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Cetirizine is an antihistamine that selectively blocks peripheral histamine H1 receptors. Over-the-counter 10 mg tablets temporarily relieve sneezing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, and itching of the nose or throat from hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies. Prescription liquid formulations also treat selected allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria in young children.
read more about cetirizine ...Cetirizine is a metabolite of hydroxyzine and selectively inhibits peripheral histamine H1 receptors. Blocking these receptors reduces histamine-related symptoms such as sneezing, nasal itching, watery eyes, runny nose, hives, and itching. Cetirizine has relatively little activity at other receptor types.
Over-the-counter cetirizine treats symptoms from hay fever and other upper respiratory allergies. Prescription liquid formulations treat perennial allergic rhinitis in children as young as 6 months and chronic idiopathic urticaria in children age 6 months and older under age-specific labeling. Product directions differ by formulation and age.
For common 10 mg over-the-counter tablets, adults and children age 6 and older take one tablet once daily and should not exceed 10 mg in 24 hours. Adults age 65 and older and people with liver or kidney disease are directed to ask a doctor. Younger children use age-specific formulations and doses.
Cetirizine can cause drowsiness. Alcohol, sedatives, and tranquilizers can increase this effect, so caution is used with driving or machinery. People with liver or kidney disease can need a different dose. Prior allergic reaction to cetirizine, its ingredients, or hydroxyzine is a contraindication under current labeling.
Yes. Cetirizine selectively inhibits peripheral histamine H1 receptors.
Common over-the-counter 10 mg tablets are taken once daily, with no more than 10 mg in 24 hours.
Yes. Drowsiness can occur, and alcohol or sedating medicines can increase it.
Yes. Prescription cetirizine formulations are used for chronic idiopathic urticaria under age-specific labeling.
Cetirizine. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a623043.html. Date Accessed September 21, 2026.
Cetirizine. PubChem. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/2678. Date Accessed September 21, 2026.
DailyMed - CETIRIZINE HYDROCHLORIDE (ALLERGY) tablet. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=a86fbe45-08db-bddf-e053-2a95a90aa792. Date Accessed September 21, 2026.
DailyMed - CETIRIZINE HYDROCHLORIDE solution. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=efabbad5-a162-45c8-a896-5af58e5d2d39. Date Accessed September 21, 2026.
DailyMed - ZYRTEC ALLERGY (cetirizine hydrochloride) tablet, film coated. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=5490c38a-91d7-9ee1-e063-6394a90a1ea5&version=1. Date Accessed September 21, 2026.