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.
Cetirizine prescription history
Animated chart of estimated U.S. prescriptions per year, H1 antihistamines (1944–2026). Cetirizine enters in 1996 (estimated).
FDA-approved for
- allergy/urticaria (1995)
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.
FDA label
Read the full label on DailyMed ↗
NO BOXED WARNINGS
| 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
Open Cetirizine in the interactive console ↗
Memory aids: interaction avatars
Open Cetirizine in the interactive console ↗
Self-check
- When should cetirizine dosing be reduced?
Renal impairment. - How does cetirizine drowsiness compare within OTC second-generation agents?
More likely.