Zyrtec
Over-the-counterWhat is Zyrtec?
Zyrtec is an over-the-counter antihistamine medication that treats allergy symptoms. The active ingredient is cetirizine hydrochloride. It works by blocking histamine, a chemical your body releases during an allergic reaction.
Zyrtec provides relief from sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and itchy throat caused by allergies. It also treats itching and hives on the skin. The medication starts working within 1 hour and provides relief for 24 hours.
Zyrtec is considered a second-generation antihistamine. This means it causes less drowsiness than older allergy medications. However, some people still experience sleepiness when taking it.
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Common uses
- Seasonal allergies, also called hay fever or allergic rhinitis
- Year-round allergies caused by dust, pet dander, or mold
- Itchy, watery eyes from allergies
- Runny or stuffy nose from allergies
- Sneezing and itchy nose or throat
- Hives and itching of the skin, known as chronic urticaria
How it works
When you encounter an allergen like pollen or pet dander, your immune system overreacts. It releases histamine, a chemical that causes inflammation and allergy symptoms. Histamine binds to receptors in your nose, eyes, and skin. This binding triggers sneezing, itching, runny nose, and watery eyes.
Zyrtec blocks histamine from attaching to these receptors. By preventing this attachment, the medication stops allergy symptoms before they start. The effects last for 24 hours because cetirizine stays in your body longer than older antihistamines. This allows for once-daily dosing.
Taking Zyrtec? Monitor your levels.
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Dosage information
Adults and children 6 years and older typically take 5 to 10 mg once daily. Children ages 2 to 5 usually take 2.5 to 5 mg once daily. Children ages 6 months to 2 years may take 2.5 mg once daily. Do not exceed the recommended dose. If symptoms persist, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the right dose for you.
Side effects
- Drowsiness or fatigue
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Sore throat
- Nausea or stomach pain
Serious side effects are rare but can include severe allergic reactions, difficulty urinating, or fast or irregular heartbeat. Stop taking Zyrtec and seek medical attention if you experience trouble breathing, severe dizziness, or swelling of the face or throat.
Drug interactions
- Alcohol can increase drowsiness when taken with Zyrtec
- Other sedating medications like sleeping pills or anxiety medications may increase drowsiness
- Other antihistamines should not be taken at the same time
- Certain antidepressants may interact with cetirizine
- Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, as dosing may need adjustment
- Tell your doctor if you have liver disease before taking this medication
- Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how Zyrtec affects you
Blood test monitoring
Zyrtec typically does not require regular blood test monitoring for most users. However, if you have kidney or liver disease, your doctor may want to check your kidney function and liver enzymes periodically. Rite Aid offers blood testing services that measure over 200 biomarkers, including liver enzymes like ALT and AST, and kidney function markers like creatinine. These tests can help ensure your body is processing medications properly. If you take Zyrtec long term or have underlying health conditions, regular testing provides valuable information about your health.
Related blood tests
Taking Zyrtec? Monitor your levels.
- Track how your body responds
- Catch side effects early with blood work
- Share results with your doctor
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Zyrtec is available over the counter at Rite Aid and other pharmacies. You do not need a prescription to purchase it. However, if you have questions about whether Zyrtec is right for you, talk to your pharmacist or doctor.
Zyrtec typically starts working within 1 hour of taking it. Most people notice relief from allergy symptoms within this timeframe. The medication provides 24-hour relief, so you only need to take it once per day.
Zyrtec can cause drowsiness in some people, though it is less sedating than older antihistamines. About 1 in 10 people experience sleepiness when taking it. If you feel drowsy, avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.
Yes, Zyrtec is safe for daily use when taken as directed. Many people with year-round allergies take it every day. If you need to use Zyrtec daily for more than a few weeks, consider talking to your doctor to ensure there is not an underlying condition that needs treatment.
Both Zyrtec and Claritin are second-generation antihistamines that treat allergies. Zyrtec contains cetirizine, while Claritin contains loratadine. Zyrtec may work faster and be slightly more effective for some people, but it is more likely to cause drowsiness than Claritin.
Zyrtec is approved for children as young as 6 months old. The dosage depends on the child's age. Children 6 months to 2 years typically take 2.5 mg once daily. Always follow the dosage instructions on the package or ask your pharmacist for guidance.
You can take Zyrtec at any time of day that works best for you. Some people prefer taking it at night if they experience drowsiness. Others take it in the morning to prevent daytime allergy symptoms. Choose a time that fits your routine and stick with it.
If you have kidney disease, talk to your doctor before taking Zyrtec. Your kidneys remove cetirizine from your body, so kidney problems can cause the medication to build up. Your doctor may recommend a lower dose or suggest monitoring your kidney function with blood tests.
Most people do not need regular blood tests while taking Zyrtec. However, if you have kidney or liver disease, your doctor may recommend checking kidney function and liver enzymes. Rite Aid offers blood testing that measures these markers, along with over 200 other biomarkers, for $349 per year with 2 tests annually.
Zyrtec can interact with certain medications, especially other sedating drugs like sleeping pills or anxiety medications. Do not take multiple antihistamines at the same time. Always tell your doctor and pharmacist about all medications and supplements you take to avoid harmful interactions.