Side effects | Cetirizine

Side effects

Like all drugs, drugs containing the active ingredient cetirizine are not without side effects. Not all side-effects must always occur. The severity of the side effects as well as the occurrence of these is individually different and depends on many factors.

For example, some people may experience certain side effects to a particularly pronounced degree, while other people may not experience these side effects. If the side effects are particularly severe, or if symptoms occur that are unexpected and/or unpleasant, the treating physician should always be consulted. If necessary, the doctor can change the medication and thus prevent the side effects.

Symptoms such as tiredness and drowsiness, dry mouth, nausea, dizziness, headaches and an inflamed throat are heard with great frequency. Although cetirizine belongs to the second generation of antihistamines, which should not normally cause fatigue compared to the first generation, this symptom is still common in many people taking the drug. Occasionally abdominal pain, general malaise, itching, diarrhoea or even extreme fatigue (called asthenia) may also occur.

Rare and extremely rare side effects include vision problems, fainting, a fast heartbeat, weight gain, seizures, nervous system disorders, and an allergic rash. In rare cases, certain blood values can also be affected by taking cetirizine. For example, a reduced number of platelets in the blood may be caused by taking cetirizine.

The operation of heavy machinery, and thus driving, is not normally affected by taking cetirizine. If symptoms occur which subjectively restrict driving, the doctor treating you should always be informed. Since some side effects, some of which are associated with cetirizine, can have serious consequences, a doctor should always be consulted to clarify the symptoms.

Contraindications

If there is severe kidney dysfunction, a doctor should always be consulted before taking cetirizine. The doctor may reduce the dose or prescribe another medication. Even if there are difficulties in urination, cetirizine should only be taken after consulting a doctor.

If you are allergic to the active ingredient or other components of the medication, you should not take the medication. Since the drugs containing cetirizine usually contain lactose, this should be taken into account when taking the drug. If there are any intolerances, the medication should only be taken after consulting a doctor.

The use of cetirizine is not recommended for children under 2 years of age. Older children can take a dose adapted to their body weight. However, this should be done in consultation with a doctor.

Taking cetirizine is not recommended for pregnant women. There is not enough data to guarantee that cetirizine is absolutely harmless to the fetus. If taken accidentally, there is a small risk that it will affect the development of the foetus.

Nevertheless, continued use should be avoided. As the drug passes into breast milk, it is also not recommended to take it while breastfeeding.