Drug Reference

Cetirizine

Piperazine derivatives

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OTC

Fact box

Therapeutic class
Piperazine derivatives
Action class
Histamine-1 Receptor Antagonist
Mechanism
Histamine H1 Receptor Antagonists
Habit forming
No
Availability
Over-the-counter (OTC)

Brand names

Aller-TecAller-Tec DAlleroffQuzyttirWal Zyr 24 Hour AllergyWal Zyr DWal-ZyrZerviateZyrtecZyrtec-D

Available as

10 MG · Disintegrating Oral Tablet5 MG · Extended Release Oral Tablet5 MG · Chewable Tablet1 MG/ML · Oral Solution10 MG · Chewable Tablet10 MG · Oral Capsule5 MG · Oral Tablet10 MG · Oral Tablet2.4 MG/ML · Ophthalmic Solution1 ML · Injection2.5 MG · Chewable Tablet

FDA label sections are from openFDA and may not reflect the most recent labeling — confirm against the current DailyMed label.

Uses
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
How to use / dosing
Directions may be taken with or without water chew or crush tablets completely before swallowing children 2 to under 6 years of age Chew and swallow 1 tablet (2.5 mg) once daily; If needed, dose can be increased to a maximum of 2 tablets (5 mg) once daily or 1 tablet (2.5 mg) every 12 hours. Do not give more than 2 tablets (5 mg) in 24 hours. adults and children 6 years and over Chew and swallow 2 tablets (5 mg) or 4 tablets (10 mg) once daily depending upon severity of symptoms; do not take more than 4 tablets (10 mg) in 24 hours. adults 65 years and over Chew and swallow 2 tablets (5 mg) once daily; do not take more than 2 tablets (5 mg) in 24 hours. children under 2 years of age ask a doctor consumers with liver or kidney disease ask a doctor

Safety advice

Conservative summary derived from FDA labeling — defaults to “consult your doctor” unless the label is explicit. Not a substitute for your clinician’s advice.

PregnancyCaution
…If pregnant or breast-feeding if breast-feeding: not recommended if pregnant: ask a health professional before use.…
BreastfeedingCaution
…If pregnant or breast-feeding if breast-feeding: not recommended if pregnant: ask a health professional before use.…
AlcoholCaution
…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…
DrivingCaution
…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.…
KidneyCaution
…children under 2 years of age ask a doctor consumers with liver or kidney disease ask a doctor…
LiverCaution
…children under 2 years of age ask a doctor consumers with liver or kidney disease ask a doctor…
Warnings & precautions
Warnings 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)
Current FDA labels (DailyMed)

30 marketed products on record (RxNorm)

Reference only — not clinical advice. Verify against current FDA labeling and consult a licensed provider. About half of pediatric drug use is off-label and is not reflected in FDA labels; absence of pediatric information does not mean a medicine is unused or unsafe in children.