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Drug Class
Antihistamine
Common Uses
- Allergies
Common Brand Names
Zyrtec, Adezio, Cetrisav, Set-10, Zyncet, Cetrine, Cetirizin, Allercet, Zirin, Cetzy, Rizin
Overview
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)
- 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.
Important Facts
- It's usual to take cetirizine once a day. Children aged under 12 take it twice a day.
- Cetirizine is classed as a non-drowsy antihistamine, but some people still find it makes them feel quite sleepy.
- Common side effects include headaches, dry mouth, feeling sick, dizziness and diarrhoea.
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