This article describes possible side effects of cetirizine oral solution. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for cetirizine. You can explore this overview article to learn more about the over-the-counter forms of cetirizine.
Cetirizine oral solution is a generic version of the brand-name drug Zyrtec. Cetirizine also comes as oral tablets, chewable tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, and oral capsules that are available over the counter. But these forms aren’t described in this article. To learn more about these forms, talk with your doctor.
More common side effects of cetirizine
Cetirizine oral solution may cause mild or serious side effects. Below are some of the more common side effects of this medication.
Commonly reported side effects of cetirizine oral solution include:
- sore throat
- cough
- abdominal pain
- nausea
- drowsiness
- new or worsening headache*
- new or worsening nosebleeds*
- diarrhea*
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of cetirizine in detail” section below.
Mild side effects of cetirizine
Cetirizine may cause certain mild side effects. Most often, mild side effects are temporary and can be easily managed. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have side effects that don’t go away or become bothersome.
Mild side effects of cetirizine oral solution that occurred in studies include:
- sore throat
- nausea
- cough
- drowsiness
- dizziness
- weakness
- abdominal pain
- new or worsening headache*
- new or worsening nosebleeds*
- diarrhea*
- mild allergic reaction*
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of cetirizine in detail” section below.
Cetirizine oral solution may cause more mild side effects than those listed above. For details, see the drug’s prescribing information.
Serious side effects of cetirizine
Cetirizine may cause certain serious side effects. If you have any serious side effects from cetirizine oral solution, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency or your side effects feel life threatening, take immediate action. Call 911 or a local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency room.
After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Visit MedWatch’s website if you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with cetirizine.
Serious side effects of cetirizine oral solution may include:
- problems with emptying your bladder
- heart problems, such as:
- palpitations (a feeling of skipped or extra heartbeats)
- shortness of breath
- problems with balance or coordination
- confusion
- high blood sugar
- agitation
- depression
- vision changes
- increased liver enzyme levels, which may be a sign of liver problems
- hepatitis (inflammation of the liver)
- severe allergic reaction*
Cetirizine oral solution may cause other serious side effects than those listed above. These side effects were reported in studies of cetirizine and after the drug became available for use.
If you have questions about possible serious side effects of cetirizine, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of cetirizine in detail” section below.
Common questions about side effects of cetirizine
Here are answers to some common questions about side effects of cetirizine oral solution. If you have other questions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Can cetirizine be taken for cough? If so, will taking the drug for this use cause certain side effects?
No, cetirizine is not approved to treat cough. However, if you have cough from allergic rhinitis or other allergy symptoms, your doctor may discuss whether cetirizine would provide relief.
Keep in mind that cough was a common but mild side effect of cetirizine in studies.
If you have questions about taking cetirizine for cough, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
How do the side effects of the prescription form of cetirizine compare with the side effects of the over-the-counter forms of the drug?
The prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) forms of cetirizine have similar side effects. Both forms have the same active ingredient, and most of their side effects are mild and temporary. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.)
Common side effects of both forms include:
- sore throat
- cough
- abdominal pain
- nausea
- drowsiness
- headache*
- nosebleeds*
Your risk of side effects may vary based on your age, other health conditions you may have, and your dosage of cetirizine.
If you have questions about how the side effects of prescription cetirizine compare with the OTC version, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of cetirizine in detail” section below.
Does cetirizine cause long-term side effects?
No, long-term side effects aren’t expected with cetirizine oral solution. In studies, specific side effects weren’t seen in people who had taken the drug for a long time. Long lasting side effects after treatment ended also weren’t reported.
Talk with your doctor if you have questions about possible long-term side effects of cetirizine.
Coupon for cetirizine
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Side effects of cetirizine in detail
Below you’ll find details on some of the side effects of cetirizine oral solution.
Headache
In studies, headache was a common side effect in people taking cetirizine oral solution. This side effect is usually mild and temporary.
Keep in mind that headache may sometimes be a symptom of allergies. (Cetirizine helps to treat allergies.)
Certain factors can increase your risk of headache with cetirizine. These include taking a higher dose of the medication.
Ways to manage
If you experience a new or worsening headache with cetirizine, tell your doctor. They may recommend taking an over-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen (Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol).
Nosebleeds
In studies, nosebleed was common in people taking cetirizine oral solution. This side effect is usually mild. Nosebleeds may also be caused by your allergy symptoms.
Certain factors can increase the risk of nosebleeds with cetirizine oral solution. These include if:
- you’ve ever had nosebleeds
- you’re taking certain other medications for allergies, such as steroid nasal (nose) sprays
- you have a sinus infection
- you have dry nasal passages, which may be caused by cetirizine
Ways to manage
If you experience nosebleeds with cetirizine, tell your doctor. To stop a nosebleed, your doctor may recommend tilting your head slightly forward. Then you’ll use a tissue or cloth to gently press your nostrils closed for 5–15 minutes. You can also place an ice pack on the bridge of your nose to limit blood flow and help stop bleeding.
If your nose continues to bleed after 30 minutes, seek immediate medical care. You can go to an urgent care center or emergency room for treatment.
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In studies, diarrhea was a common side effect of cetirizine oral solution. This side effect is usually mild.
With diarrhea, you may experience frequent loose stools. Symptoms may include:
- nausea
- abdominal pain
- bloating
- urgency for a bowel movement
- dehydration
Certain factors can increase the risk of diarrhea with cetirizine oral solution. These include having a viral, bacterial, or parasitic infection or taking certain other medications. It also includes having a food intolerance, such as lactose intolerance.
Ways to manage
If you have concerns about diarrhea, tell your doctor. They’ll likely recommend eating a bland diet and drinking plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. If you have severe diarrhea, your doctor may recommend stopping cetirizine oral solution.
Allergic reaction
For some people, cetirizine oral solution can cause an allergic reaction.
Symptoms can be mild or serious, and they may include:
- itchiness
- skin rash
- swelling under the skin, usually affecting eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
- swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe
- flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
Ways to manage
For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.
For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to cetirizine oral solution, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.
Warnings for cetirizine
Below are some factors you may want to discuss with your doctor before taking cetirizine oral solution.
Warnings
It may not be safe for you to take cetirizine oral solution if you have specific health conditions. These are sometimes called drug-condition interactions. Other things may also affect whether cetirizine oral solution is a safe treatment option for you.
Before taking cetirizine oral solution, tell your doctor about your health and medications you take. Things to consider include:
- past allergic reaction to cetirizine or any of its ingredients
- kidney problems
- liver problems
- medications that cause drowsiness
- whether you drive or operate machinery
Cetirizine and pregnancy
It’s not known whether cetirizine oral solution should be taken during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.
Cetirizine and breastfeeding
Cetirizine oral solution should not be taken while breastfeeding. The drug is known to pass into breast milk and may cause drowsiness in a child who is breastfed.
If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication. Your doctor may recommend other ways to feed your child during treatment with cetirizine.
Cetirizine and alcohol
Cetirizine oral solution is known to interact with alcohol.
Drinking alcohol with cetirizine can increase your risk of certain side effects of the drug. These include balance problems, dizziness, and drowsiness.
If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about whether it’s safe to consume it during your treatment with cetirizine oral solution.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes common and serious side effects of cetirizine oral solution. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they can discuss possible side effects with you. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about treatment with this medication.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Does my dosage of cetirizine affect my risk of side effects?
- Will I have certain side effects when I begin treatment with cetirizine?
- Are there other medications that treat my condition with fewer side effects than cetirizine?
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.