What Long-Term Effects Are Caused by Children's Zyrtec?

Children's Zyrtec (cetirizine) has been shown in studies to be a safe medication with a very low risk of long-term side effects. Even short-term effects are characterized as generally mild by the manufacturer.

About Zyrtec

• Zyrtec (cetirizine) is an allergy medication approved for use in children. It is available over-the-counter and in generic formulations.

Safety in Children

• Cetirizine has been shown to be safe in short-term placebo-controlled studies for children as young as six months.

Side Effects

• Side effects of Zyrtec in children are generally mild and uncommon. Clinical studies suggest a slightly increased risk of sleepiness, abdominal pain, and vomiting.

Liver Effects

• Rarely, elevated liver enzymes and hepatitis have been reported with use of cetirizine. However, these effects are reversible, and it has not been established whether they were caused by the medication or were coincidental.

Cancer and Tumors

• Studies in rats showed no increased risk of cancer after two years at the equivalent of 7 times the recommended pediatric dose. In mice, benign (non-cancerous) liver tumors were slightly more likely after 2 years at an equivalent of 3 times the pediatric dose.