In May 2025, the FDA issued a safety warning regarding Zyrtec (cetirizine) and Xyzal (levocetirizine). Stopping these antihistamines after daily, long-term use (months to years) may cause rare but severe, widespread itching (pruritus) within a few days. This withdrawal symptom sometimes requires medical intervention, though restarting or tapering the medication can resolve it.

What is the new warning on Zyrtec?

The main new warning for Zyrtec (cetirizine) from the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), issued in May 2025, concerns a rare but severe itching (pruritus) that can occur when stopping long-term use (months to years) of Zyrtec or Xyzal (levocetirizine). This itching can start within days of stopping the drug, may be widespread, and sometimes requires medical attention, with restarting the medication or tapering off slowly often providing relief.
 

Why can't people over 65 take Zyrtec?

Some elderly people may have higher risk of side effects because of poor kidney function. The drowsiness and fatigue which may occur in a small percentage of patients may be more of a problem for the elderly because of the increased risk of bone fracture if they fall.

Does the FDA warn against Zyrtec?

Rare but severe itching — The FDA warns that stopping long-term daily use of cetirizine (Zyrtec) or levocetirizine (Xyzal) may cause rare but serious pruritus, sometimes requiring medical intervention.

Why is Zyrtec being recalled?

Sandoz issued a voluntary recall of 1,023,430 units of Zyrtec (10 mg) capsules as a result of failed impurities and a specification being reported for impurity at the 21-month stability time point, according to an FDA Enforcement Report.

FDA issues warning about allergy medications

Why is Zyrtec not recommended?

While less common, Zyrtec can sometimes cause mood changes, such as agitation, anxiety, or mood swings. Hallucinations and suicidal thoughts can also happen in rare cases. If you notice a change in your behavior (or your child's) after taking Zyrtec, it's best to stop taking it and seek medical care.

Why is Zyrtec discontinued?

⚠️ This well-known over-the-counter antihistamine and decongestant will no longer be available due to health concerns surrounding its key ingredient, pseudoephedrine.

What are the risks of taking Zyrtec?

Common side effects of cetirizine

• Feeling sleepy or tired. Try a different non-drowsy antihistamine.
• Headaches. Make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids. ...
• Dry mouth. Chew sugar-free gum or suck sugar-free sweets.
• Feeling sick (nausea) ...
• Feeling dizzy. ...
• Diarrhoea. ...
• Sore throat. ...
• Sneezing or blocked and runny nose.

Is Zyrtec processed through the liver or kidneys?

Between 70 – 85% of an orally administered dose can be found in the urine and 10 – 13% in the feces 1. Plasma elimination half-life is 8.3 hours Label. Apparent total body clearance: approximately 53 mL/min Label. Cetirizine is mainly eliminated by the kidneys 1, Label.

Is Zyrtec banned by the FAA?

Likewise, Zyrtec (certirazine) and a similar medication Xyzal may cause drowsiness. They are not permitted by the FAA. The FAA requires waiting at least five times as long as the dosing recommendation after the last dose to fly.

What is the safest antihistamine for seniors?

Older adults should ideally use second-generation antihistamines (like cetirizine, loratadine, or fexofenadine) as they are less likely to cause drowsiness and cognitive impairment compared to first-generation antihistamines.

What happens to your body if you take Zyrtec every day?

Yes, it is safe and recommended to take cetirizine everyday for the temporary relief of allergy symptoms. ZYRTEC® can be taken every day while allergy symptoms are present, however it is best to only take medications, including cetirizine, for as long as your symptoms last.

What allergy medicine to avoid?

“In general, avoid anything that has a D in its name, like Zyrtec-D, since it has a decongestant added,” Niznik says. Allegra-D and Claritin-D are two other examples of allergy medicines that contain both a decongestant and an antihistamine.

Why should people over 65 not take Zyrtec?

Avoid first-generation antihistamines.

They're not only in allergy medications but also popular sleep medications like Tylenol PM and Nyquil. The side effects—possible anxiety, confusion, drowsiness, urine retention, dry mouth and eyes, and dizziness—make these drugs inappropriate for seniors.

How long does it take for Zyrtec to get out of your system?

The elimination half-life of Zyrtec is between 8 to 9 hours. It takes approximately 5.5 x elimination half-life for a medicine to be cleared from your system. For Zyrtec this is 5.5 x 9 hours which is about 2 days.

Does Zyrtec raise blood pressure?

The basic version is mainly for classic allergy symptoms such as runny nose and sneezing – the only medicinal ingredient they contain is called an antihistamine. Examples of these are Allegra, Claritin, and Zyrtec. These will not affect your blood pressure at all.

What is the most unwanted side effect of antihistamines?

Side effects of antihistamines

• sleepiness (drowsiness) and reduced co-ordination, reaction speed and judgement – do not drive or use machinery after taking these antihistamines.
• dry mouth.
• blurred vision.
• difficulty peeing.

What's a good replacement for Zyrtec?

Key takeaways:

Zyrtec (cetirizine), Claritin (loratadine), and Allegra (fexofenadine) are over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines used to treat allergies. Overall, they work similarly well, but you may find that one works better for you.

What is the new version of Zyrtec?

Zyrtec is expanding its lineup of allergy relief medicine with three new offerings to provide allergy sufferers with over-the-counter relief. The new OTC products include Zyrtec Hives Relief tablets, Children's Zyrtec Hives Relief liquid, and Zyrtec Allergy Relief Medicine Tablets 5mg.

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