Cetirizine has possible interactions with alcohol and some other drugs. Examples include benzodiazepines and sleeping pills. Talk with your doctor to avoid potentially harmful effects from Cetirizine interactions.
Cetirizine is a generic drug that you can buy over the counter (OTC) without a prescription. It helps relieve symptoms of upper respiratory allergies, such as hay fever, or itching due to hives in adults. Cetirizine OTC is also used for upper respiratory allergies or itching due to hives in children ages 6 years and older.
An interaction occurs when one substance causes another substance to have a different effect than expected.
Cetirizine OTC comes in different forms, and they have the same interactions. The forms are:
- oral tablets
- orally disintegrating tablet
- chewable tablet
- oral capsules
- oral liquid
By learning about possible cetirizine interactions, you can work with your doctor to ensure cetirizine will be safe and effective for you to take.
Before you start treatment with cetirizine, tell your doctor and pharmacist about any prescription, OTC, and other medications you take. By sharing this information with them, you may help prevent possible interactions.
To learn whether cetirizine interacts with supplements, herbs, or vitamins, see the “Cetirizine and other interactions” section.
If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Here’s a table of drugs that can interact with cetirizine. Keep in mind this table doesn’t include all drugs that may interact with cetirizine. Some of these interactions are described in detail in “Drug interactions in depth.”
| Drug class or drug name | Drug examples | Interaction result with Cetirizine |
|---|---|---|
| benzodiazepines | • alprazolam (Xanax) • lorazepam (Ativan) | can increase the risk of dizziness, drowsiness, or slowed brain function |
| certain antidepressants | • mirtazapine (Remeron) • nefazodone | can increase the risk of dizziness, drowsiness, or slowed brain function |
| certain antipsychotic drugs | • aripiprazole (Abilify) • olanzepine (Zyprexa) | can increase the risk of dizziness, drowsiness, or slowed brain function |
| certain anti-seizure drugs | • gabapentin (Neurontin) • pregabalin (Lyrica) | can increase the risk of dizziness, drowsiness, or slowed brain function |
| muscle relaxants | • baclofen • cyclobenzaprine | can increase the risk of dizziness, drowsiness, or slowed brain function |
| other antihistamines | • diphenhydramine (Benadryl) • chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton) | can increase the risk of side effects and antihistamine overdosage |
| opioid pain relievers | • oxycodone (OxyContin) • hydrocodone (Vicodin) | can increase the risk of dizziness, drowsiness, or slowed brain function |
| sleeping pills | • eszopiclone (Lunesta) • zolpidem (Ambien) | can increase the risk of dizziness, drowsiness, or slowed brain function |
In some cases, factors or conditions could prevent you from taking cetirizine due to the risk of harm. These are known as contraindications. Below are the contraindications of cetirizine.
Note: Before you start treatment with cetirizine, it’s important to tell your doctor if these contraindications apply to you. They can determine whether to recommend cetirizine.
Having had an allergic reaction to cetirizine or any of its ingredients
If you have had an allergic reaction to cetirizine or any of its ingredients, you should not take cetirizine. Taking the drug could cause another allergic reaction. You can ask your doctor about other treatments that may be better choices for you.
You should avoid drinking alcohol while taking cetirizine. Consuming alcohol and taking cetirizine may cause side effects, including:
- dizziness
- sleepiness
- decreased awareness
If you have concerns about avoiding alcohol while you’re taking cetirizine, talk with your doctor before starting treatment.
Here’s a closer look at certain drug interactions of cetirizine.
Other antihistamines
Taking cetirizine with other antihistamines can increase the risk of side effects and antihistamine overdosage. This includes dizziness and drowsiness. Older first-generation antihistamines are more likely to cause these side effects. But newer second-generation antihistamines can also lead to side effects and overdosage if you take them with cetirizine.
Here are some first-generation antihistamines that may interact with cetirizine:
- chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton)
- diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
Second-generation antihistamines that may interact with cetirizine include:
- desloratidine (Clarinex)
- levocetirizine (Xyzal)
- loratadine (Claritin)
Steps to take
Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken cetirizine with another antihistamine. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.
Benzodiazepines
Taking cetirizine with a benzodiazepine can increase the risk of dizziness, drowsiness, or slowed brain function. This is called central nervous system (CNS) depression. It can happen because both drugs can cause symptoms of CNS depression. Taking them together can make it worse.
Here are some benzodiazepines that may interact with cetirizine:
- alprazolam (Xanax)
- diazepam (Valium)
- lorazepam (Ativan)
Steps you or your doctor may take
Ask your doctor about taking cetirizine if you take a benzodiazepine.
If your doctor prescribes a benzodiazepine, tell them that you take cetirizine. They may recommend monitoring for increased side effects, such as drowsiness. Or they may prescribe a lower dosage of the benzodiazepine.
