Zirtek is a branded treatment that uses the active ingredient, cetirizine. Cetirizine is a second generation (non-drowsy) antihistamine that helps with the symptoms of a range of allergic conditions, such as hay fever, pet allergies, eczema and hives.
It comes as a tablet, which you can either take to help you with your symptoms when you’ve been exposed to a trigger (such as pet hair or an insect bite) or daily to prevent symptoms from occurring (like in some summer or spring months when the pollen count is high).
How does Zirtek work?
Allergic reactions are when your body incorrectly perceives a substance to be a threat, and as a result produces a chemical called ‘histamine’, which can cause a runny nose, itching, sneezing and rashes.
Antihistamines like Zirtek work by stopping the chemical, histamine, from being produced and causing these allergy symptoms. So, if you’re taking Zirtek to help with conditions like eczema or hives it won’t actively treat it, but rather lessen your itchy and uncomfortable symptoms - which can stop you from scratching your skin.
What doses of Zirtek are there?
Zirtek is only available in one dose, so if it’s not working as you’d hoped to treat your symptoms you should talk to our clinician. They might recommend another treatment.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
ZirtekCetirizine
How to take Zirtek
You should always take Zirtek as you’ve been instructed by our clinician. To use Zirtek:
don’t take more than one tablet per day unless you’ve been told otherwise
swallow the tablet whole with water
children between 6-12 should have half a tablet a day unless told otherwise
How long does it take Zirtek to work?
You should start to feel better within an hour. If you aren’t feeling relief from your symptoms, don’t take more. Speak to our clinician for advice.
What should I do if I make a mistake when taking Zirtek?
If you’ve accidentally taken too much Zirtek you should contact a clinician. They’ll tell you what to do based on how much you’ve taken and how you’re feeling. If you forget a dose of Zirtek then you can take it as soon as you remember. Just make sure that you leave 24 hours between doses, and don’t double up on doses to make up for missed ones.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
ZirtekCetirizine
ZirtekCetirizine
FAQ: Zirtek
Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.
How is Zirtek different from other antihistamines?
Answer:
Zirtek is what’s known as a non-drowsy antihistamine. This means that it’s a lot less likely to make you feel drowsy than some other antihistamines, like chlorphenamine (the active ingredient in Piriton). Some antihistamines use other active ingredients as well, so even though they all work largely in the same way to help with your symptoms, they’ll have a slightly different effect on your body, and might give you different side effects.
If you’re not sure which type of antihistamine could be best for you, talk to our clinician. They’ll be able to help you choose the best treatment for you based on your health needs and preferences.
Is Zirtek similar to any other treatments?
Answer:
There are quite a few different treatments that have the same active ingredient as Zirtek (Cetirizine). This means that they’ll all work in the same way to treat your symptoms, but will be branded differently and will have been produced in different labs.
You can also get Cetirizine as a generic medication. This means that it can be produced in a number of different labs, but because it doesn’t have the branding, it’s usually a bit cheaper than its branded equivalents.
Do I need a prescription for Zirtek?
Answer:
No, you don’t need a prescription for Zirtek. In fact, it can be bought over the counter from many shops, supermarkets and pharmacies.
Why should I buy Zirtek online with Treated?
Answer:
We can get you the treatment that you need once you’ve talked to us about your health. We know that allergy symptoms can be frustrating, but with our range of products and expert advice, we can make it easy for you to get the best treatment for you.
We also provide flexible subscriptions, so if you need to use antihistamines on a regular basis, it can save you the hassle of running out or having to get them from the shop or pharmacy. You can pause, change, or cancel your subscription whenever you like.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please talk to a doctor.
