Zyrtec is an over-the-counter medication used to treat several allergy symptoms, including runny nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes. The drug is also used to treat itching due to hives (which may or not be caused by allergies). Some people take the drug year-round; others take it only during allergy season. Zyrtec comes in the form of tablets, chewable tablets, and syrup. Possible side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, and fatigue.
- 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. Zyrtec 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).
(Click Zyrtec Uses for more information on what Zyrtec is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
Brand-name Zyrtec is made by McNeil Consumer Healthcare. Generic versions of Zyrtec 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 (including Zyrtec) 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 works to alleviate the itching due to hives by blocking histamine.
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