What is Cetirizine: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Follow the instructions on the package.

Do not take more than instructed.

Talk to a doctor before giving cetirizine to a child younger than 6 years of age

How to take cetirizine tablets or capsules

• Swallow the tablet or capsule whole with a full glass of water. Do not chew, crush, or break it.

• Chewable tablets can be taken with or without water. Chew the tablet thoroughly before you swallow it. You may also let the chewable tablet melt slowly in your mouth.

• Orally dissolving tablets can be taken with or without water. Allow the tablet to dissolve in the mouth fully.

• Store cetirizine tablets and capsules at room temperature protected from humidity, heat, and light.

How to take cetirizine oral solution or syrup

• You do not need to shake the bottle.

• Measure the liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. A measuring device should come with the medicine. If you don’t have one, ask the pharmacist.

• Store the oral solution or syrup at room temperature.

How to administer cetirizine eye drops

• Wash your hands before administering the drops.

• Take out any contact lenses before administering cetirizine eye drops.

• To avoid infection, do not touch the tip of the bottle to the eye or eyelid.

• If using single-use containers, use them immediately after removing them from the foil wrapping.

• The single-use containers can be used to dose both eyes.

• When applying drops, pull down on the lower eyelid and put the drop in the pocket between the eye and the eyelid. 

• Discard the single-use containers after dosing the eyes. Do not save for later use even if there’s medicine left over.

• Store cetirizine eye drops at room temperature.

For OTC cetirizine, take only one dose per day.

If you forget to take a day’s dose, take it on the same day if you still have symptoms.

If it’s the next day and you still have symptoms, do not take a missed dose. Take a dose for the current day. 

Do not take two doses to make up for a missed dose.

If you’re using prescription cetirizine or administering OTC cetirizine under the direction of a doctor, ask the doctor what to do if a dose is missed.

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to cetirizine or hydroxyzine.

Tell any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you that you are using this medicine.

Do not give cetirizine to a child younger than 6 years old except under the advice and direction of a doctor.

This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

Talk with your doctor before taking this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Check with your doctor before using this medicine if you have kidney disease or liver disease.

Cetirizine syrup, oral solution, chewable tablets, and orally disintegrating tablets are sweetened and flavored. To avoid accidental overdose, keep them out of the reach of children. Make sure the child-proof cap is securely fastened on the top of the solution or syrup bottle.

Because of possible drug interactions, tell other healthcare providers you are using this medicine before they prescribe any medication.

If you’re taking the asthma and COPD medication theophylline, ask a doctor for medical advice before taking cetirizine.

Since cetirizine commonly causes drowsiness, try to avoid taking other drugs that make you sleepy such as other antihistamines, sedatives, narcotic pain relievers, sleeping pills, or muscle relaxants.

Avoid drinking alcohol while using this medicine.