Cetirizine

Supportive Care Antihistamine

Brand names:

Zyrtec®, Various brands can be found at stores and pharmacies

Other names:

Allergy Relief Children’s

Often used for:

Allergy symptoms, hives

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What is cetirizine?

Cetirizine is an antihistamine. It is a medicine used to prevent or treat allergy symptoms such as sneezing, a runny nose, and itchy skin or eyes. Cetirizine is also used to treat hives, which are itchy, raised red or skin-colored bumps or patches on the skin. It works by blocking histamine, a substance your body releases during an allergic reaction.

This medicine is available in prescription and over-the counter (OTC) forms.

Brain

May be given as a capsule, tablet, chewable tablet, or dissolvable tablet by mouth

 
Brain

May be given as a liquid by mouth

 
Brain

May be given as an injection though a vein

 
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Possible side effects

  • Drowsiness
  • Dry mouth
  • Feeling tired or weak
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Abdominal (belly) pain
  • Trouble sleeping

Call your care team right away if your child has symptoms of an allergic reaction. These may include: rash, hives, itching, runny nose, fever, chills, headache, muscle ache, shortness of breath, coughing, tightness in the throat, swelling of the face or neck, dizziness, low blood pressure, or pain in the chest, side, or back.

Not all patients who take cetirizine will have these side effects. Common side effects are in bold, but there may be others. Report any symptoms or side effects to your health care provider or pharmacist.

Find more information on side effects.

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Tips for patients and families

Be sure to discuss all questions and instructions with your health care provider or pharmacist.

  • Check the label before giving your child Zyrtec® or another cold or allergy medicine. Some products called Zyrtec® do not contain cetirizine, and some medicines may contain the same ingredients. Giving them together could be harmful. Ask your child’s doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
  • Cetirizine is often used on an as-needed basis, when symptoms are present.
  • This medicine may make your child drowsy. Do not let your child do anything that could be dangerous until you see how this medicine affects them.
  • It is important that patients tell the care team if they are sexually active, pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Giving cetirizine at home

  • Finish all doses of the medicine as instructed by your care provider or pharmacist. Do not give more often or in greater amounts than recommended.
  • Give this medicine at the same time every day.
  • This medicine can be taken with or without food. Take with food if stomach upset occurs. Taking the medicine with meals may lessen stomach problems.
  • Capsule: Take as directed. Swallow the liquid capsules whole unless otherwise instructed.  Do no crush or chew capsules.
  • Tablets: Take as directed. Swallow tablets whole unless otherwise instructed. Do not crush or chew coated tablets.
  • Chewable tablets: Take as directed. Chew or crush well. Do not swallow whole.
  • Dissolvable tablets (on top of tongue): Allow to melt on top of the tongue completely before swallowing. Swallow after 2 minutes. Do not crush or chew.\
  • Liquid: Use the measuring device that comes with the medicine. The liquid medicine can be added to a small amount of water, juice, pudding, or applesauce just before taking. 

General instructions:

  • In case of a missed dose, give the missed dose as soon as possible. If it is near the time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not give 2 doses at the same time.
  • Store at room temperature in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
  • Do not use the medicine past the expiration date.
Learn more about cetirizine
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Reviewed: November 2026