What Is Cetirizine Hydrochloride (HCl), And What Is It Used For?

Having allergies can be frustrating at times, whether they’re making your eyes itch, your nose run, or a combination of symptoms. Luckily, over-the-counter antihistamines, such as cetirizine hydrochloride – the active ingredient in ZYRTEC® – can help relieve your symptoms and get you back on track¹.

In this article, we’ll guide you through what cetirizine HCl is used for and how it works.

Cetirizine hydrochloride chemical structure

What Is Cetirizine (HCl)?

Cetirizine is an antihistamine, which means it blocks histamine from binding to H1 receptors. This helps provide effective relief from allergy symptoms. It can come in multiple forms, including:

ZYRTEC^® Cetirizine Forms

Illustration of the liquid form of ZYRTEC® Cetirizine

Liquids

Illustration of the liquid gel form of ZYRTEC® Cetirizine

Liquid Gels

Tablets

Illustration of a white cetirizin dissolvable tablet with Z10 stamped on it

Dissolve Tabs

Illustration of a white chewable cetirizine tablet with CTZ stamped on it

Chewables

What Does Cetirizine Do?

When you have an allergic reaction, your immune system produces chemicals known as histamines to fight the allergen, and these are what cause your symptoms³.

As an antihistamine, cetirizine helps relieve these symptoms by blocking the effects of histamine, so your allergy symptoms are relieved⁶.

What Is Cetirizine Used For?

You can use cetirizine to treat many common allergy symptoms, including⁵:

Runny nose

Illustration of a man with an itchy nose

Itchy nose or throat

Sneezing

Itchy, watery eyes

Cetirizine (ZYRTEC^®) Side-Effects & Safety

As with any medication, you may experience some side-effects when using cetirizine (ZYRTEC^®). Cetirizine side-effects shouldn’t require any additional medical treatment, and may pass normally as your body gets used to the medication⁴. These may include⁵:

Drowsiness or fatigue
Dry mouth

If side-effects become bothersome, speak to your doctor about other options.

You should also speak to your doctor before taking cetirizine if you’re⁵:

Taking tranquilizers or sedatives
Have kidney or liver disease

Is ZYRTEC^® safe to take while pregnant or breast-feeding? If breast-feeding, use of ZYRTEC^® or cetirizine is not recommended. If you are pregnant, ask a health professional before using cetirizine.

Does ZYRTEC^® or cetirizine make you drowsy or sleepy? Taking cetirizine with alcohol, sedatives, or tranquilizers may intensify drowsiness; so please avoid taking them with cetirizine (ZYRTEC^®) to prevent potential drug interactions. Be careful when driving a motor vehicle or operating machinery.

When it comes to using cetirizine for kids, follow the package directions for the correct dose and consult a doctor first if you are considering giving ZYRTEC^® to a child under two years old⁵.

Cetirizine Dosage Information

The appropriate dose of cetirizine is based on age and conditions⁵. To use cetirizine safely, remember to read the label of your medication or speak to your doctor so you get the correct cetirizine dosage.

Speaking to a doctor can also help you determine⁵:

How many doses you need in a day
How long you should go between doses
How long you need to take the medicine for

VIEW ZYRTEC® DOSING GUIDE

Cetirizine FAQs

Does ZYRTEC^® contain cetirizine?

Yes. Cetirizine HCl is the active ingredient in all ZYRTEC^® allergy medications. Many of our products contain 10 mg of cetirizine to provide 24-hour relief from your allergy symptoms. ZYRTEC-D^® contains 5 mg plus a decongestant and is a 12-hour product.

Is it safe to take cetirizine (ZYRTEC^®) everyday?

Yes, it is safe and recommended to take cetirizine everyday for the temporary relief of allergy symptoms. ZYRTEC^® can be taken every day while allergy symptoms are present, however it is best to only take medications, including cetirizine, for as long as your symptoms last.

Where can I buy cetirizine?

Cetirizine is available in many over-the-counter allergy medications. Make sure you look at the active ingredients to find out if the medication you plan to take contains it. You can also find out where to buy ZYRTEC^® medications, containing cetirizine, with our guide.

What can you not take with cetirizine?

Speak to your healthcare provider to ensure it’s safe to do so if you’re on any other medications to prevent unwanted drug interactions with cetirizine. You should also avoid alcohol, sedatives, and tranquilizers while taking an allergy medication containing cetirizine such as ZYRTEC^®, as this may increase drowsiness⁶.

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References

Discover More About ZYRTEC^®

Allergy Guide

What Is ZYRTEC^® & What is it Used For?

Learn about what ZYRTEC^® can do to help relieve common allergy symptoms.

OUR MISSION

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Having allergies can be frustrating at times, whether they’re making your eyes itch, your nose run, or a combination of the two. So, it’s a relief to know that antihistamines can help relieve your symptoms.

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