Zyrtec (cetirizine hydrochloride) is an antihistamine that treats symptoms, such as itching, runny nose, watery eyes, and sneezing from hay fever (allergic rhinitis) and other allergies, such as allergies to molds and dust mites. Zyrtec is available in generic form and over-the-counter (OTC).
Common side effects of Zyrtec include:
In children, side effects of Zyrtec include:
The side effect of sleepiness may occur when taking Zyrtec, so do not drive a car or operate potentially dangerous machinery.
Zyrtec is available as regular tablets and chewable tablets (5 mg and 10 mg) and syrup (1 mg/mL). It is available as an over-the-counter (OTC) drug, so no prescription is needed.
Zyrtec may interact with other medicines that make you sleepy (such as other cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression, or anxiety). Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use.
Zyrtec should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed, and it is not recommended for nursing mothers.
Our Zyrtec (cetirizine hydrochloride) Side Effects Drug Center provides a comprehensive view of available drug information on the potential side effects when taking this medication.
Cetirizine HCl 10 mg
Temporarily relieves these symptoms due to hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies:
| adults and children 6 years and over | one 10 mg capsule once daily; do not take more than one 10 mg capsule in 24 hours. A 5 mg product may be appropriate for less severe symptoms. |
| adults 65 years and over | ask a doctor |
| children under 6 years of age | ask a doctor |
| consumers with liver or kidney disease | ask a doctor |
NDC 50580-779-12
gelatin, glycerin, mannitol, pharmaceutical ink, polyethylene glycol 400, purified water, sodium hydroxide, sorbitan, sorbitol
Questions or comments ?
call 1-800-343-7805
Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc., McNeil Consumer Healthcare Division. Revised: Dec 2015
Stop use and ask a doctor if an allergic reaction to this product occurs. Seek medical help right away.
if breast-feeding: not recommended
if pregnant: ask a health professional before use.
No information provided.
Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.
Do not use if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this product or any of its ingredients or to an antihistamine containing hydroxyzine.
Ask a doctor before use if you have liver or kidney disease. Your doctor should determine if you need a different dose.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you are taking tranquilizers or sedatives.
Stop use and ask a doctor if an allergic reaction to this product occurs. Seek medical help right away.
if breast-feeding: not recommended
if pregnant: ask a health professional before use.
No information provided.
No information provided.
No information provided.
Do not use if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this product or any of its ingredients or to an antihistamine containing hydroxyzine.
Ask a doctor before use if you have liver or kidney disease. Your doctor should determine if you need a different dose.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you are taking tranquilizers or sedatives.
When using this product
Stop use and ask a doctor if an allergic reaction to this product occurs. Seek medical help right away.
If pregnant or breast-feeding:
if breast-feeding: not recommended
if pregnant: ask a health professional before use.
Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away. (1-800-222-1222)