Cetirizine Tablet belongs to a group of medicines called antihistamines. It is used to treat various allergic conditions such as hay fever, conjunctivitis and some skin reactions, and reactions to bites and stings. It relieves watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, and itching.
Cetirizine Tablet can be taken with or without food. The dose required for you may vary depending on what you are taking it for. This medicine is usually taken in the evening but follow the advice of your doctor on how to take it. You may need this medicine only on days you have symptoms, but if you are taking it to prevent symptoms you should take it regularly. If you miss doses or stop taking it earlier than advised, your symptoms may come back.
This medicine is generally very safe. The most common side effects include feeling sleepiness, dizziness, tiredness, and sore throat. These are usually mild and go away after a couple of days as your body adjusts. Consult your doctor if any of the side effects persist or worry you. You should avoid alcohol while taking this medicine.
Before taking it, tell your doctor if you have any kidney problems or epilepsy. Your dose may need to be modified or this medicine may not be suitable. Some other medicines can interact with this medicine so let your healthcare team know what else you are taking. You should also talk to your doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, although it is not thought to be harmful.
Cetirizine Tablet provides relief from symptoms such as blocked or runny nose, sneezing, and itchy or watery eyes. It can also give relief from allergic reactions after insect bites and symptoms of hives and eczema such as rash, swelling, itching, and irritation. This will improve the appearance of the skin. It rarely has any serious side effects and you may only need to take it on days you have symptoms. For individuals taking it to prevent getting symptoms one should use it regularly to get the most benefit.
Side effects of Cetirizine Tablet
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Cetirizine
Fatigue
Vomiting
Dryness in mouth
Headache
Constipation
Sleepiness
Dizziness
Tiredness
Sore throat
How to use Cetirizine Tablet
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Cetirizine Tablet may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
How Cetirizine Tablet works
Cetirizine Tablet is an antihistaminic medication. It treats allergy symptoms such as itching, swelling, and rashes by blocking the effects of a chemical messenger (histamine) in the body.
Safety advice
Alcohol
UNSAFE
Cetirizine Tablet may cause excessive drowsiness with alcohol.
Pregnancy
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Information regarding the use of Cetirizine Tablet during pregnancy is not available. Please consult your doctor.
Breast feeding
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Information regarding the use of Cetirizine Tablet during breastfeeding is not available. Please consult your doctor. Larger doses or prolonged use of Cetirizine Tablet may cause sleepiness and other effects in the baby.
Driving
UNSAFE
Cetirizine Tablet may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
Kidney
CAUTION
Cetirizine Tablet should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Cetirizine Tablet may be needed. Please consult your doctor. However, it is not recommended in patients with severe kidney disease. It may cause excessive sleepiness in patients with end-stage kidney disease.
Liver
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Cetirizine Tablet is probably safe to use in patients with liver disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Cetirizine Tablet may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor.
What if you forget to take Cetirizine Tablet?
If you miss a dose of Cetirizine Tablet, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
All substitutes
For informational purposes only. Consult a doctor before taking any medicines.
Your doctor has prescribed Cetirizine Tablet to help relieve allergy symptoms such as itching, swelling, and rashes.
It is okay to take Cetirizine Tablet with most other medications as it has few drug interactions.
Compared to other similar medications, Cetirizine Tablet is less likely to cause sleepiness.
Stop taking Cetirizine Tablet at least three days before taking an allergy test as it can affect the test results.
Fact Box
Chemical Class
Phenylmethyl Piperazinyl Derivative
Habit Forming
No
Therapeutic Class
RESPIRATORY
Action Class
H1 Antihistaminics (second Generation)
Patient concerns
Dear Doctor From 3-4 months I was having random itching and redness problem. I was suggested to take cetirizine. I continued the same as prescribed. Still itching persits. If i take a cetirizine 5 mg tablet, the itching disappears for 4-5 days and again reoccurs. weather citirizine can be used for for long term (two tablets weekly) ?. Is there any otherway to get ridoff this type of itching ? thank you regards PATIENT
Dr. Atul Jain
Dermatology
No problem, continue cetirizineNo such side effects
chronic cough, since last 10 days, took cetirizine and levofloxacin OD for six days, but cough is still there. Morning and night coughing leads to vomiting, Pls help me out. I m waiting so long nobody is responding anyways thanks
Dr. Sfurti Mann
Internal Medicine
Get CBC ESR IgE levels chest X Ray and PFT done It may be allergic cough Avoid smoke and dustTake tab montair LC at night for three weeks
Yes, Cetirizine Tablet can make you feel tired, sleepy, and weak. If you have these symptoms, you should avoid driving or operating heavy machinery.
