyrtec cause weight gain?
• Can I take Allegra in the morning and Zyrtec in the evening?
• Can you take antihistamines when pregnant?
• I took Zyrtec for 1 year but have now stopped. How long does it stay in the body?
• Is Generic Zyrtec Available?
• Should cetirizine be taken at bedtime or upon awakening?

Further information

Zyrtec side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer