Cetirizine Patient Tips

How it works

Cetirizine is an antihistamine that works on histamine receptors to block the allergic response and allergy symptoms.

Upsides

Used to treat allergic-type reactions including perennial allergic rhinitis and chronic urticaria (hives).
• Good for controlling symptoms such as sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.

Downsides

If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include:

• Generally does not cause drowsiness; however, some people may be affected, so caution should be exercised before driving or operating machinery until full effects of cetirizine are known.
• May cause headache, sore throat, abdominal pain, or coughing in some people.

Notes: In general, seniors or children, people with certain medical conditions (such as liver or kidney problems, heart disease, diabetes, seizures) or people who take other medications are more at risk of developing a wider range of side effects. For a complete list of all side effects, click here.

Bottom Line

Cetirizine effectively treats allergic type reactions and generally does not cause drowsiness.

Tips

• May be taken with or without food.
• Do not drive or operate machinery if cetirizine makes you drowsy.
• Alcohol and other sedative-like drugs may cause additional reductions in alertness if used with cetirizine.

Response and Effectiveness

Peak concentrations are reached within one hour of administration of cetirizine tablets or syrup.
• Effects persist for at least 24 hours following a single dose of cetirizine.
• Taking 10mg of cetirizine is more effective than taking 5mg; taking 20mg gives no added effect.