Cetirizine

ATC code

R06AE07

Therapeutic class

Second-generation antihistamine · Piperazine derivative

Forms

oral tablet, oral solution, chewable tablet

Brand names

Alcina (ES) · Zyrtec (US) · Reactine (CA) · Zyrtec (FR)

Overall confidence

medium

Regulatory sources consulted

aemps-cima-ft-66044
RxNorm rxcui 20610 ↗

Approved indications

Relief of nasal and ocular symptoms of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis in adults and pediatric patients from 6 years of age.
Relief of symptoms of chronic idiopathic urticaria in adults and pediatric patients from 6 years of age.

Contraindications

Absolute

Hypersensitivity to the active substance, to hydroxyzine, to any piperazine derivatives, or to any of the excipients.
Patients with end-stage renal disease with a creatinine clearance below 10 ml/min.

Clinical warnings

Caution is recommended in patients with predisposing factors for urinary retention (e.g., spinal cord lesion, prostatic hyperplasia). — AEMPS CIMA
Caution should be exercised in epileptic patients and in patients at risk of convulsions. — AEMPS CIMA

Drug interactions

ModerateAlcohol and other CNS depressants
Mechanism: Additive sedative effects. Although cetirizine is a non-sedating antihistamine, it can potentiate drowsiness in combination.
Recommendation: Caution is advised and alcohol consumption should be avoided.
AEMPS CIMA

Adverse events

Common (≥1%)

somnolence · dizziness · headache · fatigue · dry mouth · nausea

Rare but serious

convulsions · tachycardia · angioedema · anaphylactic reaction · thrombocytopenia

Pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy: Limited clinical data, animal studies show no harmful effects. Use with caution. Lactation: Excreted in breast milk; its use is not recommended.