Cetirizine, which is marketed under the brand name Zyrtec, is an antihistamine medication available over the counter and by prescription. This medication is indicated to alleviate allergy symptoms in patients with hay fever. Cetirizine decreases levels of histamine, an allergy-inducing substance in the body. Certain people should not take cetirizine due to the potential for serious medical complications.
Cetirizine Allergy
Cetirizine should not be used by patients who are allergic to this active ingredient or hydroxyzine, RxList warns. Allergic patients who take cetirizine can develop a life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis.
Breastfeeding Mothers
This medication can pass into a mother's breast milk and may cause harmful medical complications in breastfed babies, Drugs.com reports. Women who are breastfeeding should not take cetirizine unless otherwise instructed by a doctor. Use of this medication during pregnancy is not expected to harm a developing baby.
Under 6 Months Old
The safety and efficacy of this medication in patients under the age of 6 months have not been clinically evaluated, RxList reports. Patients younger than 6 months should not be administered cetirizine unless otherwise recommended by a medical provider.