Is Cetirizine Tablet a steroid? What is it used for?
Cetirizine Tablet is an anti-allergic medication, not a steroid. It relieves the symptoms of allergy. It is used to relieve runny nose, sneezing and redness, itching, and watering of the eyes caused by hay fever or seasonal allergies. It also relieves similar symptoms caused due to allergies to substances, such as dust mites, animal dander, and mold. It is also used to treat symptoms of hives, including itching and rash.
How long does it take for Cetirizine Tablet to work?
You will notice an improvement within an hour of taking Cetirizine Tablet. However, it may take a little longer to notice the full benefits.
Can I take Cetirizine Tablet and Fexofenadine together?
Sometimes the doctor may advise you to take two different antihistamines together if you are being treated for a severe itchy rash. If you are taking Cetirizine Tablet during the daytime, your doctor may prescribe another antihistamine for the night which causes sleepiness, especially if the itch makes it difficult for you to sleep. Do not take two antihistamines together unless recommended by your doctor.
For how long should I continue Cetirizine Tablet?
The duration for which the medicine needs to be taken depends on the problem being treated. If you are taking it for an insect bite, you may need it for a day or two. Similarly, if you are taking it to prevent symptoms of chronic allergic rhinitis (inflammation of the nose) or chronic urticaria, you may need to take Cetirizine Tablet for a longer time. Talk to your doctor if you are unsure about the duration of using Cetirizine Tablet.
Is it safe to take Cetirizine Tablet daily for a long time?
Cetirizine Tablet is safe if used as prescribed by your doctor. Moreover, it is unlikely to harm you if you take it for a long time. But, it is best to take Cetirizine Tablet for only as long as you need it.
Does Cetirizine Tablet make you tired and drowsy?
Yes, Cetirizine Tablet can make you feel tired, sleepy, and weak.
Is Cetirizine Tablet a steroid? What is it used for?
Cetirizine Tablet is an anti-allergic medication, not a steroid. It relieves the symptoms of allergy. It is used to relieve runny nose, sneezing and redness, itching, and watering of the eyes caused by hay fever or seasonal allergies. It also relieves similar symptoms caused due to allergies to substances, such as dust mites, animal dander, and mold. It is also used to treat symptoms of hives, including itching and rash.
How long does it take for Cetirizine Tablet to work?
You will notice an improvement within an hour of taking Cetirizine Tablet. However, it may take a little longer to notice the full benefits.
Can I take Cetirizine Tablet and Fexofenadine together?
Sometimes the doctor may advise you to take two different antihistamines together if you are being treated for a severe itchy rash. If you are taking Cetirizine Tablet during the daytime, your doctor may prescribe another antihistamine for the night which causes sleepiness, especially if the itch makes it difficult for you to sleep. Do not take two antihistamines together unless recommended by your doctor.
For how long should I continue Cetirizine Tablet?
The duration for which the medicine needs to be taken depends on the problem being treated. If you are taking it for an insect bite, you may need it for a day or two. Similarly, if you are taking it to prevent symptoms of chronic allergic rhinitis (inflammation of the nose) or chronic urticaria, you may need to take Cetirizine Tablet for a longer time. Talk to your doctor if you are unsure about the duration of using Cetirizine Tablet.
Is it safe to take Cetirizine Tablet daily for a long time?
Cetirizine Tablet is safe if used as prescribed by your doctor. Moreover, it is unlikely to harm you if you take it for a long time. But, it is best to take Cetirizine Tablet for only as long as you need it.
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References
Briggs GG, Freeman RK, editors. A Reference Guide to Fetal and Neonatal Risk: Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health; 2015. pp. 238-39.
Cetirizine. New York, New York: Pfizer Labs; 2003. [Accessed 01 Apr. 2019] (online) Available from:
Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). [Accessed 01 Apr. 2019] (online) Available from:
Cetirizine [Patient Information Leaflet]. Gangtok. Sikkim: Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd.; 2017. [Accessed 25 Jul. 2024] (online) Available from:
Marketer details
Name: Cadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd
Address: Sarkhej-Dholka Road, Bhat, Ahmedabad-382 210, INDIA.
Country of origin: India
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