Cetirizine

Overview

Its medication class is Second-generation antihistamine. Common uses include Allergic rhinitis, chronic urticaria, and itching. Product forms and labels can differ, so follow the specific package instructions and ask a pharmacist or qualified healthcare professional about individual questions.

How to Take it

Route

Oral tablet/syrup.

Time of day

Usually once daily in the morning.

With food/water

Take with or without food; use 120–240 mL water.

Preparation

Swallow tablets whole.

Safe dose

Use the labeled standard dose (often 1 tablet) unless age-adjusted.

Max dose

Do not exceed one label-defined daily dose and avoid duplicate antihistamines.

Frequency

Once every 24 hours unless label says otherwise.

Other recommendations

Use caution if driving until individualized response to sedation is known.

Common uses

• Allergic rhinitis
• chronic urticaria
• itching

Common side effects

• Drowsiness
• fatigue
• dry mouth
• headache
• dizziness
• nausea
• and abdominal discomfort

Important warnings

• Use with caution if driving or operating machinery until alertness effects are known, especially at higher doses or with alcohol. Avoid if history of severe hypersensitivity to cetirizine/piperazine derivatives. Avoid combining multiple sedating antihistamines. Children and older adults should use lowest effective dose and avoid abrupt discontinuation without advice.

General interactions information

Relatively low interaction burden; avoid concurrent sedatives/alcohol if sleepy