{"id":62340,"date":"2023-12-29T15:07:47","date_gmt":"2023-12-29T20:07:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=62340"},"modified":"2024-11-12T19:36:48","modified_gmt":"2024-11-13T00:36:48","slug":"zyrtec-side-effects","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/zyrtec-side-effects\/","title":{"rendered":"Zyrtec side effects and how to avoid them"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Zyrtec is an over-the-counter (OTC) <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/antihistamines\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">antihistamine<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that temporarily relieves hay fever and allergy symptoms, such as runny nose, sneezing, and itchy, watery eyes. Zyrtec <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zyrtec.com\/products\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">comes in a variety of dosage forms<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, including tablets, chewable tablets, liquid gel capsules, orally disintegrating tablets, and syrup. Two brand-name products, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/zyrtec-allergy\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Zyrtec Allergy<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/zyrtec-allergy-childrens\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Children\u2019s Zyrtec Allergy<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, contain the active ingredient <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/cetirizine-hcl\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cetirizine<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. This is a second-generation antihistamine that doesn\u2019t cause serious drowsiness and impairment in the same way as first-generation antihistamines, such as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/benadryl-allergy\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Benadryl<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/diphenhydramine-hcl\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">diphenhydramine<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). The manufacturer also sells a combination drug, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/zyrtec-d-allergy-congestion\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Zyrtec-D Allergy + Sinus<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which contains both cetirizine and the decongestant <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/pseudoephedrine-hcl\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pseudoephedrine<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Cetirizine works by blocking histamines, which are chemicals produced by the body in response to allergens. Histamines signal the immune system and promote inflammation, causing most of the symptoms of an allergic reaction.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"common-side-effects-of-zyrtec\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Common side effects of Zyrtec<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pdr.net\/drug-summary\/?drugLabelId=Zyrtec-Tablets-cetirizine-hydrochloride-3492\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">most commonly experienced side effects of Zyrtec<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are headache and drowsiness. The drowsiness is dose-related, and children are more likely to experience this side effect than adults.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other common side effects of Zyrtec are:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Headache<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sore throat<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Abdominal pain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tiredness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dry mouth<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cough<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nosebleeds<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diarrhea<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nausea<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vomiting<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pink eye (conjunctivitis)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Allergic reactions<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Symptoms of an allergic reaction to Zyrtec include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Runny nose (allergic rhinitis)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hives (urticaria)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Trouble breathing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wheezing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Swelling of the face, mouth, or lips<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Itchy, watery eyes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Red eyes<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"serious-side-effects-of-zyrtec\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Serious side effects of Zyrtec<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When taken as directed, Zyrtec and OTC <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/cetirizine-hcl\/what-is\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cetirizine<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> only rarely cause serious side effects. The most likely serious side effect is a severe and life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. The symptoms of anaphylaxis include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Airway closure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Low blood pressure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lightheadedness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dizziness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Weak pulse<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fast heartbeat<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nausea<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vomiting<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fainting or passing out<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other severe side effects of Zyrtec may include an elevation in liver enzymes. This is often an indication that the drug is affecting liver function. After cetirizine is discontinued, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK549776\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">liver enzymes should return to normal<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-soon-do-zyrtec-side-effects-start\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How soon do Zyrtec side effects start?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The most commonly experienced side effects of Zyrtec start early in treatment. These include somnolence, headache, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. An allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis, can start very rapidly after taking a dose. Other side effects, such as cough and sore throat, may be delayed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-long-do-zyrtec-side-effects-last\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How long do Zyrtec side effects last?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In some people, Zyrtec side effects may improve over time as the body gets used to the drug. Most Zyrtec side effects will fade when the drug is discontinued. The half-life of cetirizine is eight hours in healthy people, but it could be longer in people with liver dysfunction. A half-life is the amount of time it takes the body to eliminate half of a dose. With a half-life of eight hours, the effects of Zyrtec should last about a day and a half. In people with liver disease, Zyrtec effects can last for <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/7693767\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">two to three days<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> after the last dose.