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Care365 medication guide
Cetirizine
Relieves allergic rhinitis symptoms and hives.
Drug information
Uses, directions and safety information for Cetirizine.
What it is used for
Relieves allergic rhinitis symptoms and hives.
How to use it
Adults commonly use 5-10 mg once daily. Older adults and people with kidney or liver impairment may need a lower dose.
Before use
Avoid cetirizine, hydroxyzine or piperazine allergy and severe kidney impairment. Child dosing is age/product-specific.
Possible side effects
Drowsiness, fatigue, headache and dry mouth; assess alertness before driving.
When to get medical help
Get help for severe rash, facial swelling, breathing difficulty or inability to urinate.
Medicines and interactions
Alcohol and sedating medicines can increase drowsiness.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Ask for individual advice during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Missed doses, storage and accidental exposure
Follow your own product’s missed-dose instructions. If you are unsure, ask a pharmacist before taking an extra dose. Contraceptives, injections and modified-release medicines may need a specific plan.
Keep the original packaging and follow its storage, expiry and disposal instructions. Keep medicines away from children and pets. Ask about refrigeration, after-opening limits and safe sharps disposal when relevant.
For suspected overdose or accidental swallowing, contact poison control or urgent medical care promptly. Call emergency services for breathing difficulty, collapse or a seizure.
Care that starts with a conversation
How Care365 can help
Explore care for your symptoms and prepare for a conversation about treatment. Your healthcare professional will consider your history, current medicines and whether an assessment or referral is appropriate.
Your next steps
Know what to prepare and what to discuss.
Share your history
Prepare your symptoms, allergies, medication list and treatment questions.
Discuss your options
A healthcare professional assesses which care or referral is appropriate.
Plan your follow-up
Follow the advice you receive about treatment, monitoring and next steps.
Related condition guides
Learn about concerns where this medication may be discussed. Treatment depends on your individual assessment.
Prescription renewal and medication review
For a review of Cetirizine, have your current dose, reason for treatment, remaining supply, benefits, side effects and pharmacy details ready. Ask your pharmacist or prescriber whether a renewal assessment is available and appropriate. A prescription or renewal is not guaranteed.
Questions about Cetirizine
What is Cetirizine used for?
Relieves allergic rhinitis symptoms and hives.
How should I use Cetirizine?
Adults commonly use 5-10 mg once daily. Older adults and people with kidney or liver impairment may need a lower dose.
What side effects can Cetirizine cause?
Drowsiness, fatigue, headache and dry mouth; assess alertness before driving.
When should I get medical help while using Cetirizine?
Get help for severe rash, facial swelling, breathing difficulty or inability to urinate.
Can Cetirizine interact with other medicines?
Alcohol and sedating medicines can increase drowsiness.
What should I know about Cetirizine during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Ask for individual advice during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Sources and product information
Sources checked 2026-09-08. Safety sections are highlights; consult the full product information for complete warnings and instructions.
Check the Canadian Drug Product Database by product name or DIN for current product information.
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