EVIDENCE-BASED

Cetirizine

WHO ATCR06AE07INNCetirizine

Cetirizine is a second-generation antihistamine used for allergy symptoms and hives. It is often described as non-drowsy or less sedating than older antihistamines, but some people still become sleepy.

At a glance

Quick facts

Drug snapshot
Drug class
Second-generation antihistamine
Main uses
Allergy symptoms · urticaria
Route
Oral
WHO ATC
R06AE07
Forms
Tablets · liquid · other oral forms
Key safety
Drowsiness can occur

Names & terminology

How this entity may be named or searched

Canonical generic name
Cetirizine
Salt name
Cetirizine hydrochloride · cetirizine HCl
Brand examples
Zyrtec · Zirtek — market availability varies
Combination medicines
Cetirizine + pseudoephedrine is a separate combination product.

Structured drug profile

Drug profile

INN data
INNCetirizineInternational nonproprietary name.
WHO ATCR06AE07WHO Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical classification.
Drug classSecond-generation H1 antihistaminePharmacologic / therapeutic class.
MechanismBlocks peripheral histamine H1 receptors.Mechanism summarized at reference level.
RouteOralAvailable routes depend on the specific product.
Main usesAllergic rhinitis / allergy symptoms · urticaria (hives)Approved indications can differ by country and formulation.
Key safety contextDrowsiness can occur · kidney impairment may affect dosingCheck the exact product label and patient-specific contraindications.
Monitoring / reviewSedation · renal context · product-specific age/doseClinical monitoring depends on indication, dose and patient factors.

What is cetirizine?

Cetirizine is a second-generation antihistamine used to relieve common allergy symptoms and urticaria (hives).

What is cetirizine used for?

Cetirizine is used to relieve symptoms of allergies such as sneezing, runny nose, nasal or throat itching, and red, itchy or watery eyes. It is also used for urticaria (hives). [1]

How cetirizine works

Cetirizine blocks histamine H1 receptors and reduces histamine-driven allergy symptoms. It is classed as a less-sedating or 'non-drowsy' antihistamine, but sedation still occurs in some people. [2] [3]

Forms and formulations

Depending on the market, cetirizine is available as tablets, chewable or orally disintegrating forms, capsules and liquid preparations.

Country / market layer

Brands & formulations by country

Selected registered products and formulations differ by market. African tabs use national regulatory records or regulator-backed public registration data.

Local availability
🇳🇬
NigeriaExamples in NAFDAC Greenbook
Source ↗
Brand / productFormStrengths / notes
Jocet 10Tablet10 mg
Viscetrin Oral SolutionSyrup5 mg/5 mL
ZyncetTablet / syrup10 mg tablet · 5 mg/5 mL syrup
Examples are not a complete product register and do not imply current pharmacy stock. Registration status, strengths and legal availability can change. Ghana and Botswana product names were checked against regulator-backed public datasets.

How cetirizine is taken

Cetirizine is available as tablets, chewable or dissolving forms, capsules and liquids depending on market. MedlinePlus describes once-daily use for many oral products, while pediatric dosing can differ by age and formulation. Follow the exact package or prescription instructions. [1]

Side effects and precautions

Possible side effects include drowsiness, headache, dry mouth, nausea, dizziness and diarrhea. The FDA OTC label warns that alcohol, sedatives and tranquilizers may increase drowsiness and advises medical review for people with liver or kidney disease because a different dose may be needed. [2] [3]

Warnings and precautions

Drowsiness can occur · kidney impairment may affect dosing. Product-specific contraindications and precautions should be checked before use.

Interactions

Alcohol and other sedating medicines can increase drowsiness in some people. Kidney impairment can affect dosing, so product instructions and clinical advice matter.

Pregnancy & breastfeeding

Cetirizine can be used in pregnancy when clinically appropriate; NHS guidance also lists it among preferred antihistamine options during breastfeeding. Individual advice is still appropriate.

Overdose and accidental extra doses

Taking more than the recommended dose may cause pronounced drowsiness, agitation or other symptoms. Contact a poison centre or healthcare professional for product-specific advice.

Hives and urgent allergy symptoms

Cetirizine can treat hives, but hives accompanied by difficulty breathing, swallowing problems, tongue or mouth swelling, wheeze, dizziness or loss of consciousness may indicate a severe allergic reaction and require emergency care. [1]

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

EVIDENCE-BASED

Sources

Clinical statements in this reference are linked to named public-health, regulatory or guideline sources.

  1. 1. MedlinePlus. Cetirizine Drug Information, revised April 2026. Source ↗
  2. 2. NHS. About cetirizine. Source ↗
  3. 3. FDA. Cetirizine HCl OTC Drug Facts label, 2026. Source ↗

This medicine reference is based on trusted medical and regulatory sources and is awaiting clinician review. It is not a substitute for personalized medical advice.