Cetirizine - Zirtek

Allergic rhinitis (hayfever), chronic urticaria (hives), perennial allergic rhinitis (dust mite, pet dander), and other allergic conditions.

Cetirizine is a selective H1 histamine receptor antagonist. It blocks the action of histamine - the chemical your body releases during allergic reactions that causes itching, sneezing, runny nose and watery eyes. It doesn’t cross the blood-brain barrier as readily as older antihistamines, so it causes less drowsiness.

Adults and children over 6 (liquid available for younger children). Non-drowsy for most people, though some individuals do experience mild sedation. Safe in most conditions. Dose adjustment needed in severe kidney impairment.

Order online and we review your request. A prescriber checks your consultation form for clinical appropriateness and contacts you if anything else is needed. Once approved, your medication is dispensed and delivered to your door.

Tracked: Tracked delivery, arrives tomorrow - Free

When it arrives: Every order is sent tracked. Where this page says in post today, it goes out today. Where it says in post tomorrow, it goes out the next working day. On the rare occasions a medicine is unavailable, we will contact you to talk about timing and alternatives.

We dispense clinically equivalent generic medications where available. Prices shown are for the generic version. If you prefer the branded version, let us know in your order form and we will confirm any price difference.

Cetirizine from £10.99 per pack.

Generally well tolerated. Uncommon: headache, drowsiness (less common with newer antihistamines), dry mouth, fatigue.

Hypersensitivity. Use with caution in epilepsy, prostatic hypertrophy, urinary retention, narrow-angle glaucoma (sedating antihistamines).

Minimal interactions with non-sedating antihistamines. Avoid grapefruit juice with fexofenadine.

Non-sedating antihistamines (cetirizine, loratadine): limited data but widely used without evidence of harm. Generally preferred over sedating antihistamines in pregnancy. Compatible with breastfeeding in short courses.

Take once daily, with or without food. Non-drowsy for most people, but can cause mild sedation in some - see how it affects you before driving. Can be taken long-term for chronic allergies. Doesn’t interact with many other medications. If one antihistamine doesn’t work well, switching to a different one often helps.