Zyrtec

Purpose of Zyrtec

Zyrtec is an over-the-counter medication used to temporarily relieve allergy symptoms due to hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies:

  • runny nose
  • sneezing
  • itchy, watery eyes
  • itching of the nose or throat

Active Ingredients

Zyrtec tablet and liquid gels: cetirizine hydrochloride 10 mg

Zyrtec Syrup: cetirizine hydrochloride 5 mg (in each 5 mL teaspoonful) 

Inactive Ingredients

Zyrtec tablet: colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, hypromellose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, titanium dioxide

Zyrtec liquid gels: gelatin, glycerin, mannitol, pharmaceutical ink, polyethylene glycol 400, purified water, sodium hydroxide, sorbitan, sorbitol

Zyrtec Syrup:

  • Bubblegum Flavor (dye-free, sugar-free): anhydrous citric acid, flavors, propylene glycol, purified water, sodium benzoate, sorbitol solution, sucralose
  • Grape Flavor (dye-free, sugar-free): anhydrous citric acid, flavors, propylene glycol, purified water, sodium benzoate, sorbitol solution, sucralose

Zyrtec FDA Warning

Do not use if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this product or any of its ingredients or to an antihistamine containing hydroxyzine.

Ask a doctor before use if you have liver or kidney disease. Your doctor should determine if you need a different dose.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you are taking tranquilizers or sedatives.

When using this product:

  • drowsiness may occur
  • avoid alcoholic drinks
  • alcohol, sedatives, and tranquilizers may increase drowsiness
  • be careful when driving a motor vehicle or operating machinery

Stop use and ask a doctor if an allergic reaction to this product occurs. Seek medical help right away.

If breastfeeding, use of Zyrtec is not recommended.

If pregnant, ask a health professional before use.

Keep out of reach of children. 

In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away (1-800-222-1222).

Directions

Zyrtec tablet and liquid gels:

For adults and children 6 years and over:

  • Take one 10 mg tablet once daily.
  • Do not take more than one 10 mg capsule in 24 hours.
  • A 5 mg product may be appropriate for less severe symptoms.
  • For adults 65 years and over, ask a doctor before use.

Zyrtec syrup:

For adults and children 6 years and over, take 1 teaspoonful (5 mL) or 2 teaspoonfuls (10 mL) once daily depending on severity of symptoms. Do not take more than 2 teaspoonfuls (10 mL) in 24 hours.

For adults 65 years and over, take 1 teaspoonful (5 mL) once daily. Do not take more than 1 teaspoonful (5 mL) in 24 hours.

For consumers with liver or kidney disease, ask a doctor before use if Zyrtec is appropriate for you.

 

 

Pediatric Use

Zyrtec tablet and liquid gels:

For children under 6 years of age, ask a doctor.

Zyrtec syrup:

Children 2 years old to under 6 years of age:

  • Take ½ teaspoonful (2.5 mL) once daily.
  • If needed, dose can be increased to a maximum of 1 teaspoonful (5 mL), once daily, or ½ teaspoonful (2.5 mL) every 12 hours.
  • Do not give more than 1 teaspoonful (5 mL) in 24 hours.

For children under 2 years of age, ask a doctor.

For consumers with liver or kidney disease, ask a doctor before use if Zyrtec is appropriate for you.

 

 

 

Other Information About Zyrtec

Zyrtec tablet and liquid gels:

  • Store at room temperature between 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F).
  • Avoid high humidity and excessive heat above 40°C (104°F) (liquid gel).
  • Protect from light (liquid gel).

Zyrtec syrup:

  • Store between 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F).