Doctor explains CETIRIZINE | Uses, doses, side effects & more [Educational guide]

Sun, 17 Aug 2025 22:13:42 +0000

In this video Doctor O'Donovan explains key things you need to know about cetirizine (brand names: Allacan, Benadryl Allergy, Piriteze Allergy, Zyrtek Allergy).

Cetirizine is an antihistamine medicine that helps the symptoms of allergies.

It's used to treat:

- hay fever
- conjunctivitis (red, itchy eye)
- eczema
- hives (urticaria) – an itchy, raised rash that’s usually caused by an allergic reaction
- reactions to insect bites and stings
- some food allergies

Cetirizine is known as a non-drowsy antihistamine. It's much less likely to make you feel sleepy than some other antihistamines.

Cetirizine is available on prescription, and to buy from pharmacies and shops.

It comes as tablets, capsules and as a liquid that you swallow.

Key facts

1. You'll usually take cetirizine once a day. Children aged under 12 years old take a lower dose twice a day.
2. Cetirizine is classed as a non-drowsy antihistamine, but some people still find it makes them feel quite sleepy. Do not drive or ride a bike if it makes you sleepy.
3. Common side effects include headaches, dry mouth, feeling sick, feeling dizzy and diarrhoea.
4. Some brands of cetirizine come as capsules. These may contain soya oil. Do not take cetirizine capsules if you’re allergic to peanuts or soya.

Some Benadryl products do not contain cetirizine, but a different antihistamine such as acrivastine.

**‘Reporting of side effects**

If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in the package leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at [a website address which links directly to the MHRA Yellow Card site].

By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.’

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Content and TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Introduction
01:08 - What is Cetirizine and how does it work?
02:02 - Who can and can't take it?
03:22 - How and when to take it?
05:29 - Side effects
06:47 - Pregnancy and breast feeding information
07:30 - Interactions with other medications
08:00 Common questions
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Further information from trusted sources:

Information from NHS: https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/c....etirizine/about-ceti

Cleveland Clinic (USA): https://my.clevelandclinic.org..../health/drugs/19298-

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#doctor #health #medical #allergy #medication #pharmacology
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Disclaimer:

The video is intended as an EDUCATIONAL resource only. It is ONLY intended as an instructional, factual guide and NOT advertising.

The information within this video or on this channel is NOT designed to replace professional input, so if you have any medical issues please consult a medical provider. No professional relationship is being created by watching this video. Dr. O’Donovan cannot give any individual medical advice. All information should be verified for accuracy by the individual user. Dr O’Donovan accepts no responsibility for individual interpretation of data, although it is always accurate to the best of his knowledge at the time of the video being published. This is an EDUCATIONAL video. Images are used in accordance with fair use guidelines.

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Date published: 28/01/2024. Next review date: 22/01/2027