for illustration purposes
Cetirizine
Cetirizine tablets relieve symptoms of hay fever and allergy for up to 24 hours. The active ingredients cetirizine hydrochloride or cetirizine dihydrochloride can also be found in branded medication such as benadryl and piriteze, which are usually more expensive.
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Next Day Delivery
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Plain & Discreet Packaging
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Confidential Service
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UK registered service
Cetirizine Prices
| Medicine | x30 Tablets (1 Month) | x60 Tablets (2 Months) | x90 Tablets (3 Months) | x180 Tablets (6 Months) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cetirizine 10mg Tablets | £1.45 | £2.89 | £4.29 | £8.49 |
| Cetirizine 10mg Tablets (Teva Brand) | £3.45 | £4.89 | £6.29 |
About Cetirizine
Key points
- Non-drowsy antihistamine
- Take one tablet daily
- Works within 20-60 minutes, lasts for up to 24 hours
What is cetirizine?
Cetirizine is a non-drowsy antihistamine tablet, which is used to treat symptoms of hay fever and allergy. It works by blocking the release of histamine, a chemical released by the body in response to an allergy.
What is cetirizine used for?
Cetirizine is used to treat symptoms of hay fever (allergic rhinitis) and allergy. Symptoms that cetirizine can help to treat include:
- Sneezing
- Runny or blocked nose
- Itchy, watery, or red eyes
- Itchy skin due to hives, eczema, insect bites
How long does cetirizine take to work?
It takes around 20-60 minutes for cetirizine to start working, with the effects lasting for up to 24 hours.
Tip: For long term allergies such as hay fever, start taking cetirizine for 2 weeks before exposure.
Cetirizine Dosage Instructions
Take one tablet daily (with or without food).
Tip: It does not matter what time of day you take cetirizine, as the effects will build up over time. However, it is advisable to take cetirizine at night, in case you experience drowsiness.
Note: Liquid cetirizine is available for children. You should read the patient information leaflet for a dosing chart, which will depend on the age or weight of the child.
Can I take 20mg of cetirizine (two tablets)?
The maximum dose of cetirizine in 24 hours in one 10mg tablet. Taking more than this is considered an overdose. Do not take more than one tablet daily.
Cetirizine Ingredients
Active ingredients: Cetirizine hydrochloride or cetirizine dihydrochloride (10mg)
Inactive ingredients: Lactose, maize starch, microcrystalline cellulose, colloidal anhydrous silica, talc magnesium stearate, hypromellose, sodium citrate, titanium dioxide (E171) and macrogol 4000.
Note: Whilst the active ingredients will remain the same, there may be differences within the inactive ingredients. Read the patient information for a full list of ingredients.
Cetirizine Side Effects
Like all medication, cetirizine can cause side effects. Side effects of cetirizine include:
Common (affecting up to 10% of users):
- Sleepiness
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Dry mouth
- Diarrhoea
Uncommon (affecting up to 1% users):
- Skin irritation
- Itchy skin or rash
- Stomach pain
- Extreme tiredness
Seek medical attention if you experience signs of an allergic reaction such as:
- Swelling of the throat, eyes, nose, or mouth
Does cetirizine make you drowsy?
Cetirizine is a non-drowsy antihistamine; however, drowsiness is a side effect which can affect up to 10% of users.
Tip: If you are taking cetirizine for the first time, take a tablet at night to assess your response.
Cetirizine Warnings
Do not take cetirizine if:
- You are allergic to any of the ingredients
- You have stage 4 kidney disease
Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking cetirizine if:
- You have kidney problems
- You have problems urinating
- You have epilepsy
- You are due to have an allergy test (you will need to stop taking cetirizine a few days before your test)
Cetirizine In Pregnancy
Cetirizine is safe to take in pregnancy, however, other antihistamines such as loratadine have more evidence to support use during pregnancy.
Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you wish to use cetirizine whilst pregnant.
Cetirizine In Breastfeeding
Cetirizine is usually safe to take whilst breastfeeding if your baby is healthy.
Small amounts can pass through the breast milk. If your baby is not feeding as normal, seems more tired than usual, or displays any other unusual behavior, stop taking cetirizine and speak to your doctor.
Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you wish to use cetirizine whilst breastfeeding.
Cetirizine Interactions
Cetirizine is safe to take with most medication. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking:
- Betashistine
- Isocarboxazid
- Phenelzine
- Tranylcypromine
You may still be able to take cetirizine, but your dosing regime may need altering.
Can you take cetirizine with alcohol?
Drinking alcohol while taking cetirizine can make you feel very drowsy.
