As with other drugs, cetirizine can cause side effects, such as drowsiness and sore throat. If you are not able to tolerate side effects from cetirizine, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Cetirizine is a generic drug that’s prescribed for symptoms of respiratory allergies, such as hay fever and itching due to urticaria (hives).
Cetirizine comes in the following forms over the counter (OTC):
- oral tablet
- oral chewable tablet
- orally disintegrating tablet
- oral capsule
- oral solution
Cetirizine oral solution is also available with a prescription, but this article does not cover that form.
Read on to learn about potential common, mild, and serious side effects of cetirizine.
Cetirizine can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects persist, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
More common side effects of cetirizine include:
- drowsiness
- fatigue
- sore throat
- dizziness
- dry mouth
For more information about some of these side effects, see the “Cetirizine: Managing side effects” section.
Mild side effects can occur with cetirizine use. This list does not include all possible mild side effects of the drug. For more information, talk with your doctor or pharmacist or refer to the drug’s label information.
Mild side effects of cetirizine include:
- drowsiness
- headache
- sore throat
- abdominal pain
- dizziness
- nausea
- fatigue
- dry mouth
These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects continue, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Sharing your experience helps make medications safer for everyone by giving doctors and researchers more information about how the drug works in real life. If you develop a side effect while taking cetirizine and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch or call 800-FDA-1088.
For more information about some of these side effects, see the “Cetirizine: Managing side effects” section.
Cetirizine may cause serious side effects. The following list may not include all possible serious side effects of the drug. For more information, you can talk with your doctor or pharmacist or refer to the drug’s label information.
If you develop serious side effects while taking cetirizine, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.
Serious side effects can include severe allergic reaction.
Allergic reactionFor some people, cetirizine can cause an allergic reaction.
In general, symptoms of allergic reaction can be mild or serious.
Ways to manage
For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.
For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to cetirizine, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.
While taking cetirizine, you may be able to take steps to make side effects easier to manage.
If you have problems with side effects that do not go away or they become worse, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can discuss options for managing side effects or other available treatment options.
Drowsiness
Drowsiness was a common side effect of cetirizine. Steps you can take to manage symptoms associated with this side effect include:
- getting enough exercise
- eating a balanced diet
- maintaining a regular sleep schedule
Dry mouth
Dry mouth was a common side effect of cetirizine. Steps you can take to manage symptoms associated with this side effect include:
- drinking water
- improving oral hygiene
- sucking on sugar-free lozenges or chewing sugar-free gum
Can cetirizine cause anxiety?
It’s possible. Information regarding the side effects of cetirizine OTC forms is limited, but it does not mention anxiety. But in cetirizine oral solution’s prescribing information (the prescription form of the drug), anxiety was reported in clinical trials. It was not a common side effect.
Plus, one
Are side effects of cetirizine seen in children similar to those seen in adults?
Yes. Cetirizine’s side effects in children are similar to those reported in adults taking the medication.
OTC cetirizine oral tablets can be used to treat allergies in children ages 6 years and older. OTC cetirizine oral solution can be used to treat allergies in children ages 2 years and older.
If you have questions about side effects of cetirizine for your child, talk with their doctor or pharmacist.
Before taking cetirizine, discuss your health history with your doctor. Cetirizine may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. Be sure to talk with your doctor if any of the following apply to you:
- if you have liver or kidney disease
- if you have hives that don’t itch, look bruised or blistered, or are an unusual color
- previous allergic reaction to this or a similar drug, including hydroxyzine (Vistaril)
- pregnancy
- breastfeeding
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
