Zyrtec

(cetirizine)

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3.8/ 5 average rating with 1232 reviewsforZyrtec
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Treats allergy symptoms.

Skip Upsides & Downsides section. Skip to side effects section.

Our bottom line

Zyrtec (cetirizine) can help you with some allergy symptoms without making you very drowsy.

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Quick facts about Zyrtec
  • 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).
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What to expect from Zyrtec, on one page

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People’s experience with Zyrtec

1232reviews so far. What do you think?

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).
Get our free fact sheet

What to expect from Zyrtec, on one page

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How it works

Zyrtec (cetirizine) is an antihistamine. It blocks histamine, a chemical that causes congestion, itching, and other allergy symptoms.

Quick facts about Zyrtec
  • Drug class: Respiratory
  • Rx status: Over-the-counter
  • Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (cetirizine)

Used for

Dosage forms

  • Pill
  • Chewable tablet
  • Dissolving tablet
  • Liquid
People’s experience with Zyrtec

1232reviews so far. What do you think?

Prices and coupons

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What to expect when you take Zyrtec (cetirizine) for Seasonal allergies

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  • Effectiveness
  • Full effects
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  • Possible side effects
  • Drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Dry mouth
  • Feeling weak
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Side effect rates for Zyrtec (cetirizine)

Risks and Warnings for Zyrtec (cetirizine)

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    • 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)

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Interactions
  • Zyrtec (cetirizine) has few drug interactions with other medicines.
Food
  • You can take this once a day with or without food.
Kidneys and liver
  • 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.
Sleep
  • Zyrtec (cetirizine) can make you a little more sleepy compared to Allegra or Claritin.
  • Worth it
    Worked well
    Low hassle
    Reviewed 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)
    21
    Woman
    Two years or more
    Year-round allergies
  • Worth it
    Worked well
    Low hassle
    Reviewed Zyrtecon 7/24/2016Works great. Never drowsy from it.
    40
    Woman
    Year-round allergies
  • Worth it
    Worked well
    Low hassle
    Reviewed 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 noticeable
    20
    Man
    Two years or more