About Cetirizine

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 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 Benadryl products do not contain cetirizine, but a different antihistamine such as acrivastine.

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