Sleeping pills
Cetirizine and sleeping pills can interact to increase the risk of dizziness, drowsiness, or slowed brain function. This is called CNS depression. Sleeping pills can cause CNS depression and cetirizine may make it worse by also causing dizziness and drowsiness.
Here are some sleeping pills that may interact with Cetirizine:
- eszopiclone (Lunesta)
- zaleplon (Sonata)
- zolpidem (Ambien)
Steps you or your doctor may take
If you take a sleeping pill, ask your doctor before starting cetirizine.
Tell your doctor that you take cetirizine if they are going to prescribe a sleeping pill. They may prescribe a lower dosage or recommend monitoring for side effects.
Cetirizine is not known to have other interactions, such as with supplements, foods, vaccines, or lab tests.
Cetirizine interactions with supplements
Cetirizine and herbs
There are no specific reports of herbs interacting with cetirizine. However, that doesn’t mean herbal interactions won’t occur or be recognized in the future. Because of this, it’s important to check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any of these products during cetirizine treatment.
Cetirizine and vitamins
There are no specific reports of vitamins interacting with cetirizine. However, that doesn’t mean vitamin interactions won’t occur or be recognized in the future. Because of this, you should talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any vitamin product with cetirizine.
Cetirizine interactions with food
There were no reports of food interactions with cetirizine. If you’d like to learn more about eating certain foods during treatment with cetirizine, talk with your doctor.
Cetirizine interactions with vaccines
There aren’t any known interactions between cetirizine and vaccines. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to check whether you’re due for any vaccines.
Cetirizine interactions with lab tests
Cetirizine isn’t known to interact with lab tests. If you have concerns about this medication interacting with lab tests, talk with your doctor.
CETRIZINE INTERACTION WITH CANNABIS OR CBDCannabis (often called marijuana) and cannabis products, such as cannabidiol (CBD), have not been specifically reported to interact with cetirizine. However, as with any drug or supplement, talk with your doctor before using cannabis in combination with cetirizine. The impact of cannabis may affect how well you stick to your cetirizine treatment plan.
Note: Cannabis is illegal at a federal level but is legal in many states to varying degrees.
Certain medical conditions and other factors may increase the risk of interactions with cetirizine. Before you take this drug, be sure to talk with your doctor about your health history. Cetirizine may not be the right treatment option if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health.
Health conditions or factors that might interact with cetirizine include:
- Kidney or liver disease: If you have liver or kidney disease, it can be harder for your body to get rid of cetirizine. This can lead to increased side effects, which may be serious. Talk with your doctor before taking cetirizine. They may recommend a lower dosage than usual.
- Allergic reaction: If you’ve had an allergic reaction to cetirizine or any of its ingredients, you should not take cetirizine. Taking the drug could cause another allergic reaction. You can ask your doctor about other treatments that may be a better option for you.
- Breastfeeding: Taking cetirizine while breastfeeding isn’t recommended. Cetirizine passes into breast milk and may cause side effects in a child who is breastfed. If you’re breastfeeding or planning to, talk with your doctor before using cetirizine. They can discuss treatment options and ways to feed a child other than breastfeeding.
- Pregnancy: It isn’t known if cetirizine is safe to use while pregnant. If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, tell your doctor before starting cetirizine. They can advise you on the right treatment plan for you.
Here are some frequently asked questions about cetirizine and possible interactions.
Are there cetirizine interactions with blood pressure medication?
No, there aren’t any interactions reported between cetirizine and blood pressure medications.
However, people with high blood pressure need to be careful using some combination products that contain cetirizine. Some combination medicines also contain a decongestant, such as pseudoephedrine. These decongestants can cause problems for people with high blood pressure.
If you have high blood pressure, ask your doctor or pharmacist about cold and allergy medications that are safe for you.
Can you take cetirizine and ibuprofen together?
Yes, taking cetirizine with ibuprofen is generally safe. There aren’t any reports of an interaction between these two drugs.
Ibuprofen treats minor pain and inflammation. It may be helpful to take ibuprofen if you have sinus pain or swelling due to allergies. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure ibuprofen is safe for you.
You can take certain steps to help prevent interactions with cetirizine. Your doctor and pharmacist are key resources, so reach out to them before starting treatment. For example, you should plan to do the following:
- Let them know if you drink alcohol or use cannabis.
- Tell them about any other medications you take, as well as any supplements, herbs, and vitamins.
- Create a
medication listTrusted Source , which your doctor and pharmacist can help you fill out.
It’s also important to read the cetirizine instructions on the drug packaging. If you need help reading or understanding this information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
You can also help prevent interactions with cetirizine by taking it exactly as recommended.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
