Zyrtec (Cetirizine) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 3, 2012

Zyrtec

Hay Fever »

What is hay fever? What are the symptoms and signs?

Hay fever is a misnomer. Hay is not a usual cause of this problem, and it does not cause fever. Early descriptions of sneezing, nasal congestion, and eye irritation while harvesting field hay promoted this popular term. Allergic rhinitis is the correct term used to describe this allergic reaction, and many different substances cause the allergic symptoms noted in hay fever. Rhinitis means "irritation of the nose" and is a derivative of rhino, meaning nose. Allergic rhinitis which occurs during a specific season is called "seasonal allergic rhinitis." When it occurs throughout the year, it is called "perennial allergic rhinitis." Rhinosinusitis is the medical term that refers to inflammation of the nasal lining as well as the lining tissues of the sinuses. This term is sometime used because the two conditions frequently occur together.

Symptoms of allergic rhinitis, or hay fever...

Read the Hay Fever article »

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Zyrtec

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ZYRTEC®
(cetirizine hydrochloride) Tablets, Chewable Tablets and Syrup
Now available Over-The-Counter (OTC); No prescription needed.

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Cetirizine hydrochloride, the active component of ZYRTEC® (cetirizine) tablets and syrup, is an orally active and selective H₁-receptor antagonist. The chemical name is (±) - [2- [4- [ (4-chlorophenyl)phenylmethyl] -1- piperazinyl] ethoxy]acetic acid, dihydrochloride. Cetirizine hydrochloride is a racemic compound with an empirical formula of C₂₁H₂₅C_lN₂O₃•2HCl. The molecular weight is 461.82 and the chemical structure is shown below:

Zyrtec (cetirizine hydrochloride) structural formula illustration

Cetirizine hydrochloride is a white, crystalline powder and is water soluble. ZYRTEC (cetirizine) tablets are formulated as white, film-coated, rounded-off rectangular shaped tablets for oral administration and are available in 5 and 10 mg strengths. Inactive ingredients are: lactose monohydrate; microcrystalline cellulose; colloidal silicon dioxide; croscarmellose sodium; magnesium stearate; titanium dioxide; hypromellose; and polyethylene glycol.

ZYRTEC (cetirizine) chewable tablets are formulated as purple round tablets for oral administration and are available in 5 and 10 mg strengths. Inactive ingredients of the chewable tablets are: acesulfame potassium; artificial grape flavor; betadex, NF; blue dye; colloidal silicon dioxide; lactose monohydrate; magnesium stearate; mannitol; microcrystalline cellulose; natural flavor; red dye (carmine).

ZYRTEC (cetirizine) syrup is a colorless to slightly yellow syrup containing cetirizine hydrochloride at a concentration of 1 mg/mL (5 mg/5 mL) for oral administration. The pH is between 4 and 5. The inactive ingredients of the syrup are: banana flavor; glacial acetic acid; glycerin; grape flavor; methylparaben; propylene glycol; propylparaben; sodium acetate; sugar syrup; and water.

What are the possible side effects of cetirizine (All Day Allergy, All Day Allergy Children's, Indoor/Outdoor Allergy Relief, Zyrtec, Zyrtec Hives)?

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:

fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat;
weakness, tremors (uncontrolled shaking), or sleep problems (insomnia);
severe restless feeling, hyperactivity;

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Zyrtec »

What are the precautions when taking cetirizine (Zyrtec)?

Before taking cetirizine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to hydroxyzine; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history. Do not self-treat with this medication without consulting your doctor first if you have certain medical conditions such as: kidney disease, liver disease.

This drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.

If you have hives and your doctor has prescribed cetirizine, or if...

Read All Potential Precautions of Zyrtec »

Last reviewed on RxList: 5/16/2007
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.