Can Zyrtec be taken with or without food?
May be taken with or without food. Zyrtec is usually taken once a day. During the pollen season, your doctor may advise you to take it every day if you suffer from seasonal allergic rhinitis.
What happens if you take too much Zyrtec at once?
Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, vision problems, agitation, feeling restless and then drowsy or tired, fast heartbeats, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, trouble walking, or trouble swallowing or speaking. What should I avoid while using Zyrtec?
How do you store Zyrtec long term?
Store Zyrtec at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not allow the liquid form of this medicine to freeze. 6 months to 2 years: 2.5 mg orally once a day, 12 months and older may be increased to 2.5 mg orally twice a day. 2 to 5 years: 2.5 mg orally once a day, may be increased to 5 mg/day in 1 to 2 divided doses.
What is the best time of day to take Zyrtec ®?
Any time of day works. And ZYRTEC ® will continue to work for 24 hours. Do I need a prescription to take ZYRTEC ®? No. Since 2008, ZYRTEC ® has been available over the counter, without a prescription.
Can Zyrtec upset your stomach?
SIDE EFFECTS: Drowsiness, tiredness, and dry mouth may occur. Stomach pain may also occur, especially in children. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Is it better to give Zyrtec at night or morning?
Zyrtec (cetirizine) can be taken during the day or at night. If you feel sleepy after taking Zyrtec (cetirizine), taking it at night may be a better option for you.Apr 20, 2021
Is it okay to take allergy meds on an empty stomach?
Antihistamines can be taken with food or a glass of water or milk to lessen stomach irritation if necessary. If you are taking the extended-release tablet form of this medicine, swallow the tablets whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing.
What time of day is best to take Zyrtec?
Official Answer. Cetirizine can be taken at any time of the day. In most people it is non-sedating, so they take it in the morning. However, a percentage of people do find it to be sedating so if it does make you drowsy it is best to take it in the evening.Nov 12, 2020
Does Zyrtec help stuffy nose?
Try ZYRTEC®-D to powerfully clear your blocked nose and relieve your other allergy symptoms, so you can breathe easier all day. * *Provides 12 hour relief of nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose, itchy, watery eyes and itchy nose and throat. Find it behind the pharmacy counter.
Does Zyrtec help with sinus pressure?
2. Antihistamine Medications. Along the same lines as OTC options, antihistamine medications, such as Sudafed, Claritin, Zyrtec or Benadryl, can also offer sinus infection symptom relief.
How long does it take Zyrtec to work?
The onset of effect occurs within 20 minutes in 50% of people and within an hour in 95%. Effects persist for at least 24 hours following a single dose of Zyrtec.Jun 28, 2021
Do you have to eat before taking allergy pills?
Take the disintegrating tablet on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. There may be other drugs that can affect Allegra 24 Hour Allergy. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products.Apr 21, 2021
Can I take telfast on an empty stomach?
Take Telfast with a glass of water. It may be taken with or without food. For the relief of the symptoms of hayfever, the usual dosage for adults and children over 12 years of age is one Telfast 180mg tablet daily when required.
What medications should you not take with Zyrtec?
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products that cause drowsiness such as opioid pain or cough relievers (such as codeine, hydrocodone), alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (such as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), or ...
What should you not take with Zyrtec?
Allergy medications can be taken by mouth or applied to specific areas, such as the eyes or nose. Oral antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and cetirizine (Zyrtec), should never be taken together, as this can lead to dangerous complications.Jun 4, 2021
Does Zyrtec affect sleep?
“Many allergy sufferers know that antihistamines work for their symptoms but also make them sleepy. People sometimes turn to these medications to help them sleep, even when they're not sick. But the use of medication to force children or adults to sleep is generally not the best idea,” said Dr.
How long does it take for Zyrtec to work?
The onset of effect occurs within 20 minutes in 50% of people and within an hour in 95%. Effects persist for at least 24 hours following a single dose of Zyrtec. No tolerance has been found to Zyrtec's antihistaminic effect. Once discontinued, the skin recovers its normal reactivity to histamine within three days.
What is Zyrtec used for?
2. Upsides. Used to treat allergic-type reactions due to perennial or seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever).
What medications interact with Zyrtec?
Common medications that may interact with Zyrtec include: anticonvulsants, such as fosphenytoin, lamotrigine, levetiracetam, phenytoin, or valproic acid. antidepressants, such as clomipramine, escitalopram, or fluvoxamine. antipsychotics, such as aripiprazole, chlorpromazine, or clozapine. baclofen.
Is Zyrtec a loratadine?
Although drowsiness with Zyrtec is uncommon, Zyrtec is more likely than loratadine to cause drowsiness. 5. Tips. May be taken with or without food.
Can you take Zyrtec with kidney disease?
The dosage of Zyrtec should be reduced in kidney disease and caution should be exercised when Zyrtec is used in people with seizure disorders. Zyrtec, like all other antihistamines, may decrease the response to skin prick tests. Discontinue Zyrtec at least 72 hours prior to skin testing.
Is Zyrtec safe for children?
Zyrtec does not appear to interact with many drugs (theophylline slightly decreased the clearance of Zyrtec). Zyrtec has been demonstrated to be safe in children older than 6 months. No dosage adjustment is required in liver disease. Available over-the-counter.
Does Zyrtec cause drowsiness?
Because it acts on peripheral histamine receptors, Zyrtec is much less likely to cause drowsiness compared with some older antihistamines.
How long does zyrtec last?
Answer. Zyrtec (cetirizine) is a second generation antihistamine and is dosed once daily as it lasts for about 24 hours. However, for allergy suffers, many want to know exactly how quickly Zyrtec begins to work to reduce allergic symptoms such as sneezing, itching and congestion.
