Yes, Zyrtec (cetirizine) can effectively help with postnasal drip, especially when it's caused by allergies, by blocking histamine to reduce mucus production, inflammation, and congestion, though it works best for allergy-related drips and might cause drowsiness. As a non-sedating antihistamine, Zyrtec helps thin mucus and is a good choice for managing allergy-induced postnasal drip, along with other options like nasal sprays or saline rinses.
Postnasal Drip Treatments
Cetirizine (Zyrtec®, Reactine®) is an antihistamine used to treat and prevent pruritus (itching) associated with atopic dermatitis, urticaria (hives), and insect bite reactions in cats and dogs. It may also be used for respiratory allergy symptoms. Its use in cats and dogs is off label (extra label).
Common side effects of cetirizine and levocetirizine include fatigue, drowsiness, sore throat, cough, dry mouth, nosebleed, fever, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Self-care at home
You can get postnasal drip for many different reasons. One of the most frequent causes of postnasal drip is allergies, which is often called allergic postnasal drip. Another cause is a deviated septum. If you have a deviated septum, it means the wall of cartilage between your nostrils (septum) is crooked.
It can happen for a number of reasons: allergies, viral infections (including the common cold), sinus infections, irritants in the air (such as fumes or dust). Less common causes include something stuck inside the nose (common in small children), pregnancy, and certain medications.
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.
Zyrtec interactions at a glance
Children and people over the age of 65 are most at risk for accidental antihistamine overdose. Symptoms of antihistamine overdose include: Intense drowsiness. Hallucinations.
Zyrtec (cetirizine) is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication that helps relieve allergy symptoms, such as sneezing and watery eyes. It works by blocking histamine, a substance in the body that can cause these symptoms. Zyrtec begins to work quickly. Many people start noticing relief within 20 to 60 minutes.
This human medication is used off-label for dogs.
If your dog reacts to a bug bite or has allergies and itches, your veterinarian may recommend Zyrtec to help make him comfortable. Zyrtec (generic name is cetirizine) is a human antihistamine drug and is used “off label” for dogs, as it is not FDA-approved for dogs.
Going by the full name cetirizine dihydrochloride, cetirizine is an antihistamine medicine used to relieve allergy symptoms caused by hay fever and hives. For most people, it's a non-drowsy antihistamine.
Antihistamines block the production of the chemical histamine, which your immune system releases during an allergy attack. Second-generation antihistamines (e.g., Claritin®, Allegra® and ZYRTEC®) are preferable because they thin mucus and have fewer side effects than first-generation ones (e.g., BENADRYL®).
Post nasal drip caused by allergies (Allergic Rhinitis) often have accompanying symptoms like sneezing, an itchy nose, and teary/itchy eyes. It is also a seasonal condition that most commonly affects children and young adults.
The most common side effect of cetirizine is feeling sleepy and tired. This happens in more than 1 in 10 people. Try a different non-drowsy antihistamine. Make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids.
The great news is that you can take ZYRTEC® at any time of the day! It provides 24-hour relief, so you can feel better all day long. Just remember to follow the recommended dosage instructions on the product packaging or check out our dosage chart if you have any questions.
Cetirizine is unlikely to do you any harm if you take it for a long time. However it's best to take it only for as long as you need to. If you take it regularly over a long period there's a very small chance of severe itching if you stop treatment suddenly.
What is the new FDA warning for Zyrtec and Xyzal? The FDA is requiring a new warning on the labeling for Zyrtec and Xyzal about the risk of severe itching after stopping these medications. For some people, the itching may be serious enough to require medical care.
While it does not specifically target an organ, its effects are most noticeable in the skin, nose, and respiratory tract, where allergy symptoms typically manifest. Additionally, as with many medications, it is metabolized by the liver and excreted by the kidneys, so these organs are involved in processing the drug.
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.
This leads to symptoms like cough, sore throat, and a scratchy voice. Home remedies that can ease postnasal drip symptoms include humidifiers, warm fluids, and saltwater gargles. Some others that can work are honey, nasal saline rinses, and sleeping slightly propped up. There's no magic cure for postnasal drip.
Post-nasal drip can be difficult to cure, and treatment varies according to the cause: Bacterial infections are usually treated with antibiotics, nasal spray, decongestants, and nasal saline irrigations. For chronic sinusitis, surgery to open the blocked sinuses may be required.
LPR can lead to coughing, hoarseness or sore throat, which could be mistaken for allergy symptoms or signs of a sinus infection.