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Allergy Drugs: Prescription and OTC »
The arsenal of allergy drugs includes dozens of medications that relieve allergy symptoms when confronted with a trigger known as an allergen. That trigger could be something from a plant, such as pollen, or something from an animal (pet dander, dust mites, cockroaches). Other allergy triggers include certain fragrances or chemical substances.
What causes a person's allergic reaction is highly individual. But the reactions are often universal: swelling and inflammation, especially around the eyes, nose, and throat, usually accompanied by itching.
Some allergy medications work against the effects of histamines, which are released during an allergic reaction. Other medications reduce swelling, affect the immune system, or affect release of other substances associated with allergic reactions.
Many allergy drugs are available without a prescription.
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Medical Editor: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
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. It is available in generic form. Common side effects include: drowsiness, fatigue, dizziness, and dry mouth. In children, stomach pain and vomiting may occur.
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. Some patients reported the occurrence of sleepiness, or somnolence, when taking Zyrtec, so exercise caution when driving a car or operating potentially dangerous machinery. Combining Zyrtec with alcohol or other central nervous system (CNS) depressants should be avoided because additional reductions in alertness may occur. Zyrtec should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed, and it is not recommended for nursing mothers.
Our Zyrtec (cetirizine hydrochloride) Drug Center provides a comprehensive view of available drug information as well as related drugs, user reviews, supplements, and diseases and conditions.
What is Prescribing information?
The FDA package insert formatted in easy-to-find categories for health professionals and clinicians.
Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis: ZYRTEC (cetirizine) is indicated for the relief of symptoms associated with seasonal allergic rhinitis due to allergens such as ragweed, grass and tree pollens in adults and children 2 years of age and older. Symptoms treated effectively include sneezing, rhinorrhea, nasal pruritus, ocular pruritus, tearing, and redness of the eyes.
Perennial Allergic Rhinitis: ZYRTEC (cetirizine) is indicated for the relief of symptoms associated with perennial allergic rhinitis due to allergens such as dust mites, animal dander an...
Read the complete drug monograph for Zyrtec »
Drug Description - Indications & Dosage - Side Effects & Drug Interactions - Warnings & Precautions - Contraindications - Medication Guide and More
What is Patient information?
Easy-to-read and understand detailed drug information and pill images for the patient or caregiver from Cerner Multum.
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
Less s...
Read the complete patient information for Zyrtec »
Possible Side Effects - Images - What Is - How Should I Take It - What If I Miss a Dose - What Should I Avoid and More
What is Consumer information?
A concise overview of the drug for the patient or caregiver from First DataBank.
Cetirizine does not prevent hives or prevent/treat a serious allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis). Therefore, if your doctor has prescribed epinephrine to treat allergic reactions, always carry your epinephrine injector with you. Do not use cetirizine in place of your epinephrine.
If you are self-treating with this medication, it is important to read the manufacturer's package instructions car...
Read the complete consumer information for Zyrtec »
Warnings - Uses - How to Use - Side Effects - Precautions - Drug Interactions and More
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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