How fast does zyrtec work?
How Fast Does Zyrtec (Cetirizine) Work? Both Zyrtec tablets and the syrup work quickly after taking by mouth. The onset of action is generally 30 minutes to 1 hour and the drug reaches maximum blood concentration in 1 hour for adults. Studies have shown that food can reduce how quickly the drug is absorbed.
How long does it take for Zyrtec to be metabolized?
Half-Life (time for 50% of drug to be metabolized): 6.5 to 10 hours. Usual dose: 5 mg to 10 mg per day. Other: No accumulation of Zyrtec in the body has be noted after continuous daily administration.
Can you take Zyrtec on an empty stomach?
Therefore, Zyrtec should be taken on an empty stomach if you want it to work as quickly as possible.
How to take Zyrtec?
Zyrtec is taken by mouth. Use Zyrtec exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Older adults may need to take a lower than normal dose. Follow your doctor's instructions. You may take this medicine with or without food.
What are the side effects of Zyrtec?
Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have: little or no urination. Common Zyrtec side effects may include: dry mouth, sore throat.
What is zyrtec used for?
Zyrtec is used in adults and children to treat cold or allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, watery eyes, or runny nose.
Can you drink liquid Zyrtec?
If desired, you may drink liquid to help swallow the dissolved tablet. Measure liquid Zyrtec Syrup carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon). Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, if they get worse, or if you also have a fever.
Can Zyrtec make you sleepy?
Tell your doctor if you regularly use other medicines that make you sleepy (such as other cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression, or anxiety). They can add to sleepiness caused by Zyrtec.
Can you drive while taking Zyrtec?
Before using Zyrtec tell your doctor about all your medical conditions or allergies, all medicines you use, and if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Zyrtec may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

How It Works
Upsides
- Used to treat allergic-type reactions due to perennial or seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever).
- Effective at controlling symptoms such as sneezing, itching, watery eyes, runny nose, and itchy throat that occur as part of an allergic reaction or allergy.
- Can provide relief from the itching that occurs as a result of chronic urticaria (hives). Symptoms of hives include raised, red, itchy bumps, streaks, or blotches on the skin.
- Used to treat allergic-type reactions due to perennial or seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever).
- Effective at controlling symptoms such as sneezing, itching, watery eyes, runny nose, and itchy throat that occur as part of an allergic reaction or allergy.
- Can provide relief from the itching that occurs as a result of chronic urticaria (hives). Symptoms of hives include raised, red, itchy bumps, streaks, or blotches on the skin.
- May be used in the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis, insect bites, and other allergic skin disorders.
Downsides
- If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include: 1. A headache, sore throat, abdominal pain, fatigue, drowsiness, or coughing. Other side effects are uncommon. Stop using Zyrtec if you develop an allergy to Zyrtec. 2. Generally does not cause drowsiness, although mor…
Bottom Line
- Zyrtec is an antihistamine that effectively treats allergic-type reactions such as hay fever or skin reactions caused by insect bites. Although drowsiness with Zyrtec is uncommon, Zyrtec is more likely than loratadine to cause drowsiness.
Tips
- May be taken with or without food. Zyrtec is usually taken once a day. During the pollen season, your doctor may advise you to take it every day if you suffer from seasonal allergic rhinitis.
- Although Zyrtec is unlikely to make you drowsy, some people are susceptible to this effect, especially if they are taking dosages at the upper end of the recommended dosage range. D…
- May be taken with or without food. Zyrtec is usually taken once a day. During the pollen season, your doctor may advise you to take it every day if you suffer from seasonal allergic rhinitis.
- Although Zyrtec is unlikely to make you drowsy, some people are susceptible to this effect, especially if they are taking dosages at the upper end of the recommended dosage range. Do not drive or o...
- Seek urgent medical advice if you have hives and develop swelling of the face, throat, or tongue, dizziness, drooling, difficulty speaking, or shortness of breath.
- Zyrtec is not a substitute for epinephrine which is used for the treatment of severe allergies and anaphylaxis.
Response and Effectiveness
- Peak concentrations are reached within one hour of administration of Zyrtec tablets or syrup. The onset of effect occurs within 20 minutes in 50% of people and within an hour in 95%.
- Effects persist for at least 24 hours following a single dose of Zyrtec. No tolerance has been found to Zyrtec's antihistaminic effect. Once discontinued, the skin recovers its normal reactivity to...
- Peak concentrations are reached within one hour of administration of Zyrtec tablets or syrup. The onset of effect occurs within 20 minutes in 50% of people and within an hour in 95%.
- Effects persist for at least 24 hours following a single dose of Zyrtec. No tolerance has been found to Zyrtec's antihistaminic effect. Once discontinued, the skin recovers its normal reactivity to...
- Taking 10mg of Zyrtec is more effective than taking 5mg; taking 20mg appears not to provide any additional effect.
- Food has no effect on the overall absorption of Zyrtec; however, it may increase the time it takes for peak levels of Zyrtec to be reached in the blood.
Interactions
- Medicines that interact with Zyrtec may either decrease its effect, affect how long it works for, increase side effects, or have less of an effect when taken with Zyrtec. An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of the medications; however, sometimes it does. Speak to your doctor about how drug interactions should be mana…
References
- Zyrtec [Package Insert] Revised 12/2020. McNeil Consumer Healthcare Division of McNeil-PPC, Inc. https://www.drugs.com/pro/zyrtec.html
Further Information
- Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Zyrtec only for the indication prescribed. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Copyright 1996-2022 Drugs.com. Revision date: June 28, 2021. Medical Disclai…