- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Itchy nose or throat.
It is also approved to treat itching due to hives, which may or may not be caused by
allergies. The medication is also available in combination with a decongestant
(see Zyrtec-D for more information). Although Zyrtec and Zyrtec-D were originally prescription products, they are now available without a prescription
(see Zyrtec OTC).
Brand-name Zyrtec is made by McNeil Consumer Healthcare. Generic versions are made by various manufacturers.
Allergies occur when the body's immune system reacts to normally harmless substances that do not bother most people.
This reaction is partly caused by the release of histamine from certain cells in the body. Zyrtec is an antihistamine, which means it blocks histamine from binding to histamine receptors and causing allergy symptoms. Since histamine is responsible for many of the symptoms of allergies, blocking it can be helpful. It is important to note that antihistamines do not help treat nasal congestion caused by allergies, since this symptom is not due to histamine.
Histamine is also responsible for the formation of hives (whether caused by allergies or not). Zyrtec also works to alleviate the itching due to hives by blocking histamine.
General considerations for when and how to take Zyrtec include the following:
- The medication comes in several forms, including tablets, chewable tablets, and syrup. It is usually taken by mouth once daily.
- You can take Zyrtec with or without food. If the medication bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
- Some people need to take Zyrtec all year long, while others take it only during allergy season.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as directed on the package labeling. Please read the label closely.
The recommended dose of Zyrtec will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- Your age
- The severity of your symptoms
- Other medical conditions you may have.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Zyrtec. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Common side effects include but are not limited to:
(Click Zyrtec Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Zyrtec?
Talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking the medication if you have:
- Kidney disease, such as kidney failure (renal failure)
- Liver disease, including liver failure, cirrhosis, or hepatitis
- Any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose?
People who take too much Zyrtec may have overdose symptoms that could include:
- Restlessness
- Irritability
- Drowsiness.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you forget to take your Zyrtec as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
This medication comes in the following strengths and forms:
- Zyrtec 10 mg tablets
- Zyrtec Hives Relief 10 mg tablets (equal to regular Zyrtec 10 mg tablets, except they are labeled for hives, not for allergies)
- Children's Zyrtec 5 mg chewable tablets, grape-flavored
- Children's Zyrtec 10 mg chewable tablets, grape-flavored
- Children's Zyrtec Allergy syrup, grape-flavored, 1 mg per mL (5 mg per teaspoonful)
- Children's Zyrtec Hives Relief syrup (equal to Children's Zyrtec Allergy syrup, except it is labeled for hives, not for allergies).
Is There a Generic Version of Zyrtec?
Currently, several different generic versions of Zyrtec are licensed for sale
(click Generic Zyrtec for more information).
