TempoLife › Medicine reference › cetirizine
Cetirizine
Hay fever, allergies and hives.
General information only, not medical advice, and no doses. Read the leaflet in your pack and ask a pharmacist about your own situation, other medicines, pregnancy or any health condition.
At a glance
| Generic name | Cetirizine |
|---|---|
| Type | Antihistamine (low-drowsy) |
| Commonly used for | Hay fever, allergies and hives. |
| With food? | With or without food. |
| Alcohol | It can make some people a little drowsy, and alcohol may add to that, so see how it affects you first. |
| Timing | Once a day; some people prefer the evening if it makes them sleepy. |
Food and drink
With or without food. It can make some people a little drowsy, and alcohol may add to that, so see how it affects you first.
When to take it
Once a day; some people prefer the evening if it makes them sleepy.
Good to know
A common, generally well-tolerated allergy option; a pharmacist can help you choose between it and loratadine. If anything about your own use is unclear, a pharmacist can advise for free.
Other common medicines
Paracetamol
Mild to moderate pain such as headache, toothache and muscle aches, and lowering a fever.
Ibuprofen
Pain, inflammation and fever — for example period pain, sprains, back pain and dental pain.
Aspirin
Pain and fever at normal doses; a low daily dose is used, only on medical advice, to reduce clotting risk.
Naproxen
Pain and inflammation, including muscle and joint pain and period pain; it is longer-acting than ibuprofen.
Omeprazole
Heartburn, acid reflux and stomach or gut ulcers.
Loratadine
Hay fever and other allergies, and itchy hives.
Source: General medicine information paraphrased from standard patient-information-leaflet guidance. Always read the leaflet in your pack. · checked 2026-09-04
Frequently asked questions
What is Cetirizine used for?
Hay fever, allergies and hives.
Can I drink alcohol with Cetirizine?
It can make some people a little drowsy, and alcohol may add to that, so see how it affects you first.
Should I take Cetirizine with food?
With or without food.
See the pattern over time
TempoLife logs symptoms, food and sleep, so you can bring a clear picture to your pharmacist or doctor.