Zyrtec
(cetirizine)
Treats allergy symptoms.
Our bottom line
Zyrtec (cetirizine) can help you with some allergy symptoms without making you very drowsy.
- Drug class: Respiratory
- Rx status: Over-the-counter
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (cetirizine)
Upsides
- Zyrtec (cetirizine) works to treat sneezing and runny nose, and causes less sedation compared to Benadryl.
- Works well to also treat hives and itchy skin.
- Zyrtec (cetirizine) is available over the counter without a prescription. It comes as a tablet, liquid, and quick-dissolving tablet.
- It can provide relief of allergy symptoms for both kids and adults.
- Zyrtec (cetirizine) has few drug interactions with other medicines.
- Most people don't get any side effects from Zyrtec (cetirizine).
What to expect from Zyrtec, on one page
Downsides
- Although it works fast, Zyrtec (cetirizine)'s effectiveness wears off for some people over time.
- Zyrtec (cetirizine) can make you a little more sleepy compared to Allegra or Claritin.
- Some people find that other more sedating antihistamines, like Benadryl (diphenhydramine), are more effective for them than Zyrtec (cetirizine).
What to expect from Zyrtec, on one page
Zyrtec (cetirizine) is an antihistamine. It blocks histamine, a chemical that causes congestion, itching, and other allergy symptoms.
- Drug class: Respiratory
- Rx status: Over-the-counter
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (cetirizine)
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Chewable tablet
- Dissolving tablet
- Liquid
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.- Kroger PharmacyGet free coupon$3.70
- Get free coupon$5.00
What to expect when you take Zyrtec (cetirizine) for Seasonal allergies
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Full effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Feeling weak
It can take time for a drug to start working, or for some side effects to go away.
Source: FDA product label and Iodine pharmacistsSide effect rates for Zyrtec (cetirizine)
Manufacturers don’t say how common these side effects are when taking Zyrtec for seasonal allergies
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Difficulty sleeping
- Tiredness
- Feeling weak
- Dizziness
- Stomach pain
- Dry mouth
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sore throat
- Bloody nose
- Trouble breathing
Risks and Warnings for Zyrtec (cetirizine)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › Age 65 or older
People aged 65 and older have a higher risk of experiencing side effects from taking antihistamine medications like Zyrtec (cetirizine). Watch out for changes in vision, severe dry mouth, trouble urinating, or constipation. Also, feelings of drowsiness may leave you unsteady on your feet, which can potentially lead to falls and injuries. Talk with your doctor before using Zyrtec (cetirizine).
Common concerns from people taking Zyrtec (cetirizine)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?- Zyrtec (cetirizine) has few drug interactions with other medicines.
- You can take this once a day with or without food.
- People with kidney or liver problems may need to take a lower dose of Zyrtec (cetirizine) to prevent overdose. Talk with your doctor to be sure you are using the correct dose.
- Zyrtec (cetirizine) can make you a little more sleepy compared to Allegra or Claritin.
- Worth itLow hassleReviewed cetirizineon 11/25/2019Take it at night in case you do feel drowsy. I never feel drowsy but I always take it at night in case something changes. (No changes in over 3 years though)21WomanTwo years or moreYear-round allergies
- Worth itLow hassleReviewed Zyrtecon 7/24/2016Works great. Never drowsy from it.40WomanYear-round allergies
- Worth itLow hassleReviewed Zyrtecon 7/31/2015Take it at night. I found that it makes me slightly drowsy for 6-8 hours, so by taking it at night, I wake up without any drowsiness. The drowsiness is minimal for me, but noticeable20ManTwo years or more