Cetirizine Alternatives
Cetirizine hydrochloride vs cetirizine dihydrochloride
- Both are the same compound, with the same molecular weight. There is no difference between the two
Cetirizine vs loratadine
- Cetirizine works faster than loratadine
- Loratadine lasts longer than cetirizine
- You cannot take cetirizine and loratadine together, or one the same day
- Both are similar in price
Cetirizine vs fexofenadine
- Cetirizine is more likely to cause drowsiness than fexofenadine
- Cetirizine is faster acting, taking 20-60 minutes to work
- Cetirizine is cheaper than fexofenadine
- You cannot take cetirizine and fexofenadine at the same time, or on the same day
Cetirizine vs levocetirizine
- Cetirizine is more likely to cause drowsiness
- Levocetirizine is a prescription only medication whilst cetirizine can be bought over the counter
- Cetirizine is cheaper than levocetirizine
Sources
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NHS UK. (n.d.). Cetirizine. Retrieved February 21, 2024, from https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/cetirizine/
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British National Formulary. (n.d.). Cetirizine Hydrochloride. Retrieved February 21, 2024, from https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/cetirizine-hydrochloride/
No, you should not give cetirizine to your pets, or any animals, unless you have been advised to do so by a vet.
Yes, a syrup form is available for children.
Yes, you can buy cetirizine over the counter.
For as long as there is exposure to the allergen which causes symptoms.
Cetirizine is safe to take long-term and there are no withdrawal effects.
No, weight gain is not a listed side effect.
Yes, however, most NHS doctors will not prescribe cetirizine, and advise patients to purchase it OTC.
Skip the missed dose and ensure the next tablet is taken on time. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.
Summary For Cetirizine
| Medication class | Non-drowsy antihistamine |
|---|---|
| Mechanism of action | Stops histamine release |
| Active ingredient | Cetirizine hydrochloride / cetirizine dihydrochloride |
| Strength | 10mg |
| Effective within | 20-60 minutes |
| Dosage instructions | Take one tablet daily |
| Manufacturer | Allacan, Piriteze, Bell’s healthcare, Teva, Galpharm, Crescent, Relonchem |
| Use with alcohol | In moderation |
OTHER OPTIONS INCLUDE
⭐Available in 2 strengths
⭐Hay fever relief with 8 hours
⭐Fast acting, cost effective hay fever treatment
Fexofenadine is a strong antihistamine tablet containing the active ingredient, fexofenadine hydrochloride. It is used to treat symptoms of allergy, hay fever and itchy skin. It is available in 120mg and 180mg strengths. The recommended dose is one tablet daily.
Mometasone nasal spray helps to relieve symptoms of hayfever & allergies. It contains the active ingredient mometasone furoate (a corticosteroid) which reduces the inflammation in the nose. It is also available as a branded product Nasonex.
Nasonex is a nasal spray that contains the active ingredient mometasone furoate (a corticosteroid) which helps to relieve symptoms of hayfever & allergies by reducing inflammation. Nasonex is also available as a generic product Mometasone.
Avamys nasal spray provides relief from symptoms of hay fever and allergy. It contains a corticosteroid called fluticasone furoate.
⭐Effective within 2 days
⭐Reduces inflammation in nose
⭐Double the amount vs OTC version
Desloratadine is a non-drowsy antihisamine which usually works within 60 minutes. It provides relief for symptoms of allergic rhinitis (hay fever) for up to 24 hours.
Dymista is a nasal spray that helps to relieve symptoms of hayfever & allergies. Dymista contains an antihistamine (Azelastine) which works to reduce symptoms brought about by allergies and also contains a steroid that helps to reduce inflamation (Fluticasone).
Flixonase nasal spray helps to relieve symptoms of hay fever & allergies. This medication provides relief from symptoms such as nasal congestion, itchy nose and runny nose. It contains the active ingredient fluticasone propionate.
Levocetirizine is a non-drowsy antihistamine that provides relief for symptoms of allergic rhinits (hay fever) and hives. It is also available in a branded version under the name Xyzal.
Loratadine is a non-drowsy antihistamine that relieve symptoms of hay fever and allergy. It usually works within 60 minutes and can relieve symptoms for up to 24 hours.
⭐Long-lasting allergy relief
⭐Non-drowsy formula
⭐Effective against multiple allergy triggers
Xyzal tablets contain the active ingredient levocetirizine and are used to relieve symptoms of allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and hives. It is also available as a generic (non-branded) version, Levocetirizine.
Allevia tablets are an antihistamine containing fexofenadine 120mg. They are used to treat the symptoms of hay fever and allergy.
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