Cetirizine: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and Precautions
Cetirizine is an antihistamine that reduces symptoms caused by allergies. It is used for sneezing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, itchy skin, and hives.
Cetirizine can relieve common allergy symptoms, but it may make some people sleepy. Follow the package directions and ask a doctor or pharmacist if you have health conditions, take other medicines, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- R06AE07
- Generic
- Cetirizine
- Class
- antihistamine
- Brands
- Zyrtec
- Availability
- behind_counter
- Pregnancy
- B
- Lactation
- caution
- Half-life (h)
- 8
- Onset (min)
- 30
- Duration (h)
- 24
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet, syrup
- Regions
- CN, US, EU, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 10mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 5mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 10mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
11 groupspregnancy
first trimesteruse lowest effective dose
use only if clearly needed and benefits outweigh potential risks
standard prenatal care
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second third trimesterno adjustment needed
generally considered safe for use
standard prenatal care
pediatric_age
under 6 monthsnot recommended
not approved for infants under 6 months
n/a
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
6 months to 2 yearsdose reduction required
use under physician supervision; 2.5mg once daily for children 12-23 months
observe for sedation and respiratory depression
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
over 65 yearsstart with 5mg once daily
use with caution due to potential sedation and anticholinergic effects
monitor for sedation and cognitive changes
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mildno adjustment needed
no dose adjustment needed for CrCl >50 mL/min
standard monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
moderate5mg once daily
reduce dose to 5mg once daily for CrCl 30-50 mL/min
monitor renal function periodically
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severe5mg every 48 hours
reduce dose to 5mg every 48 hours for CrCl <30 mL/min
closely monitor renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateno adjustment needed
no dose adjustment needed
standard monitoring
hepatic_impairment
severeuse with caution
use lower dose and monitor closely
monitor liver function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedinguse lowest effective dose
small amounts excreted in breast milk; use only if needed
monitor infant for excessive sedation
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
FDA approval date for cetirizine hydrochloride
Drug class
Antihistamine drug class information
Common uses
Common therapeutic uses for cetirizine
Common adult dose
Standard dosing for adults and children 6 years and older
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 22, 2026. · Read our editorial policy