Cetirizine
Active ingredient · 2 therapeutic classes
Sold as Allergy Relief · Childrens Zyrtec · All Day Allergy · Childrens Allergy Relief · All Day Allergy Relief
- Drug class
- Piperazine Derivatives
- Availability
- Prescription and OTC
- Routes
- Oral
- Markets covered
- 3
- Products on record
- 104
- FDA reports (12 mo)
- 12,464
Overview
Plain-language summary, compiled from the cited regulatory records
Cetirizine is a medication belonging to the piperazine derivatives drug class [1]. It is approved to temporarily relieve symptoms associated with hay fever and other upper respiratory allergies [1]. These symptoms include runny nose, sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, and itching of the nose or throat [1].
In the market, cetirizine is available under various brand names, such as Childrens Zyrtec, All Day Allergy, and Allergy Relief [1]. In the past 12 months, there have been 12,464 adverse event reports associated with this active ingredient [2]. The most frequently reported reactions include off-label use, fatigue, drug ineffectiveness, pruritus, and rash [2].
This is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Regulatory status by market
| Market | Regulator | Products | Last revision |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB United Kingdom | MHRA | 62 | May 29, 2026 |
| US United States | FDA | 34 | April 28, 2026 |
| CA Canada | Health Canada | 8 | February 12, 2026 |
GBUnited Kingdom· MHRA
62 products
Uses
In adults and children 2 years of age and above For the symptomatic treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis (hayfever), perennial rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria in adults and children aged 6 years and over, and for seasonal rhinitis in children aged between 2 and 6 years.
How to take
USUnited States· FDA
34 products
Uses
Uses temporarily relieves these symptoms due to hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies: • runny nose • sneezing • itchy, watery eyes • itching of the nose or throat
How to take
CACanada· Health Canada
8 products
Uses
e. g. pruritus and hives). 1 Pediatrics Pediatrics - Children 2-12 years of age: Cetirizine Oral Solution is indicated for the relief of the symptoms associated with seasonal allergic rhinitis. Cetirizine Oral Solution is indicated for the fast and long-lasting relief of itching due to allergic skin reactions such as hives.
The nasal congestion/stuffiness and itchy nose/throat symptoms have not been adequately studied in the pediatric 2 -12 years of age patient subset. The effectiveness of cetirizine hydrochloride in treating symptoms associated with perennial allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria has not been established in this age group.
2 Geriatrics Geriatrics: Evidence from clinical studies and experience suggests that use in the geriatric population is associated with differences in safety or effectiveness and a brief discussion can be found in the appropriate sections (See Warning and Precautions, Special Populations- Geriatrics).
Drug interactions
Known interactions involving Cetirizine. Select one for details. This list is informational and not a complete interaction checker.
Showing 240 of 547. Type above to find a specific drug.
Interaction data compiled from DDInter (academic, CC-BY). Severity classification only - this is not a complete interaction checker and not medical advice.
Sources & citations
- [1]MHRA (UK) · PL556120093 · revised May 29, 2026
- [2]FDA DailyMed · 0b0190c7-acfd-41… · revised April 28, 2026 [PDF]
- [3]Health Canada (DPD) · 02564033 · revised February 12, 2026
- [4]OpenFDA adverse-event reports (US), 12 months ending June 4, 2026.
Information on this page is compiled from public regulatory records. Drugvu is not affiliated with any regulator or pharmaceutical manufacturer. This is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.