Cetirizine is a medication used to treat such allergy symptoms as itching, watery eyes, a runny nose and hives. According to Drugs.com, certirizine is an antihistamine medication that blocks the body from releasing histamine, a natural substance in the body that causes allergy symptoms. Typically, you will begin taking 5 to 10mg of cetirizine daily, according to the National Library of Medicine.
Common Side Effects
In a placebo-controlled study of 2,034 patients taking certirizine, the National Library of Medicine found that 13.7 percent of studied patients developed drowsiness, 5.9 percent developed fatigue, 5.0 developed dry mouth and 2.0 percent developed pharyngitis (a sore throat) and dizziness. These side effects are not life-threatening, but it is important to tell your doctor if these effects last for more than two days.
Serious Side Effects
According to Drugs.com, cetirizine can cause tachycardia (fast heartbeat), palpitations (pounding heartbeat) and an irregular heartbeat. These heart rhythm abnormalities affect the heart's ability to pump blood to your body. Cetirizine can also cause trouble sleeping, weakness, confusion, hyperactivity, visual problems and decreased urination. Infrequent urination can lead to dehydration, elevated blood urea nitrogen levels (substance produced by your kidneys) and acute kidney failure. Drink about eight glasses of water per day to rehydrate yourself.
Rare Side Effects
In a study of 3,892 adults taking cetirazine, the National Library of Medicine found that fewer than 2 percent developed flushing, urinary retention, heart failure and hypertension (high blood pressure). Heart failure refers to a condition in which your heart cannot pump enough blood to the rest of your body. Cetirazine can also cause earaches, deafness, tinnitus (ringing of your ears), thirst and dehydration. This medication can affect your psyche and cause anxiety, amnesia, nervousness and paranoia. Inform your physician if you have these side effects.
Additional Concerns
Avoid cetirizine if you are hypersensitive to it. You can develop such severe side effects as hives, swelling of your face, tongue or lips and difficulty breathing. Call 911 if you experience these side effects.
Drugs.com says it is unclear if cetirazine can harm your baby during nursing or pregnancy. Inform your doctor when you want to breastfeed or become pregnant.
MedlinePlus indicates you should not take theophyline sedatives, sleeping pills or tranquilizers while taking cetirizine, as it may lead to the aforementioned side effects.
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