Question 1

are there any long term effects to taking zyrtec (cetirizine) everyday?

Accepted Answer

No, but rarely yes.: Zyrtec (cetirizine) is pretty well-tolerated and now is over the counter.  You should check with your doctor if you have known liver disease or experience difficulty breathing, seizures, or low blood pressures.

Question 2

does anyone know the long term effects of zyrtec (cetirizine)?

Accepted Answer

Zyrtec (cetirizine) effects: Antihistamines in general are some of the safest medications to use long-term.That said, one should never use a medication longer than necessary, and it is wise to switch products periodically no matter what the medication class, in case you are having side effects but don't realize it.I have seen occasional patients develop what seem to be "rebound hives" after long-term use of antihistamines.

Question 3

what are the long term effects of being on nasonex (mometasone) and allergy meds (switch between different ones... zyrtec, allegra, claratin) it's been many years?

Accepted Answer

Not to worry : There are no significant reported long term adverse effects of nasal  steroids in studies. Direct , local effects are more common like irritation in the nose, crustiness, nosebleeds. You just take a short break from the rx for these. There are no major reported concerns about long term use of antihistamines.- zyrtec, claritin, allegra,  etc.

Question 4

are there any side effects to taking zyrtec, (cetirizine) lysozyme, kaloba long term in children 2-4 years old?

Accepted Answer

Yes: There are side effects or potential side effects to all medications, supplements, vitamins, therapies, and life in general.  A decision to use or not use any treatment is always a risk vs benefit analysis.  You should discuss this with your children's doctor.

Question 5

long term side effects of effects of anti allergics (zyrtec)?

Accepted Answer

None: There have been no reported long-term side effects from use of zyrtec (cetirizine) in a trial involving toddlers and children with eczema, who were treated with zyrtec (cetirizine) for for years daily, and then there was an extension out to six years of total treatment.

Question 6

how long can a 3 year old use zyrtec (cetirizine) for? is it safe to use it for few months or longer? any side effects to look out for?

Accepted Answer

Yes: 2.5 mg is likely ok for long term use.  
Most common side effect is drowsiness or fatigue.

Question 7

is it safe to take zyrtec (cetirizine) most days of the year or is there a chance for long term problems with taking it too much? i try to avoid taking medicines.

Accepted Answer

Zyrtec (cetirizine) : Zyrtec is a safe anti-histamine with a relatively good tract record in long term users. But note that all medications have side effects. However, some are willing to take a small and smart risk for a better quality of life. Discuss nasal antihistamines & other non-systemic treatments with your doctor. With immunotherapy, an immunologist may be able to help avert your need for medications.

Question 8

headache is getting worse. i have been on claritin, (loratadine) flonaz, and zyrtec but nothing seems to help long-term. any suggestions?

Accepted Answer

Evaluation: I would recommend that you confirm with your provider if allergies are the reason for your headache.  You have used allergy medications to treat your headache and apparently have not had benefit.   I think it may be likely that your headache is not allergy related at this point.

Question 9

if zyrtec (cetirizine) causes me stomach pain is there a danger in using it long term?

Accepted Answer

Stop: If any medications causes side effects it is probably best to not use that medication again. Most times there are other choices.

Question 10

does long term use of zyrtec (cetirizine) cause possible forgetfulness and drowsiness?

Accepted Answer

It can: Zyrtec (cetirizine) is antihistamine and histamine is active in brain so it is entirely possible to cause mental cloudiness and neuro changes.  Has less 'sleepiness' than other antihistamines but doesn't mean it is without side effects.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Are there any long term effects to taking zyrtec everyday

A member asked:

Are there any long term effects to taking zyrtec (cetirizine) everyday?

A member asked:

Does anyone know the long term effects of zyrtec (cetirizine)?

A member asked:

What are the long term effects of being on nasonex (mometasone) and allergy meds (switch between different ones... zyrtec, allegra, claratin) it's been many years?

A member asked:

Are there any side effects to taking zyrtec, (cetirizine) lysozyme, kaloba long term in children 2-4 years old?

A member asked:

Long term side effects of effects of anti allergics (zyrtec)?

A member asked:

How long can a 3 year old use zyrtec (cetirizine) for? is it safe to use it for few months or longer? any side effects to look out for?

A member asked:

Is it safe to take zyrtec (cetirizine) most days of the year or is there a chance for long term problems with taking it too much? i try to avoid taking medicines.

A member asked:

Headache is getting worse. i have been on claritin, (loratadine) flonaz, and zyrtec but nothing seems to help long-term. any suggestions?

A member asked:

If zyrtec (cetirizine) causes me stomach pain is there a danger in using it long term?

A member asked:

Does long term use of zyrtec (cetirizine) cause possible forgetfulness and drowsiness?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?