Cetirizine (cetirizine)
My medication guide
Fairview Pharmacy. Call 601-544-4871.
My prescribed doseYour pharmacist or doctor fills this in.
Can it make me sleepy?
- Yes. Wait to drive until you know your response; alcohol and sedating medicines can increase drowsiness.
Does it need food?
- Oral cetirizine is usually taken once daily, with or without food. Follow your product's age and dose instructions.
Is Zyrtec-D the same thing?
- No. It also contains pseudoephedrine, with additional precautions. Check the full ingredient list.
What if I miss a dose?
- For scheduled treatment, take it when remembered unless the next dose is nearly due; then skip it. Never double. Ask before adding a second antihistamine or another allergy/cold product. MedlinePlus
What should I know before stopping long-term use?
- FDA warns that rare, severe itching can begin within days after stopping daily cetirizine used for months or years. Contact a clinician if this happens, and discuss long-term treatment beforehand. Do not create your own restart or taper plan from this guide. FDA safety communication, May 16, 2025
Who should ask the pharmacist first?
- Check with us for kidney/liver problems, pregnancy, breastfeeding or a child's dose. Liquid, chewable and adult-tablet directions are not interchangeable. Trouble breathing or swelling of the tongue/throat needs emergency help; an oral antihistamine is not a substitute for emergency treatment. MedlinePlus
Get help choosing allergy relief
- Read Claritin, Zyrtec and Allegra compared or ask a Fairview pharmacist. This is general education.