CetirizineOver the counter

Pronounced se-TEER-i-zeen

Brand names: Zyrtec

Type: Antihistamine · All Allergy Medicines

What Cetirizine is used for

  • Seasonal and year-round allergies
  • Hives

◆ Kidney note

Dose is lowered when kidney function is significantly reduced.

Common side effects

  • Mild drowsiness
  • Dry mouth
  • Headache
  • Tiredness

Important cautions

  • Can still cause some drowsiness, especially combined with alcohol or sedating medicines

How it comes

Tablets, chewable tablets, liquid. This guide lists forms only — it never lists strengths or doses.

Please note: This page is a patient-education summary, not medical advice, and it deliberately contains no doses. Medicines affect everyone differently — always follow your own prescription and talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping or changing any medicine.