Generic Zyrtec - cetirizine - is the fourth addition to a new generation of allergy medications called "non- sedating" antihistamines or histamine (H-1) receptor blockers. These new antihistamines are called non-sedating because they cause less sedation than their predecessors; however, cetirizine is more sedating than the other non-sedating antihistamines.

Antihistamines block the effects of histamines. Histamines cause symptoms of allergy when released by allergic reactions in the body. Antihistamines block the ability of histamine to promote the allergy symptoms.

Cetirizine is is prescribed to treat the sneezing; itchy, runny nose; and itchy, red, watery eyes caused by seasonal allergies such as hay fever. Zyrtec also relieves the symptoms of year-round allergies due to dust, mold, and animal dander. Cetirizine is also used in the treatment of chronic itchy skin and hives.


 

FAQ

What allergy symptoms do Zyrtec and Zyrtec-D relieve?
Zyrtec and Zyrtec-D relieve:

• Itchy, red, watery eyes.
• Sneezing and runny, itchy nose.
• Postnasal drip.
• Nasal congestion (stuffy nose).

How does Zyrtec work?
When you have an allergic reaction, your body makes something called histamine. Histamine causes you to have allergy symptoms. Things like sneezing and itchy eyes.
Zyrtec (cetirizine HCl) is an antihistamine, which helps block the action of histamine to help relieve you of your indoor and outdoor allergy symptoms.

Who can take Zyrtec?
Adults and children as young as 2 years old can take certirizine for indoor and outdoor allergies. Infants as young as 6 months old can take certirizine for indoor allergies.

How long does Zyrtec last?
One 10 mg Zyrtec tablet lasts for 24 hours. One Zyrtec-D 12 Hour Extended Release Tablet lasts up to 12 hours.

Can Zyrtec be taken for allergies if you also have asthma?
In clinical studies of allergy patients who also suffer from mild to moderate asthma, no adverse effects on lung function were observed.

Zyrtec dosage
Cetirizine comes as a tablet and a syrup to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day with or without food. For children under 12 years, twice daily dosage is recommended because the effect of certirizine does not last as long in children.

Adults: Single daily dose of one table (Certirizine 10mg)
Children over 6 years of age: Single daily dose of one table (Certirizine 10mg) although this may need to be broken up into 2 individual dosages of half a tablet
Children 2 to 6 years of age: A single daily dose of 5mg or half a tablet although this may need to be taken as 2 individual dosages of a quarter tablet each..

Zyrtec side effects
Sleepiness occurs in 14% of patients taking certirizine. Dry mouth, nausea, headache, fatigue, jitteriness and sore throat are infrequently reported with cetirizine.

Drugs interactions
Cetirizine should be taken only in doses prescribed. Increasing the dose can be dangerous. When taking cetirizine with theophylline the dose of theophylline may need to be reduced. Cetirizine occasionally can cause sleepiness. Cetirizine can be taken with erythromycin or ketaconazole without the increased risk of heart irregularities common to other non-sedating antihistamines.