Zyrtec

Medical Editor: John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP Last updated on RxList: 10/7/2021

Drug Summary

What Is Zyrtec?

Zyrtec (cetirizine hydrochloride) is an antihistamine that treats symptoms, such as itching, runny nose, watery eyes, and sneezing from hay fever (allergic rhinitis) and other allergies, such as allergies to molds and dust mites. Zyrtec is available in generic form and over-the-counter (OTC).

What Are Side Effects of Zyrtec?

Common side effects of Zyrtec include:

  • drowsiness,
  • fatigue,
  • tired feeling,
  • dizziness,
  • dry mouth,
  • sore throat,
  • cough,
  • nausea,
  • constipation, or
  • headache.

In children, side effects of Zyrtec include:

  • stomach pain and
  • vomiting.

The side effect of sleepiness may occur when taking Zyrtec, so do not drive a car or operate potentially dangerous machinery.

Dosage for Zyrtec

Zyrtec is available as regular tablets and chewable tablets (5 mg and 10 mg) and syrup (1 mg/mL). It is available as an over-the-counter (OTC) drug, so no prescription is needed.

What Drugs, Substances, or Supplements Interact with Zyrtec?

Zyrtec may interact with other medicines that make you sleepy (such as other cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression, or anxiety). Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use.

Zyrtec During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Zyrtec should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed, and it is not recommended for nursing mothers.

Additional Information

Our Zyrtec (cetirizine hydrochloride) Side Effects Drug Center provides a comprehensive view of available drug information on the potential side effects when taking this medication.

Description for Zyrtec

Active Ingredient (in each capsule)

Cetirizine HCl 10 mg

Purpose

Antihistamine

Uses for Zyrtec

Uses

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

Dosage for Zyrtec

Directions

adults 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

HOW SUPPLIED

NDC 50580-779-12

Other Information

  • store at 20°-25°C (68°-77°F)
  • avoid high humidity and excessive heat above 40°C (104°F)
  • protect from light
  • do not use if foil inner seal printed with “Safety Seal®” is broken or missing

Inactive Ingredients

gelatin, glycerin, mannitol, pharmaceutical ink, polyethylene glycol 400, purified water, sodium hydroxide, sorbitan, sorbitol

Questions or comments ?

call 1-800-343-7805

Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc., McNeil Consumer Healthcare Division. Revised: Dec 2015

Side Effects for Zyrtec

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

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 breast-feeding: not recommended
if pregnant: ask a health professional before use.

Drug Interactions for Zyrtec

No information provided.

Warnings for Zyrtec

Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.

Precautions for Zyrtec

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

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 breast-feeding: not recommended
if pregnant: ask a health professional before use.

Overdose Information for Zyrtec

No information provided.

Contraindications for Zyrtec

No information provided.

Clinical Pharmacology for Zyrtec

No information provided.

Patient Information for Zyrtec

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

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 breast-feeding: not recommended

if pregnant: ask a health professional before use.

Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away. (1-800-222-1222)

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Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.