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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

Allergy Liquid

Liquids

Liquid Gel Tablet

Liquid Gels

Zyrtec Tablets

Tablets

Zyrtec-D Tablet

Dissolve Tabs

Zyrtec Children's Chewable Tablet

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 icon

Runny nose

Itchy throat icon

Itchy nose or throat

Sneezing icon

Sneezing

Itchy Eyes

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

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.

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.

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.

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

  1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/allergies/in-depth/allergy-medications/art-20047403

  2. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/20063-cetirizine-capsules

  3. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/19298-cetirizine-tablets

  4. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/21223-antihistamines

  5. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/cetirizine-and-pseudoephedrine-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20061557

  6. https://www.rxlist.com/consumer_cetirizine_zyrtec/drugs-condition.htm


Links to other parties’ articles and websites are provided for convenience only. Kenvue is not responsible for their content.

Adult
Antihistamines
Children
Itchy Nose
Itchy Throat
Runny Nose
Sneezing
Understanding Allergies
Watery Eyes

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Cetirizine hydrochloride chemical structure
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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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