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Cetirizine Pediatric Safety

Cetirizine is the generic name of a prescription medication most commonly sold under the brand name Zyrtec. Despite its effectiveness at alleviating symptoms of seasonal or perennial allergies in children, cetirizine poses a risk for side effects in children.

  1. Side Effects

    • The most common side effect of cetirizine are headaches, which occur in approximately 15 percent of children who take the drug, reports the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Other side effects include pharyngitis, abdominal pain, coughing and drowsiness.

    Drug Interactions

    • When taken with the lung disease drug theophylline, children may experience increased side effects from cetirizine, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

    Age Restrictions

    • Cetirizine has been approved for use in children as young as six months of age, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. It is not safe for use in younger infants.

    Warning

    • Rare, but serious side effects of cetirizine that may occur in children include hypertension, decreased liver functioning, stomach ulceration, high blood sugar or diabetes, deafness and blindness, warns the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

    Considerations

    • Cetirizine may not be safe for use in children with urinary tract blockages, glaucoma, intestinal obstruction or ulcers or liver or kidney disease, cautions the Mayo Clinic.

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