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.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:
- fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat;
- weakness, tremors (uncontrolled shaking), or sleep problems (insomnia);
- severe restless feeling, hyperactivity;
- confusion;
- problems with vision; or
- little or no urination.
Common side effects may include:
- drowsiness, tiredness;
- dizziness, feeling light-headed;
- feeling hot, sweating;
- numbness, tingling, burning pain;
- decreased sense of taste;
- headache;
- upset stomach, nausea, constipation; or
- dry mouth, sore throat.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.