Cetirizine
Also known as: Zyrtec, Piriteze, Zirtec
**Cetirizine** is an antihistamine commonly used to help manage allergic skin disease, itching, and sometimes respiratory allergies in pets. * **Administration**: Can be given with or without food. If your pet vomits after taking it, try giving the next dose with a small treat or meal. * **Side Effects**: Generally very well tolerated. Mild sleepiness, drooling, or occasional vomiting may occur. If your pet seems excessively drowsy, contact your veterinarian. * > **CRITICAL WARNING**: Only use plain cetirizine. **Never** give your pet "Zyrtec-D" or any product containing decongestants like pseudoephedrine. These ingredients are extremely toxic and potentially fatal to dogs and cats. * **Allergy Testing**: If your pet is scheduled for allergy skin testing, ask your veterinarian when you should stop giving this medication beforehand, as it can interfere with the test results. * **Cost**: While generic options are available, it may be more expensive than older antihistamines like Benadryl.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- For adjunctive treatment of non-responsive chronic rhinosinusitis
- General antihistamine use
- For adjunctive treatment of pruritus
- Antihistamine
- For atopic dermatitis
- For atopic dermatitis
- For allergic dermatitis
- For adjunctive treatment of pruritus
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Vomiting
- Hypersalivation (drooling)
- Somnolence (drowsiness/sedation, especially in small dogs at higher dosages)
- Dry mouth (reported in humans)
Cautions & contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to cetirizine or hydroxyzine
- Combination products containing pseudoephedrine (e.g., Zyrtec-D) are strictly contraindicated in dogs and cats
- > **CRITICAL WARNING**: Combination products containing pseudoephedrine (e.g., Zyrtec-D) are **highly toxic** to dogs and cats and must never be used. * **Organ Impairment**: Dosage adjustment is recommended in patients with severe renal or hepatic impairment, as the drug is primarily excreted unchanged in the urine. * **Allergy Testing**: Discontinue medication well in advance of any hypersensitivity (intradermal) skin testing to avoid false-negative results. * **Pregnancy/Nursing**: Categorized as FDA Category B in humans. Approximately 3% of a dose is excreted into milk in Beagles; while probably safe, caution is advised in nursing animals.
Drug interactions
- CNS Depressants: Additive CNS depression if used concurrently with cetirizine
Frequently asked questions
What is Cetirizine used for in pets?
**Cetirizine** is an antihistamine commonly used to help manage allergic skin disease, itching, and sometimes respiratory allergies in pets. * **Administration**: Can be given with or without food. If your pet vomits after taking it, try giving the next dose with a small treat or meal. * **Side Effects**: Generally very well tolerated. Mild sleepiness, drooling, or occasional vomiting may occur. If your pet seems excessively drowsy, contact your veterinarian. * > **CRITICAL WARNING**: Only use plain cetirizine. **Never** give your pet "Zyrtec-D" or any product containing decongestants like pseudoephedrine. These ingredients are extremely toxic and potentially fatal to dogs and cats. * **Allergy Testing**: If your pet is scheduled for allergy skin testing, ask your veterinarian when you should stop giving this medication beforehand, as it can interfere with the test results. * **Cost**: While generic options are available, it may be more expensive than older antihistamines like Benadryl.
Is Cetirizine safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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