Cetirizine
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Reviewed on Feb 18, 2026. by Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell Writer & Clinical Content Reviewer Next review due on January 08, 2029.
Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell

Last updated on Feb 18, 2026.

Antihistamine tablet to ease itching and inflammation caused by hives.

Cetirizine is an FDA-approved antihistamine used to relieve hives. It’s the generic version of Zytrec, which means it contains the same active ingredient and works in the same way – it just might be a cheaper alternative.

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10mg
$79.95
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Cetirizine Cetirizine

What is Cetirizine?

Cetirizine is an antihistamine pill used to relieve hives. Hives are when itchy red welts suddenly appear on your skin because of an allergen (like food or medicine), your environment (the temperature or pressure), or an infection. It’s caused by the release of a chemical called histamine. Cetirizine blocks this chemical to ease your symptoms.

Some other antihistamines pass through the barrier between your bloodstream and your brain, making you drowsy after taking them. Cetirizine typically doesn’t, which means that it (usually) doesn’t come with the same sedative side-effects as other alternatives. This means it can be a good option if you’re looking for an antihistamine you can take at any time of the day without feeling sleepy.

How does Cetirizine work?

When you’re exposed to a trigger for hives, your body releases a substance called histamine from immune cells known as mast cells. Histamine is responsible for causing the inflammation and discomfort that characterizes hives outbreaks. Cetirizine binds to histamine H1-receptors in your body, which blocks histamine from being able to bind to them. This stops the allergic response, and relieves the symptoms of hives.[1]

How do Cetirizine doses work?

Cetirizine tablets come in one dose, a 10 mg tablet. It’s also available in a 5 mg/5 ml oral solution, but we don’t currently offer this option.

What is the active ingredient in Cetirizine?

Cetirizine is a generic medicine that gets its name from its active ingredient: cetirizine hydrochloride. It’s a type of antihistamine with anti-inflammatory properties used to relieve and prevent symptoms caused by histamine, like the welts, itching, and inflammation associated with hives.

Treated trusted source:

  1. Navqi, A. Patel, P. Gerriets, V. (2024). Cetirizine. StatPearls. StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL).
Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell
This page was medically reviewed by Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell on January 08, 2026. Next review due on January 08, 2029.

How we source info.

When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.

Cetirizine Cetirizine

How to take Cetirizine

You should always follow your prescriber’s guidance when taking Cetirizine. You’ll usually take one Cetirizine tablet each day with a drink of water for as long as you need it. This may only be for one or two days if you’re exposed to an allergen or have a reaction to an insect bite, for example. But if your hives are chronic, you may need to take it regularly for a longer period of time to manage your symptoms. Speak to your healthcare provider if you’re not sure how long you’ll need to take it for.

Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell
This page was medically reviewed by Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell on January 08, 2026. Next review due on January 08, 2029.

How we source info.

When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.

Cetirizine Cetirizine

Cetirizine isn’t suitable for everyone, and there are some things that you need to be aware of when taking it.

Here’s all the official info on it. If anything is unclear, let our clinician know, and they can talk with you about it.

Cetirizine Cetirizine

Cetirizine: FAQ

Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.

Are there any alternatives to Cetirizine?

Answer:
Yes, there are other options available to manage hives. Montelukast (sold under the brand Singulair) is a non-antihistamine treatment for hives. It works by blocking leukotrienes, which are inflammatory molecules that are released by immune cells (called mast cells) in response to an allergic reaction. They can cause the swelling and inflammation associated with hives, so blocking their effects should relieve your symptoms. This makes Montelukast a good option if you can’t (or would prefer not to) take antihistamines, or if they haven’t been effective for you.[1]

If your hives are severe, Prednisone might be prescribed for a short period of time (usually alongside an antihistamine). It’s a type of corticosteroid with anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant properties, which means it should provide relief from symptoms of hives and help prevent the immune response causing them. Research suggests that a short course of Prednisone alongside antihistamine treatment helped improve hives more quickly than antihistamines alone.[2]

How effective is Cetirizine for Hives?

Answer:
Cetirizine is clinically proven to relieve outbreaks of hives.[3] In one study of 30 individuals with hives, Cetirizine was found to significantly reduce the occurrence of lesions, redness, and itching in 26 of the 30 participants.[4]

Do I need a prescription for Cetirizine?

Answer:
No, Cetirizine 10 mg is available over-the-counter as an allergy-relief medication. It used to be prescription only, but became available over-the-counter in 2007.[3] However, you still may need to answer some questions from a pharmacist to make sure it’s the right treatment for you before you can use it.

How long does it take Cetirizine to work for hives?

Answer:
Cetirizine gets to work quickly to relieve symptoms of hives. You should notice the benefits after between 20 and 60 minutes of taking your tablet.[3]

What should I do if I make a mistake when taking Cetirizine?

Answer:
If you forget to take a dose of Cetirizine, you can take your missed dose as soon as you remember. But if it’s almost time for you to take your next one, skip the missed dose and carry on as normal from your upcoming tablet. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

If you accidentally take too much Cetirizine, speak to your doctor right away. You may experience:

  • Confusion

  • Diarrhea

  • Dizziness

  • Tiredness

  • Headache

  • Dilated pupils

  • Itching

  • Restlessness

  • Sleepiness

  • Rapid heart rate

  • Tremors

  • Urinary retention

  • Feeling generally unwell

Does Cetirizine cause side effects?

Answer:
Like any medicine you might use, Cetirizine has a risk of associated side effects. They’re rare, but if you experience any of the following, stop taking Cetirizine right away and get medical attention – they could be signs of an allergic reaction:

  • Rash

  • Swelling of the face or throat

  • Difficulty breathing


The most common Cetirizine side effects, affecting up to one in ten people, are:

  • Sleepiness

  • Headaches

  • Dizziness

  • Sore throat

  • Runny nose

  • Diarrhea

  • Nausea

  • Dry Mouth

  • Fatigue


This isn’t a complete list of all of the side effects associated with Cetirizine. For more information, check the patient package insert, or speak with your physician.

Can I get Cetirizine through private health insurance?

Answer:
Because it’s available over-the-counter, most health insurance plans won’t cover Cetirizine for hives. But you should always check your insurer’s formulary or get in touch with them, to check which medications they cover and for what purpose.

If you’re unable to get Cetirizine through your health insurance, you should still be able to get it over-the-counter, or from an online pharmacy service. A healthcare professional will just need to ask a few questions to make sure it’s right for you.

Treated trusted source:

  1. BMJ. (2003). Montelukast helps chronic urticaria. The British Medical Journal. 326(7381).
  2. Pollack Jr, C.V. Romano, T.J. (1995). Outpatient management of acute urticaria: the role of prednisone. Annals of Emergency Medicine. 26(5). pp. 547-551.
  3. Navqi, A. Patel, P. Gerriets, V. (2024). Cetirizine. StatPearls. StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL).
  4. Juhlin, L. Arendt, C. (1988). Treatment of chronic urticaria with cetirizine dihydrochloride a non-sedating antihistamine. British Journal of Dermatology. 119(1). pp. 67-71.

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