Cetirizine is an antihistamine medicine that helps the symptoms of allergies.
It's used to treat:
- hay fever
- conjunctivitis (red, itchy eye)
- eczema
- hives (urticaria) – an itchy, raised rash that’s usually caused by an allergic reaction
- reactions to insect bites and stings
- some food allergies
Cetirizine is known as a non-drowsy antihistamine. It's much less likely to make you feel sleepy than some other antihistamines.
Cetirizine is available on prescription, and to buy from pharmacies and shops.
It comes as tablets, capsules and as a liquid that you swallow.
Key facts
- You'll usually take cetirizine once a day. Children aged under 12 years old take a lower dose twice a day.
- Cetirizine is classed as a non-drowsy antihistamine, but some people still find it makes them feel quite sleepy. Do not drive or ride a bike if it makes you sleepy.
- Common side effects include headaches, dry mouth, feeling sick, feeling dizzy and diarrhoea.
- Some brands of cetirizine come as capsules. These may contain soya oil. Do not take cetirizine capsules if you’re allergic to peanuts or soya.
- Some Benadryl products do not contain cetirizine, but a different antihistamine such as acrivastine.