Zyrtec Tablet

Reviews How to Use Benefits Uses Side Effects

Product Info

Prescription required	Yes
Marketer	Dr Reddy's Laboratories Ltd
Active Ingredient	Cetirizine (10mg)
Storage	Store below 30°C
Chemical Class	Phenylmethyl Piperazinyl Derivative
Habit Forming	No
Therapeutic Class	RESPIRATORY
Action Class	H1 Antihistaminics (second Generation)
User Rating	4.8
User Reviews	363

FAQ

How long does it take for Zyrtec to work?

You will notice an improvement within an hour of taking Zyrtec. However, it may take a little longer to notice the full benefits.

Does Zyrtec make you tired and drowsy?

Yes, Zyrtec can make you feel tired, sleepy, and weak.

Is it safe to take Zyrtec daily for a long time?

Zyrtec is safe if used as prescribed by your doctor. Moreover, it is unlikely to harm you if you take it for a long time. But, it is best to take Zyrtec for only as long as you need it.

How long does it take for Zyrtec to work?

You will notice an improvement within an hour of taking Zyrtec. However, it may take a little longer to notice the full benefits.

Is Zyrtec a steroid? What is it used for?

Zyrtec is an anti-allergic medication, not a steroid. It relieves the symptoms of allergy. It is used to relieve runny nose, sneezing and redness, itching, and watering of the eyes caused by hay fever or seasonal allergies. It also relieves similar symptoms caused due to allergies to substances, such as dust mites, animal dander, and mold. It is also used to treat symptoms of hives, including itching and rash.

Can I take Zyrtec and Fexofenadine together?

Sometimes the doctor may advise you to take two different antihistamines together if you are being treated for a severe itchy rash. If you are taking Zyrtec during the daytime, your doctor may prescribe another antihistamine for the night which causes sleepiness, especially if the itch makes it difficult for you to sleep. Do not take two antihistamines together unless recommended by your doctor.

Can I take Zyrtec and Fexofenadine together?

Is it safe to take Zyrtec daily for a long time?

Zyrtec is safe if used as prescribed by your doctor. Moreover, it is unlikely to harm you if you take it for a long time. But, it is best to take Zyrtec for only as long as you need it.

For how long should I continue Zyrtec?

The duration for which the medicine needs to be taken depends on the problem being treated. If you are taking it for an insect bite, you may need it for a day or two. Similarly, if you are taking it to prevent symptoms of chronic allergic rhinitis (inflammation of the nose) or chronic urticaria, you may need to take Zyrtec for a longer time. Talk to your doctor if you are unsure about the duration of using Zyrtec.

Is Zyrtec a steroid? What is it used for?

Does Zyrtec make you tired and drowsy?

Yes, Zyrtec can make you feel tired, sleepy, and weak. If you have these symptoms, you should avoid driving or operating heavy machinery.

For how long should I continue Zyrtec?

What if you forget to take Zyrtec?

If you miss a dose of Zyrtec, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

Zyrtec Tablet Reviews

Zyrtec belongs to a group of medicines called antihistamines. It is used to treat various allergic conditions such as hay fever, conjunctivitis and some skin reactions, and reactions to bites and stings. It relieves watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, and itching.

Zyrtec can be taken with or without food. The dose required for you may vary depending on what you are taking it for. This medicine is usually taken in the evening but follow the advice of your doctor on how to take it. You may need this medicine only on days you have symptoms, but if you are taking it to prevent symptoms you should take it regularly. If you miss doses or stop taking it earlier than advised, your symptoms may come back.

This medicine is generally very safe. The most common side effects include feeling sleepiness, dizziness, tiredness, and sore throat. These are usually mild and go away after a couple of days as your body adjusts. Consult your doctor if any of the side effects persist or worry you. You should avoid alcohol while taking this medicine.

Before taking it, tell your doctor if you have any kidney problems or epilepsy. Your dose may need to be modified or this medicine may not be suitable. Some other medicines can interact with this medicine so let your healthcare team know what else you are taking. You should also talk to your doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, although it is not thought to be harmful.

How Zyrtec Tablet Works

Zyrtec is an antihistaminic medication. It treats allergy symptoms such as itching, swelling, and rashes by blocking the effects of a chemical messenger (histamine) in the body.

How to Use Zyrtec Tablet

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Zyrtec may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

Benefits of Zyrtec Tablet

In Treatment of Allergic conditions: Zyrtec provides relief from symptoms such as blocked or runny nose, sneezing, and itchy or watery eyes. It can also give relief from allergic reactions after insect bites and symptoms of hives and eczema such as rash, swelling, itching, and irritation. This will improve the appearance of the skin. It rarely has any serious side effects and you may only need to take it on days you have symptoms. For individuals taking it to prevent getting symptoms one should use it regularly to get the most benefit.

Uses of Zyrtec Tablet

Treatment of Allergic conditions

Zyrtec Tablet Side Effects

Safety Tips

Driving ^UNSAFE

Zyrtec may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.

Alcohol ^UNSAFE

Zyrtec may cause excessive drowsiness with alcohol.

Pregnancy ^{CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR}

Information regarding the use of Zyrtec during pregnancy is not available. Please consult your doctor.

Kidney ^CAUTION

Zyrtec should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Zyrtec may be needed. Please consult your doctor.However, it is not recommended in patients with severe kidney disease. It may cause excessive sleepiness in patients with end-stage kidney disease.

Breast feeding ^{CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR}

Information regarding the use of Zyrtec during breastfeeding is not available. Please consult your doctor.Larger doses or prolonged use of Zyrtec may cause sleepiness and other effects in the baby.

Liver ^{SAFE IF PRESCRIBED}

Zyrtec is probably safe to use in patients with liver disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Zyrtec may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor.

Quick Tips

Stop taking Zyrtec at least three days before taking an allergy test as it can affect the test results.
Your doctor has prescribed Zyrtec to help relieve allergy symptoms such as itching, swelling, and rashes.
It is okay to take Zyrtec with most other medications as it has few drug interactions.
Compared to other similar medications, Zyrtec is less likely to cause sleepiness.

References

Cetirizine [Patient Information Leaflet]. Gangtok. Sikkim: Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd.; 2017.
Briggs GG, Freeman RK, editors. A Reference Guide to Fetal and Neonatal Risk: Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health; 2015. pp. 238-39.
Cetirizine. New York, New York: Pfizer Labs; 2003.
Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO).