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What is Zyrtec
CetirizineThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryCetirizine (also known as Zyrtec) is a medication used to treat common allergic symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, nasal congestion, and hives. It is particularly effective in treating allergic rhinitis, an allergy that affects 15-30% of people in the United States. Cetirizine is one of the first non-sedating antihistamines that can be taken to manage symptoms.
12 Hour Allergy Dis the brand name
Zyrtec Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
12 Hour Allergy D
Cetirizine
1988
805
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Cetirizine, otherwise called 12 Hour Allergy D, is approved by the FDA for 10 uses including House Dust Mite Allergy and Hay Fever .House Dust Mite Allergy
Hay Fever
Grass Allergy
Allergy to Mold
Perennial Allergic Rhinitis (PAR)
Allergy to Animal Dander
Allergy to Tree Pollen
Used to treat Allergy to Tree Pollen in combination with Pseudoephedrine
Chronic Urticaria
Ragweed Allergy
Respiratory Allergy
Used to treat Respiratory Allergy in combination with Pseudoephedrine
Effectiveness
How Zyrtec Affects PatientsCetirizine is a medication that helps reduce or get rid of symptoms such as chronic hives, seasonal or year-round allergies, asthma, and atopic dermatitis. Studies have found it to be an effective treatment for respiratory diseases, and it also has anti-inflammatory effects. It can start to improve symptoms of hives within 20 minutes of taking it, and the effects can last up to 24 hours. Additionally, taking cetirizine can help reduce the need for topical anti-inflammatory creams used to treat atopic dermatitis.
How Zyrtec works in the bodyCetirizine is a drug that blocks the effects of histamine in the body. It works by blocking histamine receptors in the body, which prevents histamine from performing its normal activities. In clinical studies, side effects such as dry mouth were more common with cetirizine than with a placebo. Studies have also shown that cetirizine does not penetrate the brain when taken systemically, meaning it has no significant effect on brain receptors.
When to interrupt dosage
The suggested dosage of Zyrtec is contingent upon the diagnosed condition, such as Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria, Allergy to Tree Pollen and Allergy; Dander. The quantity of dosage is contingent upon the technique of delivery (e.g. Oral or Syrup) delineated in the table below.Condition
Dosage
Administration
House Dust Mite Allergy
, 5.0 mg/mL, 10.0 mg, 5.0 mg, 1.0 mg/mL, 1.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 2.4 mg/mL, 10.0 mg/mL, 2.5 mg
, Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Syrup, Syrup - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, chewable, Tablet, chewable - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Capsule, liquid filled, Capsule, liquid filled - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, multilayer, extended release, Tablet, multilayer, extended release - Oral, Ophthalmic, Suspension - Oral, Suspension, Solution / drops, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Injection - Intravenous, Intravenous, Injection
Hay Fever
, 5.0 mg/mL, 10.0 mg, 5.0 mg, 1.0 mg/mL, 1.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 2.4 mg/mL, 10.0 mg/mL, 2.5 mg
, Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Syrup, Syrup - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, chewable, Tablet, chewable - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Capsule, liquid filled, Capsule, liquid filled - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, multilayer, extended release, Tablet, multilayer, extended release - Oral, Ophthalmic, Suspension - Oral, Suspension, Solution / drops, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Injection - Intravenous, Intravenous, Injection
Allergy to Mold
, 5.0 mg/mL, 10.0 mg, 5.0 mg, 1.0 mg/mL, 1.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 2.4 mg/mL, 10.0 mg/mL, 2.5 mg
, Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Syrup, Syrup - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, chewable, Tablet, chewable - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Capsule, liquid filled, Capsule, liquid filled - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, multilayer, extended release, Tablet, multilayer, extended release - Oral, Ophthalmic, Suspension - Oral, Suspension, Solution / drops, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Injection - Intravenous, Intravenous, Injection
Allergy to Animal Dander
, 5.0 mg/mL, 10.0 mg, 5.0 mg, 1.0 mg/mL, 1.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 2.4 mg/mL, 10.0 mg/mL, 2.5 mg
, Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Syrup, Syrup - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, chewable, Tablet, chewable - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Capsule, liquid filled, Capsule, liquid filled - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, multilayer, extended release, Tablet, multilayer, extended release - Oral, Ophthalmic, Suspension - Oral, Suspension, Solution / drops, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Injection - Intravenous, Intravenous, Injection
Influenza
, 5.0 mg/mL, 10.0 mg, 5.0 mg, 1.0 mg/mL, 1.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 2.4 mg/mL, 10.0 mg/mL, 2.5 mg
, Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Syrup, Syrup - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, chewable, Tablet, chewable - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Capsule, liquid filled, Capsule, liquid filled - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, multilayer, extended release, Tablet, multilayer, extended release - Oral, Ophthalmic, Suspension - Oral, Suspension, Solution / drops, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Injection - Intravenous, Intravenous, Injection
Chronic Urticaria
, 5.0 mg/mL, 10.0 mg, 5.0 mg, 1.0 mg/mL, 1.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 2.4 mg/mL, 10.0 mg/mL, 2.5 mg
, Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Syrup, Syrup - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, chewable, Tablet, chewable - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Capsule, liquid filled, Capsule, liquid filled - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, multilayer, extended release, Tablet, multilayer, extended release - Oral, Ophthalmic, Suspension - Oral, Suspension, Solution / drops, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Injection - Intravenous, Intravenous, Injection
Ragweed Allergy
, 5.0 mg/mL, 10.0 mg, 5.0 mg, 1.0 mg/mL, 1.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 2.4 mg/mL, 10.0 mg/mL, 2.5 mg
, Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Syrup, Syrup - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, chewable, Tablet, chewable - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Capsule, liquid filled, Capsule, liquid filled - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, multilayer, extended release, Tablet, multilayer, extended release - Oral, Ophthalmic, Suspension - Oral, Suspension, Solution / drops, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Injection - Intravenous, Intravenous, Injection
Grass Allergy
, 5.0 mg/mL, 10.0 mg, 5.0 mg, 1.0 mg/mL, 1.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 2.4 mg/mL, 10.0 mg/mL, 2.5 mg
, Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Syrup, Syrup - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, chewable, Tablet, chewable - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Capsule, liquid filled, Capsule, liquid filled - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, multilayer, extended release, Tablet, multilayer, extended release - Oral, Ophthalmic, Suspension - Oral, Suspension, Solution / drops, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Injection - Intravenous, Intravenous, Injection
Perennial Allergic Rhinitis (PAR)
, 5.0 mg/mL, 10.0 mg, 5.0 mg, 1.0 mg/mL, 1.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 2.4 mg/mL, 10.0 mg/mL, 2.5 mg
, Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Syrup, Syrup - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, chewable, Tablet, chewable - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Capsule, liquid filled, Capsule, liquid filled - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, multilayer, extended release, Tablet, multilayer, extended release - Oral, Ophthalmic, Suspension - Oral, Suspension, Solution / drops, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Injection - Intravenous, Intravenous, Injection
Allergy to Tree Pollen
, 5.0 mg/mL, 10.0 mg, 5.0 mg, 1.0 mg/mL, 1.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 2.4 mg/mL, 10.0 mg/mL, 2.5 mg
, Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Syrup, Syrup - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, chewable, Tablet, chewable - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Capsule, liquid filled, Capsule, liquid filled - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, multilayer, extended release, Tablet, multilayer, extended release - Oral, Ophthalmic, Suspension - Oral, Suspension, Solution / drops, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Injection - Intravenous, Intravenous, Injection
Respiratory Allergy
, 5.0 mg/mL, 10.0 mg, 5.0 mg, 1.0 mg/mL, 1.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 2.4 mg/mL, 10.0 mg/mL, 2.5 mg
, Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Syrup, Syrup - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, chewable, Tablet, chewable - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Capsule, liquid filled, Capsule, liquid filled - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, multilayer, extended release, Tablet, multilayer, extended release - Oral, Ophthalmic, Suspension - Oral, Suspension, Solution / drops, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Injection - Intravenous, Intravenous, Injection
Warnings
Zyrtec ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Cetirizine may interact with Pulse Frequency
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Cetirizine may interact with Pulse Frequency
Common Zyrtec Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Azelastine
Major
Cetirizine may increase the central nervous system depressant (CNS depressant) activities of Azelastine.
Ethanol
Major
Cetirizine may increase the central nervous system depressant (CNS depressant) activities of Ethanol.
Hydroxyzine
Major
The risk or severity of QTc prolongation can be increased when Cetirizine is combined with Hydroxyzine.
Mobocertinib
Major
The risk or severity of QTc prolongation can be increased when Cetirizine is combined with Mobocertinib.
Oliceridine
Major
The risk or severity of hypotension, sedation, death, somnolence, and respiratory depression can be increased when Cetirizine is combined with Oliceridine.
Zyrtec Toxicity & Overdose RiskThe toxic dose of cetirizine for rats is 365mg/kg when taken orally, and 138mg/kg when injected. The toxic dose of cetirizine for mice is 50mg/kg when taken orally and 0.1mg/kg when taken orally. In mice, cetirizine did not cause cancer at doses up to 20mg/kg. However, in male mice, there was an increase in benign liver tumors at 16mg/kg. Cetirizine did not cause mutations, and did not affect fertility in mice at doses up to 64mg/kg. Cetir
Zyrtec Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Zyrtec?
38 active clinical trials are currently examining the potential of Zyrtec to provide relief from Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria, Mold Allergy and Grass Allergy.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Influenza
32 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 2, Phase 4, Phase 3, Phase 1
Allergy to Animal Dander
0 Actively Recruiting
Allergy to Tree Pollen
0 Actively Recruiting
Respiratory Allergy
0 Actively Recruiting
House Dust Mite Allergy
0 Actively Recruiting
Hay Fever
1 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3
Ragweed Allergy
0 Actively Recruiting
Chronic Urticaria
1 Actively Recruiting
Phase 4
Perennial Allergic Rhinitis (PAR)
1 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3
Grass Allergy
0 Actively Recruiting
Allergy to Mold
0 Actively Recruiting
Zyrtec Reviews: What are patients saying about Zyrtec?
