A 46-year-old member asked:
what are the ingredients of zyrtec (cetirizine)?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Neil Kao answered
Allergy and Immunology 33 years experience
Cetirizine (active): The active ingredient does the work. Pills may also contain preservatives, food dyes, stabilizers, and a coating.
5640 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
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Similar questions
A 46-year-old member asked:
Does chlor-trimeton work just as well as zyrtec (cetirizine)? Whats cheaper?
1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Stevan Cordas answered
Internal Medicine 57 years experience
What is cheaper: Yes. Chlortrimeton is cheaper but likely to give you a dry mouth, dry eyes and make you sleepy.
5876 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:
Side-effects of cetirizine?
1 doctor answer • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Thomas Namey answered
Rheumatology 48 years experience
A few.: Not like benadryl, (diphenhydramine) which has major anticholineric issues, it still can cause drowsiness, dry mouth. It is a very effective and highly specific h1 blocker, which reduces allergic sx.
5866 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Pierrette Mimi Poinsett commented
Pediatrics 38 years experience
Also antihistamines activate the brain's appetite center, weight gain can result.
May 9, 2012
A 39-year-old member asked:
Does anyone know the long term effects of zyrtec (cetirizine)?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Barbara Stark Baxter answered
Allergy and Immunology 42 years experience
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.
5760 viewsAnswered Dec 3, 2020
A 38-year-old member asked:
Any bad side effects of zyrtec (cetirizine)?
1 doctor answer • 6 doctors weighed in
Dr. Vijay Saigal answered
Internal Medicine 55 years experience
Sleepiness: 10% of the patients will experience sleepiness.Best time to take it is at bedtime to cut down this side effect.
5764 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
What are the side effects of zyrtec, (cetirizine) if any?
2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Steven Machtinger answered
Allergy and Immunology 44 years experience
Sleepiness: The major side-effect of zyrtec (cetirizine) is sedation - sleepiness, fatigue, and slowed reaction time. This occurs in 1 out of 10 or 1 out of 12 users. Compare to Benadryl (diphenhydramine) 1 of 3 users or clariting 1 in 50 users. Also occasionally reported are stomachache, headache, diarrhea, constipation & dry mouth & throat. In older men zyrtec can sometimes cause difficulty with urination.
5764 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
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Last updated Oct 3, 2016
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