Cetirizine
An antihistamine taken just once a day to relieve hay fever, hives, and similar allergic reactions.
View medicineSneezing fits, streaming eyes, and an itchy throat can make an ordinary day hard to get through. Whether your symptoms come from pollen, dust mites, pets, or a reaction to food or insect bites, the right treatment can make a real difference. TopPharma brings together information on allergy medicines available in the UK, so you can understand how each one works before choosing your next step.
Browse our Allergy category to see what each treatment is used for, how it is taken and which safety points apply. If you are unsure what suits you, a pharmacist or doctor can help you decide.
Allergy symptoms vary from person to person, and different medicines target different problems. Some block the body’s histamine response, some calm inflammation inside the nose, and others soothe irritated eyes. In this category you can find information on:
An antihistamine taken just once a day to relieve hay fever, hives, and similar allergic reactions.
View medicineCauses less drowsiness than many older antihistamines, which makes it a popular pick for seasonal allergies.
View medicineA non-sedating antihistamine that helps with hay fever symptoms and itchy skin reactions.
View medicineStarts working quickly, though it’s more likely to make you feel sleepy than newer antihistamines.
View medicineSprays containing beclometasone or fluticasone, which help settle a stuffy, runny, or itchy nose.
View medicineDrops such as sodium cromoglicate, used when allergies leave the eyes red, itchy, or watering.
View medicineWe aim to make allergy information easy to follow, with clear product details and none of the confusing jargon.
There is no single best option, because it depends on your symptoms. Antihistamine tablets help with sneezing and itching, steroid nasal sprays work well for a blocked or runny nose, and eye drops target itchy eyes. Many people use a combination, and a pharmacist can suggest what fits.
All three are antihistamines taken once a day. Cetirizine can cause mild drowsiness in some people, while loratadine and fexofenadine are generally less likely to. Individual responses differ, so you may need to try more than one to find what suits you.
Newer antihistamines such as loratadine and fexofenadine are usually described as non-drowsy or less sedating. Older ones such as chlorphenamine are more likely to cause sleepiness, so take care with driving or using machinery.
They do not give instant relief. They usually work best when used regularly, and it can take several days to feel the full benefit. For seasonal allergies, many people start using them shortly before the pollen season begins.
Some are considered more suitable than others, but this depends on your circumstances. Always check with a pharmacist, midwife, or doctor before taking an allergy medicine in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Call 999 straight away if someone has difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, wheezing, or sudden collapse after exposure to a possible trigger. These can be signs of anaphylaxis, which needs emergency treatment and cannot be managed with ordinary antihistamines alone.