ZYRTEC SYRUP 75ML

What Is ZYRTEC SYRUP?

Zyrtec Syrup contains Cetirizine Hydrochloride, a second-generation antihistamine that blocks histamine H1 receptors throughout the body to prevent and relieve allergic symptoms. Unlike first-generation antihistamines such as Chlorphenamine (Piriton), Cetirizine is largely non-sedating because it does not easily cross the blood-brain barrier, meaning it relieves allergy symptoms effectively without causing significant drowsiness in most people.

Zyrtec Syrup also has a longer duration of action (up to 24 hours from a single dose), allowing once-daily dosing, which significantly improves convenience and adherence compared to antihistamines that need to be taken multiple times a day. The syrup formulation is particularly convenient for children and for adults who find tablets difficult to swallow.

What Is It Used For?

Zyrtec Syrup is used to relieve the itchy, uncomfortable symptoms caused by allergic reactions. It is the go-to antihistamine for both adults and children with allergic rhinitis (hay fever), providing relief from sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, and itchy or watery eyes caused by pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and other allergens.

Zyrtec Syrup is also widely used for urticaria (hives), the itchy raised welts on the skin caused by allergic reactions to foods, medicines, insect stings, or unknown triggers. It can manage both acute and chronic idiopathic urticaria (recurring hives without a known cause).

In Kenya, where allergic rhinitis is increasingly prevalent due to urbanisation and changing environments, and where allergic skin conditions are common year-round, Zyrtec Syrup provides reliable, long-acting, non-drowsy allergy relief for the whole family.

Adults and Children over 12 years

10ml (10mg) once daily, in the evening if any drowsiness is experienced, or any time of day if no sedation occurs.

Children 6–12 years

5ml (5mg) twice daily, OR 10ml (10mg) once daily.

Children 2–6 years

2.5ml (2.5mg) twice daily, OR 5ml (5mg) once daily.

Under 2 years

Not recommended without medical advice.

With or Without Food

Can be taken with or without food.

Measuring

Use the measuring device provided, do not estimate with kitchen spoons.

Common Side Effects

·       Mild drowsiness (occurs in a minority of people, Cetirizine is non-sedating for most but may cause drowsiness in some individuals)

·       Headache

·       Dry mouth

·       Nausea

·       Fatigue

Uncommon Side Effects

·       Dizziness

·       Agitation or restlessness (paradoxical, especially in young children)

·       Abdominal pain

·       Skin rash

Serious Side Effects, Seek Immediate Medical Attention

·       Severe allergic reaction to Cetirizine (rare, anaphylaxis or angioedema: seek emergency care)

·       QT prolongation at very high doses (rare and only at supratherapeutic doses)

·       DRIVING: Although Cetirizine is largely non-sedating, a minority of people do experience drowsiness, do not drive or operate machinery if affected.

·       ALCOHOL: Avoid or limit alcohol, may enhance any sedating effect.

·       RENAL IMPAIRMENT: Reduce dose in patients with significant renal impairment, Cetirizine is excreted renally.

·       PREGNANCY: Limited data; avoid in the first trimester. Second and third trimester use may be considered if the benefit clearly outweighs the risk, consult a doctor.

·       PARADOXICAL EXCITABILITY: Some young children experience hyperactivity or agitation instead of the expected sedating effect, monitor after the first dose.

Alcohol: Enhances any sedating effect, limit intake.

CNS depressants (benzodiazepines, opioids): Additive sedation, use with caution.

Theophylline (high dose): May slightly increase Cetirizine levels, monitor.

Macrolide antibiotics (erythromycin): No clinically significant interaction at standard doses.

No significant interactions with most common medications at standard dosing.

·       Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place.

·       Protect from direct sunlight.

·       Keep the bottle tightly closed after use.

·       Keep out of reach of children.

·       Do not use after the expiry date.

·       Shake gently before use if specified on the label.

Zyrtec Syrup is an over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine available at Pharmily without a prescription. It is suitable for adults and children from 2 years of age. For children under 2 and patients with renal impairment, pharmacist or doctor guidance is recommended.

Zyrtec Syrup (Cetirizine 5mg/5ml) is the UCB flagship non-sedating antihistamine, widely preferred over Piriton (Chlorphenamine) for daytime allergy management due to minimal sedation and once-daily dosing convenience.

Position clearly against Piriton: Zyrtec for daytime use and patients who need to drive or work; Piriton for patients who need sedation (e.g. night-time itch management, or situations where the sedating effect is beneficial). Counsel on the small minority who do experience drowsiness with Cetirizine, advise to test the first dose at home before driving.

The paradoxical excitability in young children is important to pre-empt, counsel parents to monitor after the first dose and report if the child becomes unusually agitated. Renal impairment dosing: reduce to 5mg once daily (half adult dose) in moderate-to-severe renal impairment.

Pregnancy: generally considered relatively safe after the first trimester but advise medical consultation, especially in the first trimester. Accurate measurement device use should be emphasised, particularly for the paediatric doses (2.5ml and 5ml volumes).

How is Zyrtec different from Piriton (Chlorphenamine)?

A: Both are antihistamines, but Zyrtec (Cetirizine) is a second-generation antihistamine that is largely non-sedating and only needs to be taken once a day. Piriton (Chlorphenamine) is older, causes significant drowsiness, and must be taken 3–4 times a day. Zyrtec is preferred for daytime use when you need to stay alert.

Will Zyrtec make my child (or me) drowsy?

A: Cetirizine is non-sedating for most people, but a small proportion do experience some drowsiness. The first dose is best taken at home to see how it affects you or your child before driving or activities requiring full attention.

How often does Zyrtec need to be taken?

A: For adults and children over 12 years, once daily is sufficient; one dose provides 24 hours of allergy protection. Younger children may take it once or twice daily depending on age; follow the dosing guide.

My child seems more hyper after taking Zyrtec, is this normal?

A: Some young children experience a paradoxical reaction, becoming more excitable or agitated rather than sedated. This is rare but recognised. If this happens, contact your pharmacist or doctor, who may advise switching to a different antihistamine.