Zyrtec
® (
cetirizine hydrochloride) is a drug that was once available by prescription only but can now be found over the counter.
People experiencing
allergy symptoms, such as sneezing and itchy or watery eyes, may benefit from Zyrtec. Antihistamine medications can also be used to relieve itching due to hives, which may or may not be related to
allergies.
Histamine is responsible for causing allergy symptoms and the formation of hives. As an antihistamine, Zyrtec works for these conditions by blocking histamine from binding to histamine receptors.
The medication comes in several forms, including tablets, chewable tablets, and syrup. It is usually taken by mouth once daily. Some people need to take Zyrtec all year long, while others only need to take it during allergy season.
(Click Zyrtec for more information about various Zyrtec products, including how they work, what side effects may occur, and what you should be aware of before starting treatment.)