Cetirizine
Also sold as: Zyrtec, Rigix
No prescription neededAllergy medicines (antihistamines)
Comes as:TabletSyrupDrops
Usual adult dose
Usual adult dose: 10 mg once a day. In kidney disease a lower dose is used. Children: dose by age — ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Your doctor may give you a different dose. Children's doses depend on weight.
Side effects
Common
- mild drowsiness
- tiredness
- dry mouth
- headache
Serious — get help
Stop taking it and see a doctor straight away if you notice:
- severe allergic reaction (swelling of face or throat)
- fast heartbeat
- difficulty passing urine
Do not take it, or take care, if
- Severe kidney disease (dose must be reduced)
- Allergy to cetirizine, levocetirizine or hydroxyzine
- Avoid alcohol; be careful driving if it makes you sleepy
Interactions
No important interactions are listed in our database. Still tell your doctor or pharmacist everything you take.