What is Zyrtec Allergy Relief? Uses, warnings & side effects

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 31, 2020

Zyrtec is an over-the-counter brand-name allergy medication that relieves the symptoms of upper respiratory allergic reactions, including hay fever. Its active ingredient is cetirizine, a second-generation “non-drowsy” antihistamine. Zyrtec is available in a variety of formats, including children’s formulas, but all of them are taken by mouth.

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Zyrtec Allergy Relief overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Zyrtec Allergy, Children’s Zyrtec, Children’s Zyrtec Allergy

Generic Names:

  • Cetirizine HCl

Uses:

  • Treats hay fever and upper respiratory allergy symptoms.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antihistamine, second generation antihistamine

Forms:

  • Tablet, chewable tablet, orally disintegrating tablet, capsule, syrup (liquid)

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Zyrtec Allergy Relief used for?

Zyrtec relieves the symptoms of hay fever and other upper respiratory allergies, such as runny nose, sneezing, itchy nose, itchy throat, and itchy, watery eyes.

What form(s) does Zyrtec Allergy Relief come in?

  • Tablet

    • 10 mg

  • Chewable tablet

    • 2.5 mg (Children’s Zyrtec)

    • 10 mg

  • Orally disintegrating tablet

    • 10 mg

  • Capsule

    • 10 mg

  • Syrup

    • 1 mg/mL (Children’s Zyrtec Allergy)

What are common Zyrtec Allergy Relief dosages?

  • For allergies or hay fever: 

    • In adults: 10 mg taken once daily by mouth as needed

    • In children 2–5 years old: 2.5 mg tablet once daily, which may be increased to 5 mg once daily or 2.5 mg every 12 hours

    • In children 2–6 years old: 5 or 10 mg once daily

    • Find more information about Zyrtec Children’s dosage, forms, and strengths here.

RELATED: Cetirizine dosage, forms, and strengths

Zyrtec Allergy Relief images - What does Zyrtec Allergy Relief look like?

  • ZyrTEC Allergy
    12 capsules bottle

  • ZyrTEC Allergy
    120 tablets bottle

  • ZyrTEC Allergy
    14 tablets bottle

  • ZyrTEC Allergy
    25 capsules bottle

  • ZyrTEC Allergy
    30 tablets bottle

  • ZyrTEC Allergy
    40 capsules bottle

  • ZyrTEC Allergy
    45 tablets bottle

  • ZyrTEC Allergy
    50 tablets bottle

  • ZyrTEC Allergy
    60 tablets bottle

  • ZyrTEC Allergy
    65 capsules bottle

  • ZyrTEC Allergy
    70 tablets bottle

  • ZyrTEC Allergy
    90 tablets bottle

  • ZyrTEC Allergy
    10mg, 14 tablets box

  • ZyrTEC Allergy
    10mg, 3 tablets box

  • ZyrTEC Allergy
    24 tablets disintegrating box

  • ZyrTEC Allergy
    120 tablets package

How to take Zyrtec Allergy Relief

  • Read and follow the instructions printed on the package label.

  • Do not take more than instructed or take doses more often than instructed.

  • Only take Zyrtec as needed. It can be stopped when symptoms get better.

  • Talk to a doctor before giving cetirizine to a child younger than six years of age.

  • Zyrtec can be taken with or without food.

  • How to take Zyrtec tablets:

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

    • Store Zyrtec tablets at room temperature.

  • How to take Zyrtec capsules:

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

    • Store Zyrtec capsules at room temperature, protected from light, high humidity, and extreme heat.

  • How to take Zyrtec chewable tablets:

    • Chewable tablets can be taken with or without water.

    • Chew the chewable tablet thoroughly before you swallow it. 

    • Store Zyrtec chewable tablets at room temperature.

  • How to take Zyrtec orally dissolving tablets:

    • Orally dissolving tablets can be taken with or without water.

    • Put the tablet in the mouth and allow it to completely dissolve.

    • Store Zyrtec orally dissolving tablets at room temperature, protected from high humidity.

  • How to administer Zyrtec syrup:

    • There is no need to shake the bottle before measuring a dose.

    • 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 Children’s Zyrtec syrup at room temperature.

What to do if you miss a dose of Zyrtec Allergy Relief

  • Take only one Zyrtec 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, skip the missed dose. Only take the current day’s dose. 

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

Zyrtec Allergy Relief contraindications - Who shouldn't take Zyrtec Allergy Relief?

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

Zyrtec Allergy Relief warnings

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

  • Do not give Zyrtec to a child younger than six years old except under the advice and direction of a doctor.

  • Zyrtec does not include dosages for children younger than 2 years of age. You must talk to a pediatrician or other doctor to treat allergy symptoms in a child that young. 

  • This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else until you know how this medicine affects you.

  • 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.

  • Zyrtec Children’s products 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 syrup bottle.

Zyrtec Allergy Relief interactions & what to avoid when taking Zyrtec Allergy Relief

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

  • If you or your child are taking the asthma and COPD medication theophylline, talk to a doctor before using Zyrtec.

  • Although cetirizine is a non-drowsy antihistamine, it does commonly cause drowsiness. Avoid taking other drugs that make you sleepy, such as other antihistamines, sleeping aids, narcotic pain relievers, or muscle relaxants.

  • Avoid drinking alcohol while using this medicine.

Zyrtec Allergy Relief side effects - How does Zyrtec Allergy Relief make you feel?

Serious side effects

Talk to a doctor if you notice any signs or symptoms of a possible serious side effect, including:

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Less serious side effects

Find more detailed information about Zyrtec side effects here.

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