Cetirizine

Information about Cetirizine

Cetirizine Uses

Cetirizine is used in the treatment of allergic conditions.

How Cetirizine works

Cetirizine 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.

Common side effects of Cetirizine

Sleepiness, Fatigue, Vomiting, Dryness in mouth, Headache, Constipation
CONTENT DETAILS
Written By
Dr. Love Sharma
PhD (Pharmacology), PGDPRA
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD (Pharmacology), MBBS
Last updated
27 Sep 2021 | 08:33 PM (UTC)

We provide you with authentic, trustworthy and revelant information

Want to know more

Available Medicine for Cetirizine

CetzineDr Reddy's Laboratories Ltd
₹18 to ₹744 variant(s)
AleridCipla Ltd
₹18 to ₹433 variant(s)
AldayS H Pharmaceuticals Ltd
₹181 variant(s)
CZ 3Lupin Ltd
₹18 to ₹392 variant(s)
CetirizAlkem Laboratories Ltd
₹18 to ₹392 variant(s)
ZyrtecDr Reddy's Laboratories Ltd
₹16 to ₹814 variant(s)
Incid-LBayer Zydus Pharma Pvt Ltd
₹18 to ₹342 variant(s)
AllercetMicro Labs Ltd
₹18 to ₹393 variant(s)
ZyncetTorrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd
₹18 to ₹393 variant(s)
HicetMicro Labs Ltd
₹18 to ₹392 variant(s)

Expert advice for Cetirizine

  • Your doctor has prescribed Cetirizine to help relieve allergy symptoms such as itching, swelling, and rashes.
  •  It's much less likely to make you feel sleepy than other similar medications.
  • It is okay to take Cetirizine with most other medications as it has few drug interactions.
  • Use caution while driving or doing anything that requires concentration as Cetirizine can cause dizziness and sleepiness.
  • Do not drink alcohol while taking Cetirizine as it may cause increased sleepiness.
  • Stop taking Cetirizine at least three days before taking an allergy test as it can affect the test results.

Frequently asked questions for Cetirizine

Cetirizine

Q. Does Cetirizine make you tired and drowsy?

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

Q. Is Cetirizine a steroid? What is it used for?

Cetirizine 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.

Q. How long does it take for Cetirizine to work?

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

Q. Can I take Cetirizine 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 Cetirizine 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.

Q. For how long should I continue Cetirizine?

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 Cetirizine for a longer time. Talk to your doctor if you are unsure about the duration of using Cetirizine.

Q. Is it safe to take Cetirizine daily for a long time?

Cetirizine 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 Cetirizine for only as long as you need it.

INDIA’S LARGEST HEALTHCARE PLATFORM

260m+
Visitors
31m+
Orders Delivered
1800+
Cities
Get the link to download App

Connect

  • Social Links
  • Want daily dose of health?
Download App
Reliable

All products displayed on Tata 1mg are procured from verified and licensed pharmacies. All labs listed on the platform are accredited

Secure

Tata 1mg uses Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) 128-bit encryption and is Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) compliant

Affordable

Find affordable medicine substitutes, save up to 50% on health products, up to 80% off on lab tests and free doctor consultations.

India's only LegitScript and ISO/ IEC 27001 certified online healthcare platform

Know more about Tata 1mgdownArrow

Access medical and health information

Tata 1mg provides you with medical information which is curated, written and verified by experts, accurate and trustworthy. Our experts create high-quality content about medicines, diseases, lab investigations, Over-The-Counter (OTC) health products, Ayurvedic herbs/ingredients, and alternative remedies.

Order medicines online

Get free medicine home delivery in over 1800 cities across India. You can also order Ayurvedic, Homeopathic and other Over-The-Counter (OTC) health products. Your safety is our top priority. All products displayed on Tata 1mg are procured from verified and licensed pharmacies.

Book lab tests

Book any lab tests and preventive health packages from certified labs and get tested from the comfort of your home. Enjoy free home sample collection, view reports online and consult a doctor online for free.

Consult a doctor online

Got a health query? Consult doctors online from the comfort of your home for free. Chat privately with our registered medical specialists to connect directly with verified doctors. Your privacy is guaranteed.

© 2022 Tata 1mg. All rights reserved. In compliance with Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945, we don't process requests for Schedule X and other habit forming drugs.