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"what-are-the-long-term-side-effects-of-zyrtec\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What are the long-term side effects of Zyrtec?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are no Zyrtec side effects due to long-term use. However, people who take Zyrtec or any other cetirizine product continuously for months or years may <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/zyrtec-withdrawal\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">experience withdrawal symptoms<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> when the drug is stopped. Called \u201cZyrtec withdrawal,\u201d this syndrome is very rare. The most commonly reported symptom of Zyrtec withdrawal is intense itching, which some people report is unbearably severe. Other possible withdrawal symptoms include hives, headaches, and vivid dreams.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"zyrtec-interactions\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Zyrtec interactions<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As with all antihistamines, Zyrtec has a few drug interactions that may increase the risk or severity of side effects. Because Zyrtec causes sleepiness, the most concerning drug interactions involve drugs that also cause sedation, such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other antihistamines<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tranquilizers<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/opioids\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Opioids<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/benzodiazepines\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Benzodiazepines<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gabapentin<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">General anesthetics<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alcohol<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cannabis<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"safety-measures-while-using-zyrtec\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Safety measures while using Zyrtec<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3 id=\"what-are-the-fda-warnings-about-zyrtec\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What are the FDA warnings about Zyrtec?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not issued warnings about the use of Zyrtec. The manufacturer <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> several hundred thousand blister packs because of a possible impurity, but it was not mandated by the FDA.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"who-should-never-take-zyrtec\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Who should never take Zyrtec?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anyone who has had an allergic reaction to Zyrtec, cetirizine, or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/hydroxyzine-hcl\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hydroxyzine<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> should not take Zyrtec.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"who-should-use-caution-with-zyrtec\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Who should use caution with Zyrtec?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As an OTC medication, Zyrtec is considered to be safe to take without the supervision of a healthcare professional. However, it can cause problems in certain groups of people and those with certain medical conditions, such as the following:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Women who are pregnant<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although considered safe to take when pregnant, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/dailymed.nlm.nih.gov\/dailymed\/drugInfo.cfm?setid=6a962a1c-c197-492b-bfa6-e0c28eda1533\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">the manufacturer<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> advises that women get medical advice from a healthcare professional before using Zyrtec.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Women who are breastfeeding<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The manufacturer does not recommend Zyrtec use by women who are breastfeeding.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>People with liver disease or kidney disease<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: People with liver dysfunction or kidney impairment should talk to their healthcare provider before taking Zyrtec. Liver impairment makes it harder for the body to eliminate the drug, so people with liver problems are exposed to higher levels of Zyrtec for a longer period of time than healthy adults are. Doses may need to be reduced in these patients in order for Zyrtec to be taken safely.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Children younger than two years of age<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Talk to a pediatrician or other healthcare provider before giving Zyrtec to a child younger than two years of age.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Adults older than 65 years of age<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Although Zyrtec is an antihistamine, it also has effects similar to anticholinergic drugs. This is why it causes side effects like dry mouth. For this reason, some OTC cetirizine product labels recommend that seniors get medical advice from a doctor before taking it, but Zyrtec does not include this recommendation on its packaging. The Prescriber\u2019s Digital Reference recommends a dose of 5 milligrams per day in adults ages 77 years and older.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"does-zyrtec-cause-drug-abuse-or-dependency\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Does Zyrtec cause drug abuse or dependency?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The FDA does not consider Zyrtec to be an addictive drug or one prone to drug abuse. Although cetirizine does not cause a physical dependency, there are rare cases where people who have taken cetirizine chronically for months or years experience withdrawal symptoms, primarily marked by moderate to severe itching.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"can-you-overdose-on-zyrtec\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can you overdose on Zyrtec?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cetirizine should be taken as instructed. The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/dailymed.nlm.nih.gov\/dailymed\/drugInfo.cfm?setid=ee8695ac-1293-4e43-ac7c-a64e21a0ca0a\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">most common symptom of a cetirizine overdose<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is drowsiness. Most case reports involve children who have gotten unsupervised access to cetirizine around the house. As with all OTC drugs, keep Zyrtec out of the reach of children. If a Zyrtec overdose is suspected, contact <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.poison.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Poison Control<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> at 800-222-1222.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\t\t<div class=\"singlecare-dynamic-newsletter-wrapper sin-newsletter-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"heading\">Get our allergies newsletter<\/span>\n\t\t\t<form class=\"form-wrapper\" data-newsletter-form=\"1\" data-subsource=\"Allergies Newsletter\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"input-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<label for=\"dynamic-email\">Email<\/label>\n\t\t\t\t\t<input type=\"email\" id=\"dynamic-email\" class=\"email\" required>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"input-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<input class=\"submit-form-btn\" type=\"submit\" value=\"Click to sign up\">\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/form>\n\t\t\t<p class=\"success-message\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-to-avoid-zyrtec-side-effects\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to avoid Zyrtec side effects<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although Zyrtec is considered safe enough to use without a prescription, some people will have side effects. However, these side effects can be prevented or minimized by taking a few precautions:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"1-take-zyrtec-as-instructed\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. Take Zyrtec as instructed.<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Read the package label or drug insert before taking Zyrtec. Read the warnings and follow the dosing instructions. If administering this drug to children, carefully read the dosing instructions to make sure the right dose is being given. You can take a missed dose the day it\u2019s scheduled, but you should never take two doses in a single day.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"2-don-t-take-too-much\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. Don\u2019t take too much.<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Taking more than the recommended dose will probably not help allergy symptoms, but it will certainly raise the risk of side effects. If the medicine isn\u2019t working, switch to a different antihistamine or talk to a healthcare provider.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"3-try-to-avoid-using-zyrtec-over-a-long-period-of-time\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. Try to avoid using Zyrtec over a long period of time.<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If antihistamines are required daily for months or longer, talk to your healthcare provider about alternative treatment options. Long-term use of Zyrtec can cause withdrawal symptoms in some people.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"4-get-medical-advice-from-a-healthcare-professional\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. Get medical advice from a healthcare professional.\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Zyrtec is more likely to cause side effects in some people than it is in others. Young children, seniors, and people with liver or kidney disease may experience more side effects. People taking certain types of drugs that may interact with Zyrtec can also be at an increased risk of experiencing side effects. If there\u2019s a question, ask a primary care provider about how to take Zyrtec.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"5-avoid-alcohol-and-cannabis\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5. Avoid alcohol and cannabis.<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Both alcohol and cannabis products can significantly increase the risk and severity of drowsiness and impairment in someone taking Zyrtec.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"6-be-careful-when-driving\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6. Be careful when driving.\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drowsiness and impairment may make driving, operating machinery, or engaging in risky activities more hazardous.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-to-treat-side-effects-of-zyrtec\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to treat side effects of Zyrtec<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Zyrtec side effects are relatively minimal, but they may be an issue if Zyrtec needs to be taken for a while.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"drowsiness\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drowsiness<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There\u2019s little to do about drowsiness or dizziness caused by Zyrtec other than wait it out. Plan to take the dose at a time when drowsiness will not interfere with daily activities. If Zyrtec is making you drowsy or tired, take the daily dose at night.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"headache\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Headache<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Headaches caused by Zyrtec are comparatively mild and can be treated with OTC <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/analgesics\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pain relievers<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/ibuprofen\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ibuprofen<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/acetaminophen\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">acetaminophen<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"nausea-vomiting-and-stomach-pain\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain seem to be caused by Zyrtec, try taking the dose with food to see if it can improve these symptoms. If that doesn\u2019t help, talk to a healthcare professional.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"dry-mouth\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dry mouth<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If dry mouth is a problem, try to fix it by drinking fluids, chewing gum, or sucking on hard candies.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"allergic-reactions\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Allergic reactions<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you experience even a mild allergic reaction to Zyrtec, immediately stop taking the drug and get medical help.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"zyrtec-withdrawal\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Zyrtec withdrawal<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you discontinue taking Zyrtec after long-term use and get itchy two to three days later, call a healthcare professional. There may be temptation to restart Zyrtec if the itching is unbearable, but healthcare professionals can treat it with a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/zyrtec-withdrawal\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">short course of corticosteroids<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"bottom-line-is-zyrtec-safe\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bottom line: Is Zyrtec safe?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As an OTC medicine, Zyrtec is safe to take without the supervision of a medical professional. Most people do not experience side effects. When they do, those adverse effects are comparatively mild. The only notable serious side effect is severe allergic reactions, but this is also possible with other store-bought medicines and supplements. Young children, seniors, or people with liver or kidney problems should take Zyrtec with caution. A doctor or other healthcare provider can provide safety guidance for these patients.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Zyrtec is an over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine that temporarily relieves hay fever and allergy symptoms, such as runny nose, sneezing, and itchy, watery eyes. Zyrtec comes in a variety of dosage forms, including tablets, chewable tablets, liquid gel capsules, orally disintegrating tablets, and syrup. Two brand-name products, Zyrtec Allergy and Children\u2019s Zyrtec Allergy, contain the active [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":62341,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4589],"tags":[12752],"coauthors":[8861],"class_list":["post-62340","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drug-info","tag-medication-side-effects","wpautop"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Zyrtec side effects and how to avoid them<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Headache and drowsiness are common Zyrtec side effects. 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