What is cetirizine used for? 

Cetirizine is an antihistamine that can typically be used for:

• Allergies 

• Hives (Urticaria) 

Loratadine (Claritine), cetirizine (Zyrtec) and diphenhydramine (Benadryl) are similar (same drug class), however loratadine and cetirizine can cause less drowsiness compared to diphenhydramine.

What are the most common side effects seen with cetirizine? 

• Drowsiness (less than diphenhydramine)

• Headache 

Contraindications

Cetirizine shouldn’t be taken if your child has had an anaphylactic reaction (hives or swelling of the tongue) to cetirizine or medications similar to cetirizine, such as: hydroxyzine and levocetirizine. 

Tips & Tricks to administer cetirizine

If your child is having difficulty taking cetirizine (liquid or tablets), it can be mixed in some foods or beverages. Please keep in mind that if a medication is mixed with food or drink, it should be taken immediately. The mixture should not be saved or consumed later.

Cetirizine can be mixed with any food or beverage of the child’s preference. 

How to store cetirizine

•  Cetirizine liquid and tablets should be stored at room temperature. 

Breast feeding considerations 

• Cetirizine can be present in breast milk if being taken by the mother.  

• In some cases, the nursing infant can experience drowsiness or irritability from the cetirizine in the breast milk. These side effects are self limiting and will go away when cetirizine is discontinued or if the nursing infant does not take feed using the breast milk. 

The information in this database regarding prescription drugs is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interaction or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment. See disclaimer.