Cetirizine
ZYRTEC
Pronunciation: se-TI-ra-zeen
“Sir Tech, the Sitter”
Crown → antihistamine
What it isSecond-generation H1 antagonist; allergic rhinitis and urticaria.
Why it mattersAmong OTC second-generation agents, it is especially effective for urticaria but more likely to cause drowsiness.
What it changesReduce in renal impairment and warn about driving until sedation is known; alcohol and other sedatives add impairment.
FDA-approved for
- allergy/urticaria (1995)
FDA label
Read the full label on DailyMed ↗
| FDA dosing | Population | Start | Target | Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allergy symptoms | Adult & children >=6 yr | 10 mg QD | 10 mg QD (5 mg may suffice for milder symptoms) | 10 mg/24h |
Renal Undefined
Hepatic Undefined
Instructions
- Do not take more than one 10 mg tablet in 24 hours
- Age >=65, children <6 yr, or liver/kidney disease: ask a doctor
Available strengths
- tab 5, 10 mg
Pregnancy Undefined
Lactation Undefined
Cost
Generic entry2007
NO BOXED WARNINGS
Principal riskSedation, more than loratadine
Classes and tags
Clinical profile
Legacy pregnancy categoryB
Defining liabilityGenerally tolerated at therapeutic doses; clinically important risks are agent-specific and increase with interactions or organ impairment.
Open Cetirizine in the interactive console ↗
Memory aids: interaction avatars
