cetirizine
Cetirizine is used to treat allergy symptoms: sneezing runny nose itching of the nose or throat red, itchy, or watery eyes Cetirizine is also used to treat urticaria (hives; itchy raised red bumps on skin). Cetirizine is in a class of medications called antihistamines. It works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms. Cetirizine is also available in combination with pseudoephedrine. This monograph only includes information about the use of cetirizine alone. If you are taking the cetirizine and pseudoephedrine combination product, read the information on the package label or ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Full drug information on MedlinePlus →This is general information, not medical advice. Pregnancy and breastfeeding decisions should always be made with your healthcare provider.
Can taking cetirizine affect fertility or make it harder to get pregnant?
It is not known whether cetirizine can make it harder for someone to get pregnant. If you have questions about cetirizine and fertility, it is best to discuss them with your healthcare provider.
Does taking cetirizine increase the risk of miscarriage?
Miscarriage can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. The fact sheet notes that several small studies on cetirizine use during pregnancy did not find a higher chance of miscarriage. Any concerns about miscarriage risk should be reviewed with your healthcare provider.
Does taking cetirizine increase the risk of birth defects?
About 3 out of every 100 babies are born with a birth defect, regardless of exposures. The fact sheet reports that studies involving over 1,300 pregnancies exposed to cetirizine did not show an increased chance of birth defects. Your healthcare provider can help you weigh this information in the context of your individual situation.
Can taking cetirizine during pregnancy cause other pregnancy-related complications?
Studies on a small number of pregnancies did not find a higher chance of pregnancy-related problems such as preterm delivery (birth before 37 weeks) or low birth weight (less than 2500 grams). Because the available data are limited, it is a good idea to discuss any concerns about pregnancy outcomes with your healthcare provider.
Can taking cetirizine during pregnancy affect the child's brain development, learning, or behavior?
The MotherToBaby fact sheet states that studies have not been done to see whether cetirizine can cause behavior or learning issues in the child. Because this question has not been studied, any concerns are best discussed with your healthcare provider.
Is it safe to breastfeed while taking cetirizine?
Cetirizine passes into breast milk in small amounts, and most reports show no problems for breastfed babies; compared with some other antihistamines, cetirizine is thought to be less likely to cause drowsiness in the parent or baby. With repeated use, babies can be watched for signs of being unusually sleepy, and any symptoms should be reported to the child's healthcare provider. The product label advises against use while breastfeeding, but the fact sheet notes the benefits may outweigh possible risks—your healthcare provider can help you decide what is best for your situation.
Source: National Library of Medicine
cetirizine