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

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May 26, 2012

Zyrtec

Hives »

Hives facts

Hives (medically known as urticaria) are red, itchy, raised areas of skin that appear in varying shapes and sizes.
Hives are very common and most often their cause is elusive.
Hives can change size rapidly and to move around, disappearing in one place and reappearing in other places, often in a matter of hours.
Ordinary hives flare up suddenly.
Physical hives are hives produced by direct physical stimulation of the skin.
Treatment of hives is directed at symptom relief while the condition goes away on its own.
Antihistamines are the most common treatment for hives.
Hives typically are not associated with long-term or serious complications.

What are hives (urticaria) and angioedema?

Hives (medically known as urticaria) appear on the skin as wheals that are red, very itchy, smoothly elevated areas of skin often with a blanched center. They ap...

Read the Hives 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.