Experiences with
Cetirizine

Who it's forContraindicationsHow it's used (previously Dosage and administration)Side effectsInteractions

Cetirizine is suitable for most adults and children aged 2 years old and over, but always check before taking it.

Cetirizine is not suitable for some people. For example, check with your doctor if you have kidney failure or epilepsy.

Cetirizine comes as tablets, capsules and liquid that you usually take once or twice a day. Follow the instructions that come with your medicine.

Side effects of cetirizine include feeling sleepy, a sore throat and a dry mouth. More serious side effects can happen in rare cases.

It can cause problems to take cetirizine with other medicines, such as medicines that cause drowsiness, a dry mouth or difficulty peeing.

Who can take cetirizine

Most adults can take cetirizine.

Most children can take certain types of cetirizine, depending on their age.

Children aged 1 year can take cetirizine liquid if it's prescribed by their doctor.
Children aged 2 to 5 years can take cetirizine liquid bought from pharmacies or prescribed by their doctor.
Children aged 6 to 11 years and over can take cetirizine tablets and liquid that you buy from pharmacies and shops.
Children aged 12 years and over can take cetirizine capsules, tablets and liquid that you buy from pharmacies and shops.

Who may not be able to take cetirizine

Cetirizine is not suitable for some people. To make sure it's safe for you, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you:

have ever had an allergic reaction to cetirizine or any other medicine
have an allergy to food additives
have an allergy to peanuts or soya – some brands of cetirizine capsules (but not tablets) contain soya
have kidney failure
have epilepsy or another health problem that means you're at risk of having seizures or fits
have a condition that means you have difficulty peeing
are due to have an allergy test – taking cetirizine may affect the results, so you might need to stop taking it a few days before the test

Dosage and how to take cetirizine

Cetirizine comes as tablets and capsules (10mg) and as a liquid medicine (labelled either 5mg/5ml or 1mg/1ml).

The usual dose for adults and children aged 12 years old and over is 10mg once a day.

Doses are usually lower for people with kidney problems.

Dose for children under 12

For children aged 6 to 11 years old, the usual dose is 5mg, twice a day. Try to leave 10 to 12 hours between doses. For example, your child could take it first thing in the morning, and before bedtime.

For children aged 2 to 5 years old, the dose is 2.5mg, twice a day.

For children aged 1 year old, their doctor will use their weight or age to work out the right dose.

How to take it

You can take cetirizine with or without food, but always take the tablets or capsules with a drink of water, milk or squash.

Swallow them whole. Do not chew them.

Cetirizine liquid may be easier for children to take than tablets. The liquid medicine will come with a plastic syringe or spoon to give the right dose. If you do not have a syringe or spoon, ask your pharmacist for one. Do not use a kitchen teaspoon as it will not measure the right amount.

Common side effects of cetirizine

The most common side effect of cetirizine is feeling sleepy and tired. This happens in more than 1 in 10 people.

Other common side effects of cetirizine happen in more than 1 in 100 people. There are things you can do to help cope with them:

Try a different non-drowsy antihistamine.

Make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids. It's best not to drink too much alcohol. Ask your pharmacist to recommend a painkiller for your headaches.

Talk to your doctor if your headaches do not go away or are severe.

Chew sugar-free gum or suck sugar-free sweets.

Try taking your tablets with food. It may also help if you stick to simple meals and avoid rich or spicy food.

If cetirizine makes you feel dizzy when you stand up, try getting up very slowly or stay sitting down until you feel better. If you begin to feel dizzy, lie down so that you do not faint, then sit until you feel better.

Do not drive, cycle or use tools or machines if you feel dizzy or a bit shaky.

Drink plenty of water or other fluids to avoid dehydration. Speak to a pharmacist if you have signs of dehydration, such as peeing less than usual or having dark, strong-smelling pee. Do not take any other medicines to treat diarrhoea without speaking to a pharmacist or doctor.

If you take the combined pill or the progestogen-only pill and you have severe, watery diarrhoea, or any diarrhoea that lasts for more than 24 hours, your contraception may not protect you from pregnancy. Check the pill packet for advice.

If you're 16 or over, you can try gargling with an aspirin solution (1 soluble aspirin tablet dissolved in half a glass of water) or use a pain-relieving mouthwash such as Oraldene. Children under 16 must not be given aspirin.

If your symptoms last longer than a week, ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice.

Try a different non-drowsy antihistamine.

Children are more likely to get diarrhoea, sneezing or a blocked and runny nose than adults.

Speak to a doctor or pharmacist if the advice on how to cope does not help and a side effect is still bothering you or does not go away.

Cetirizine and pregnancy

Cetirizine can be taken in pregnancy.

Although there's not a lot of information about its use in pregnancy, there's no suggestion that it will harm your baby.

Cetirizine and breastfeeding

If you need to take an antihistamine and you're breastfeeding, cetirizine is one of the best choices.

There is some information which shows that only very small amounts of cetirizine get into breast milk. For many years it has been widely used while breastfeeding without causing any side effects in babies.

It's very rare for breastfed babies to have side effects from medicines you're taking. But it's important to keep monitoring your baby if you're taking any medicine while breastfeeding.

Contact your healthcare professional or call 111 as soon as possible if your baby is not feeding as well as usual or seems unusually sleepy.

If your baby has any symptoms that are not listed, or if you're worried about them, you can also call 111 or contact any healthcare professional.

Keep breastfeeding as usual until you've got advice about your baby's symptoms.

Cautions with other medicines

Some medicines can increase the chances of you having side effects with cetirizine.

Check with your pharmacist or doctor if you're taking any medicine that makes you drowsy, gives you a dry mouth, or makes it difficult for you to pee. Taking cetirizine might make these side effects worse.