Zyrtec is used to treat hay fever--an umbrella term for allergies to airborne dust and pollen--as well as allergies to roaches, mold, animal dander and dust mites. Zyrtec treats runny nose, itchy and watery eyes, sneezing and itchy nose and throat. Zyrtec can also treat itchiness and redness from hives. Zyrtec includes the main active ingredient cetirizine and comes in two inactive ingredient formulations.
Cetirizine
The main active ingredient is cetirizine, which is an antihistamine. Cetirizine blocks the release of histamine, a chemical that causes allergic reaction symptoms. Zyrtec contains 10 mg of cetirizine. Side effects of cetirizine can include dry mouth, drowsiness, excessive tiredness, stomach pain, diarrhea and vomiting.
Fillers
Formulation one of Zyrtec contains hypromellose, a thickening agent; lactose monohydrate, a filler which makes pills larger; and microcrystalline cellulose, a filler that binds cetirizine to the rest of the pill. Formulation two of Zyrtec contains the fillers lactose monohydrate, cornstarch and povidone, which binds cetirizine to the rest of the pill.
Coatings
Formulation one of Zyrtec contains titanium dioxide, a "pearling" agent that makes the Zyrtec pills white. Formulation two of Zyrtec contains carnauba wax, a tablet coating that makes pills easier to swallow, hypromellose, which either functions as a tablet coating or a binder that keeps the Zyrtec pill together and titanium dioxide, a whitening agent.
Anti-caking Agent
Formulation one of Zyrtec contains colloidal silicon dioxide, an anti-caking agent that prevents moisture from dissolving the Zyrtec pill or for pills from sticking to each other. Formulation two does not contain this chemical.
Disintegrating Agent
Formulation one of Zyrtec contains croscarmellose sodium, a disintegrating agent, which controls where Zyrtec will be broken down. Croscarmellose sodium makes Zyrtec break down in the intestinal tract, as opposed to the stomach or mouth. Formulation two does not contain this chemical.
Solubility Agent
Both formulations of Zyrtec contain polyethylene glycol, which helps with the solubility of cetirizine, ensuring it is absorbed properly in the body.
Manufacturing Additive
Both formulations of Zyrtec contain magnesium stearate, an oil that speeds up the pill manufacturing process by making the pill mix flow more smoothly.
