Zyrtec (Cetirizine Hydrochloride) - Summary

ZYRTEC SUMMARY

ZYRTEC^®
(cetirizine hydrochloride)
Tablets, Chewable Tablets and Syrup
For Oral Use

Cetirizine hydrochloride, the active component of ZYRTEC^® tablets and syrup, is an orally active and selective H₁-receptor antagonist.

ZYRTEC is indicated for the following:

Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis: ZYRTEC is indicated for the relief of symptoms associated with seasonal allergic rhinitis due to allergens such as ragweed, grass and tree pollens in adults and children 2 years of age and older. Symptoms treated effectively include sneezing, rhinorrhea, nasal pruritus, ocular pruritus, tearing, and redness of the eyes.

Perennial Allergic Rhinitis: ZYRTEC is indicated for the relief of symptoms associated with perennial allergic rhinitis due to allergens such as dust mites, animal dander and molds in adults and children 6 months of age and older. Symptoms treated effectively include sneezing, rhinorrhea, postnasal discharge, nasal pruritus, ocular pruritus, and tearing.

Chronic Urticaria: ZYRTEC is indicated for the treatment of the uncomplicated skin manifestations of chronic idiopathic urticaria in adults and children 6 months of age and older. It significantly reduces the occurrence, severity, and duration of hives and significantly reduces pruritus.

See all Zyrtec indications & dosage >>

ZYRTEC NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

Media Articles Related to Zyrtec (Cetirizine)

Over-the-Counter Zyrtec-D Approved
Source: MedicineNet cetirizine Specialty [2007.11.12]

Synthroid, Zyrtec, and Nasonex Drug Interactions
Source: MedicineNet cetirizine Specialty [2006.11.29]

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Published Studies Related to Zyrtec (Cetirizine)

Efficacy comparison of levocetirizine vs montelukast in ragweed sensitized patients. [2008.09]

A 12-week placebo-controlled study of rupatadine 10 mg once daily compared with cetirizine 10 mg once daily, in the treatment of persistent allergic rhinitis. [2008.07]

Determination of levocetirizine in human plasma by liquid chromatography-electrospray tandem mass spectrometry: application to a bioequivalence study. [2008.02.01]

Inhibition of allergen-induced wheal and flare reactions by levocetirizine and desloratadine. [2008.02]

Levocetirizine does not prolong the QT/QTc interval in healthy subjects: results from a thorough QT study. [2007.11]

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Clinical Trials Related to Zyrtec (Cetirizine)

Food Study of Cetirizine HCl Tablets 10 mg and Zyrtec® 10 mg [Completed]

Fasting Study of Cetirizine HCl Tablets 10 mg and Zyrtec® Tablets 10 mg [Completed]

Randomized Phase III Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Xyzal® (Levocetirizine) vs Zyrtec® (Cetirizine) in Subjects With Dermatitis and Eczema [Completed]

Study to Assess the Effect of a Combination of Cetirizine With Pseudoephedrine Versus Cetirizine Alone on Symptoms in Patients With Allergic Rhinitis. [Completed]

Efficacy and Safety of Cetirizine Tablets Versus Ketotifen Dry Syrup in Children With Perennial Allergic Rhinitis [Completed]

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ZYRTEC PATIENT REVIEWS / RATINGS / COMMENTS

Zyrtec review by 39 year old female patient
		Rating
Overall rating:
Effectiveness:		Considerably Effective
Side effects:		Moderate Side Effects
		Treatment Info
Condition / reason:		severe allergies
Dosage & duration:		10 mg taken 1x per day for the period of 6 months
Other conditions:		none
Other drugs taken:		none
		Reported Results
Benefits:		When I started taking Zyrtec I had severe sore throat pain that I thought might be strep throat. It turned out to be environmental allergies. While I was taking Claritin for about a year, it wasn;t having any effect on these allergies.
Side effects:		When I first started taking it, I would get drowsy. I started splitting the pill in half and taking them about 12 hours apart and this seemed to help. Also I noticed a drastic decrease in alcohol tolerance.
Comments:		I took a half of a 10 mg Zyrtec tablet 2X a day for about 2 months. I do not have health insurance and could not get a refill.

Zyrtec review by 48 year old female patient
		Rating
Overall rating:
Effectiveness:		Highly Effective
Side effects:		Mild Side Effects
		Treatment Info
Condition / reason:		allergies
Dosage & duration:		10mg taken daily for the period of years
Other conditions:		none
Other drugs taken:		none
		Reported Results
Benefits:		reduced hives associated with allergy. Lasted for 24 hours so did not need more than once a day. Was the only effective treatment. Doctor had switched to generic brand which did not work as effectivly. Available as otc now but I do not feel it is the same as the perscription strength was
Side effects:		had to be taken at night because of drowsiness
Comments:		was more effective than any other brand of allergy medicine. OTC now available is not as effective. Took daily in the evening to combat allerigies for 24 hours

Zyrtec review by 36 year old male patient
		Rating
Overall rating:
Effectiveness:		Considerably Effective
Side effects:		No Side Effects
		Treatment Info
Condition / reason:		Allergies
Dosage & duration:		10mg taken 1xday for the period of every day, still taking
Other conditions:		Frequent Nasal Infections
Other drugs taken:		Singulair
		Reported Results
Benefits:		Over the course of about three to four months of daily use, lifelong allergies started to decrease and then disappear altogether.
Side effects:		None for me, some of the possible side effects are dry nasal passages, nose bleeds, and it could keep you awake if you take it too close to bedtime, but I have not experienced any of those except for 2 or 3 nose bleeds over the course of six or seven years.
Comments:		1 Tablet once per day, each day. It takes 3-4 weeks of daily use to get the full benefits.