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How Safe Is Cetirizine for Children?

Amanda R. Bell
Amanda R. Bell

Cetirizine, a medication available over-the-counter and through prescription depending on the country, is an antihistamine that is generally considered safe for most children over the age of two years to take. While cetirizine for children is meant to treat allergies, it can be dangerous in children with specific allergies. In some patients, this antihistamine can cause side effects which are generally mild, but can become serious for some children.

Children over two years old who suffer from indoor or outdoor allergies are often prescribed cetirizine. In some cases, children under two may also be prescribed this drug, although this typically only occurs in severe cases. While cetirizine for children is available over the counter in many countries, any medication that a child takes should be discussed with his or her doctor prior to use.

Cetirizine, often used for treating seasonal allergies in adults, is generally safe for children over the age of two.
Cetirizine, often used for treating seasonal allergies in adults, is generally safe for children over the age of two.

While cetirizine for children is generally considered to be safe, it is potentially dangerous for children who are allergic to it or hydroxyzine, contained in both OTC and prescription versions of this drug. Other inactive ingredients such as preservatives, dyes, or flavorings vary by manufacturer, but a child who is allergic to any of these should not take cetirizine for children. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include difficulty breathing, swelling in the face or throat, or other signs of an allergic reaction such as vomiting or a rash.

Fatigue may be experienced during an allergic reaction to cetirizine.
Fatigue may be experienced during an allergic reaction to cetirizine.

As with most medications, even those considered safe, there is a chance of side effects when taking cetirizine for children. The most common is sleepiness, and it is typically recommended that this medication be taken right before bed. In rare cases, this medication can have the opposite effect, and cause a child to become rambunctious shortly after taking the recommended dose. Dizziness, headaches, and stomach pains may also occur, especially when a child first starts taking this medication. Like most antihistamines, cetirizine for children commonly causes dry mouth, which may be irritating to young kids.

A child may experience dizziness and headaches the first time they take cetirizine.
A child may experience dizziness and headaches the first time they take cetirizine.

In very rare cases, this drug can have severe side effects outside of an allergic reaction to the drug itself. A child taking cetirizine may pass out, experience muscle weakness or extreme fatigue, or develop a rash. If any of these reactions occur, the child should be taken to the closest emergency room. While the majority of manufacturers utilize child-safe packaging for this drug, a child accidentally taking too much of it could result in an overdose. If this occurs, the child’s doctor and poison control, if available in the parent or caregiver’s area, should be contacted immediately.

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    • Cetirizine, often used for treating seasonal allergies in adults, is generally safe for children over the age of two.
      By: FedeCandoniPhoto
      Cetirizine, often used for treating seasonal allergies in adults, is generally safe for children over the age of two.
    • Fatigue may be experienced during an allergic reaction to cetirizine.
      By: pyansetia2008
      Fatigue may be experienced during an allergic reaction to cetirizine.
    • A child may experience dizziness and headaches the first time they take cetirizine.
      By: Gelpi
      A child may experience dizziness and headaches the first time they take cetirizine.
    • Cetirizine is potentially dangerous for children who are allergic to it.
      By: Ilike
      Cetirizine is potentially dangerous for children who are allergic to it.
    • Antihistamines may be used to reduce the itching and swelling caused by a mosquito bite.
      By: demarfa
      Antihistamines may be used to reduce the itching and swelling caused by a mosquito bite.
    • Signs of an allergic reaction to cetirizine may include the development of a rash.
      By: Rob Byron
      Signs of an allergic reaction to cetirizine may include the development of a rash.
    • Children experiencing an allergic reaction to cetirizine may experience difficulty breathing.
      By: Leah-Anne Thompson
      Children experiencing an allergic reaction to cetirizine may experience difficulty breathing.
    • Cetirizine is sold in over-the-counter and prescription forms.
      By: HconQ
      Cetirizine is sold in over-the-counter and prescription forms.