5Patient Review
5/9/2022 I suffer from seasonal allergies and Zyrtec has been a godsend. It doesn't make me drowsy like some other medications, and I haven't experienced any adverse effects.
5Patient Review
5/9/2022 Zyrtec has been really helpful for me in managing my seasonal allergies. It doesn't make me drowsy, and I haven't experienced any negative side effects.
3Patient Review
8/21/2019 I was pleased to find an allergy medication that worked for me; however, I began experiencing severe joint pain and started gaining weight uncontrollably. Additionally, I developed a horrible itch all over my body that wouldn't stop. Needless to say, I won't be taking this again.
3Patient Review
2/7/2022 My child had been taking this daily for 2 years. It had helped with his allergies BUT it also caused side effects such as anxiety, depression and intrusive thoughts. He was a mental mess thanks to this drug.
3Patient Review
8/21/2019 Though this did alleviate my allergies, I found the joint pain it caused to be unbearable. I also gained 25 pounds while on this medication, and started having nightmares. The incessant itchiness was just too much for me to handle.
3Patient Review
2/7/2022 My child had been taking this daily for 2 years. It had helped with his allergies BUT it also caused side effects such as anxiety, depression and intrusive thoughts. He was a mental mess thanks to this drug.
2.7Patient Review
4/19/2022 Though this medication did clear my sinuses, I experienced some pretty uncomfortable side effects. The next day I had heart palpitations and felt dizzy and down. Overall, not worth it.
2.7Patient Review
4/19/2022 I took one of these at about 5 pm. My nose was cleared by 8, but I woke up the next day with regular heart palpitations and they lasted the entire day! I also had some dizziness and a depressed mood. Won't take again.
2Patient Review
7/11/2022 I ended up with Fixed Drug Eruption as a result of this treatment. Many areas of my body became pigmented, and I didn't understand what was happening at first because there were no warnings about this side effect anywhere.
2Patient Review
7/11/2022 Unfortunately, this caused me to develop Fixed Drug Eruption. Many areas of my body became pigmented and I didn't understand what was happening at first because there were no mention of such side effects anywhere.
1.3Patient Review
8/20/2021 I tried this over-the-counter medication because of a tick bite and was prescribed it by my doctor. I took it for 35 days before trying to wean myself off, but now whenever I don't take it, I break out in hives. Additionally, I've been experiencing itching, burning skin, headaches, and the sensation that something is crawling on me. Going cold turkey has been awful so far.
1.3Patient Review
8/20/2021 I used this medication as directed by my doctor, and it's been an awful experience. I'm now trying to wean myself off of the drug, but the withdrawal symptoms are terrible. Itchy skin, burning sensation, headaches...I wouldn't wish this on anyone.
1Patient Review
3/20/2019 After reading more about the potential side effects of this medication, I stopped taking it after only two pills. It's concerning that companies can put products on the market for over-the-counter use without fully testing them first.
1Patient Review
6/13/2020 After taking Zyrtec for a while, I woke up with yellow eyes. This is apparently a sign of liver damage from the drug. Needless to say, I won't be taking it again.
1Patient Review
3/20/2019 After doing more research on this medication, I stopped taking it after only two pills. I was really shocked that companies are allowed to sell products like this over the counter without people knowing about the potential side effects!
1Patient Review
6/13/2020 Zyrtec never really helped me that much, and now I know why. It turns out that this medication can cause some pretty severe liver problems, including jaundice. Needless to say, I'll be looking for a different way to keep my allergies at bay from now on.
Patient Q&A Section about zyrtec
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.What's difference between Claritin and Zyrtec?
"Zyrtec includes cetirizine hydrochloride, which is also referred to as cetirizine HCL. Meanwhile, Claritin has loratadine. Zyrtec and Claritin are second-generation antihistamines, which means they are less likely to make a person feel drowsy or have any other effects on alertness compared to older, first-generation antihistamines."
Answered by AI
What exactly does Zyrtec do?
"The drug cetirizine is an antihistamine used to relieve symptoms of allergies such as watery eyes, a runny nose, itchy eyes/nose, sneezing, hives, and itching. By blocking the natural substance histamine, which is produced by the body during an allergic reaction, it is effective in treating these symptoms."
Answered by AI
Does Zyrtec make you sleepy?
"Zyrtec can make some people sleepy, but not everyone. Try taking it for the first time when you're at home and won't have to operate heavy machinery, just in case. Claritin is less likely to cause sleepiness at recommended doses."
Answered by AI
Is Zyrtec OK to take everyday?
"What are some frequently asked questions about cetirizine?
Is it safe to take cetirizine every day?
Yes, cetirizine is safe to take every day if you have allergy symptoms on a daily basis. If you don't have allergy symptoms every day, you can take it as needed on days when these symptoms bother you."
Answered by AI