Can Zyrtec Make You Gain Weight?
Many side effects are possible when taking
Zyrtec® (
cetirizine hydrochloride). One uncommon side effect, occurring in less than 2 percent of people taking the drug, is weight gain. Given how infrequently weight gain occurs in people taking Zyrtec, it is difficult to say whether it is caused by the medicine, other factors, or a combination of both.
Weight Gain With Zyrtec: Suggestions
If you are gaining weight while taking Zyrtec, there are some things you can do. Some suggestions include the following:
- Eat a heart-healthy diet that includes:
- Fruits, vegetables, grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products
- Lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts
- Few foods with saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, sodium (salt), and added sugars
- Participate in regular physical activity for at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week
- Limit your intake of alcohol.
(Click BMI Calculator to see if your weight is within a healthy range.)
If you continue to notice a weight gain with Zyrtec, talk with your healthcare provider.
He or she can give you other suggestions for dealing with this. If the weight gain continues, your healthcare provider may recommend other lifestyle choices or switching to another allergy medication.
