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Key Facts
- Drug Class
- Second-generation antihistamine
- Prescription
- Over the counter
- NAFDAC Status
- NAFDAC Registered
- Forms
- Tablet, Syrup
- Price Range
- ₦100 - ₦2,500
What is Cetirizine?
Cetirizine is one of the most commonly used antihistamine medications in Nigeria, relied upon by millions of Nigerians to manage allergies, itching, and skin rashes. Whether it is the dusty Harmattan season triggering endless sneezing, an unexplained skin rash, or a reaction to certain foods, cetirizine is often the first drug Nigerians reach for. It is a second-generation antihistamine, which means it is far less likely to cause drowsiness compared to older antihistamines like chlorpheniramine (Piriton) that have been a staple in Nigerian medicine cabinets for decades.
Cetirizine works by blocking the action of histamine, a chemical your body releases during an allergic reaction. Histamine is responsible for the sneezing, itching, runny nose, watery eyes, and skin rashes that characterise allergies. By blocking histamine receptors, cetirizine quickly relieves these symptoms without the heavy sedation associated with first-generation antihistamines. This makes it a much better option for people who need allergy relief during the day — students, workers, and drivers can take cetirizine without worrying about falling asleep at their desks or behind the wheel, though mild drowsiness may still occur in some individuals.
Cetirizine is available in Nigeria under several brand names including Zyrtec (the original brand by UCB), Allercet (by Emzor, locally manufactured), Cetrizin, and Incidal. It is sold over the counter without a prescription in pharmacies and patent medicine stores across the country. Available as tablets for adults and syrup for children, cetirizine offers convenient once-daily dosing that provides 24-hour allergy relief. It is affordable and widely accessible, making it one of the most practical allergy medications for Nigerians.
What is Cetirizine used for?
In Nigeria, Cetirizine is commonly used for:
- Allergic rhinitis — sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, and itchy nose, particularly during the Harmattan season and in dusty environments
- Urticaria (hives) — raised, itchy welts on the skin caused by allergic reactions
- General itching (pruritus) from various causes including insect bites, eczema, and allergic skin reactions
- Hay fever and seasonal allergies
- Allergic conjunctivitis — itchy, watery, red eyes caused by allergens
- Mild allergic reactions to foods, medications, or environmental triggers
Dosage
IMPORTANT
Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions. The information below is for general reference only.
Adults
10mg (one tablet) once daily. The tablet can be taken with or without food. For some patients who experience mild drowsiness, taking the dose in the evening may be preferable. Do not exceed 10mg in 24 hours.
Children
Children aged 6-12 years: 5mg (half a tablet or 5ml of syrup) twice daily, or 10mg once daily. Children aged 2-5 years: 2.5mg (2.5ml of syrup) once daily, which may be increased to 2.5mg twice daily if needed. Children under 2 years: consult a doctor before use. Always use the measuring spoon or syringe provided with the syrup.
Elderly
Standard adult dose of 10mg daily is generally appropriate. However, elderly patients with kidney impairment may need a reduced dose of 5mg daily. Consult a pharmacist or doctor for guidance.
Cetirizine provides 24-hour relief with a single dose. It begins to work within 20 to 60 minutes of taking it. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, but do not double up to make up for a missed dose. Cetirizine can be taken with or without food, and it does not matter what time of day you take it, although consistency helps.
Side Effects
Common side effects
- •Mild drowsiness or sleepiness — less than with older antihistamines like Piriton, but can still occur in some people
- •Dry mouth
- •Headache
- •Fatigue or tiredness
- •Dizziness
Serious side effects — seek medical help immediately
- Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to cetirizine itself — extremely rare but seek emergency help if you develop swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or difficulty breathing
- Fast or irregular heartbeat (palpitations) — rare
- Severe dizziness or confusion
- Difficulty passing urine (urinary retention) — rare
- Liver problems — very rare; seek medical attention if you notice yellowing of skin or eyes
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if your allergy symptoms do not improve after a week of taking cetirizine, or if they worsen. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop difficulty breathing, severe swelling of the face or throat, rapid heartbeat, or any signs of a serious allergic reaction. Also consult a doctor if you experience persistent drowsiness that affects your daily activities, or if you develop any unusual symptoms while taking the medication.
Warnings & Precautions
Do not take Cetirizine if you have:
- Do not take if you have a known allergy to cetirizine, hydroxyzine, or any of the tablet ingredients
- Do not take if you have severe kidney disease (creatinine clearance less than 10ml/min) without medical supervision
- Use with caution if you have epilepsy or are at risk of seizures
Drug interactions
- •Alcohol — avoid drinking alcohol while taking cetirizine as it can increase drowsiness and impair your ability to drive or operate machinery
- •Other sedating medications (sleeping pills, strong painkillers, muscle relaxants) — can increase the drowsy effect of cetirizine
- •Theophylline (used for asthma) — may slightly reduce the clearance of cetirizine from the body
- •Other antihistamines — do not take cetirizine with other antihistamine medications such as chlorpheniramine (Piriton) or loratadine to avoid excessive antihistamine effects
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Cetirizine should be used during pregnancy only if clearly necessary and after consulting a doctor. While animal studies have not shown harmful effects, there is limited data on its use in pregnant women. It is not the first-choice antihistamine in pregnancy — chlorpheniramine is generally preferred despite its sedating effects, as it has a longer safety record. Cetirizine passes into breast milk in small amounts. If you are breastfeeding, consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking cetirizine. Monitor your baby for any unusual drowsiness if you do take it while breastfeeding.
NAFDAC-Registered Brands of Cetirizine in Nigeria
4 brands registered with NAFDAC as of 2026-02-01.
| Brand Name | Manufacturer | Strength | Form | NAFDAC Reg. No. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zyrtec | UCB | 10mg | Tablet | A4-1456 |
| Allercet | Emzor | 10mg | Tablet | A4-5673 |
| Cetrizin | Hovid | 10mg, 5mg/5ml | Tablet | A4-6783 |
| Incidal | Pfizer | 10mg | Capsule | A4-2567 |
How to Verify Your Cetirizine is Genuine
- 1Check the NAFDAC registration number on the packaging — all genuine cetirizine products sold in Nigeria must have a valid NAFDAC registration number
- 2Verify the NAFDAC number using the NAFDAC Green Book or the NAFDAC mobile verification app available on Android and iOS
- 3Purchase from licensed pharmacies and registered patent medicine stores only — avoid buying from unregistered vendors or open markets
- 4Check the packaging for the manufacturer's name, batch number, manufacturing date, and expiry date — all must be clearly printed and legible
- 5Genuine tablets should have a uniform appearance in colour, size, and shape — reject any tablets that appear discoloured, crumbled, or inconsistent
- 6For major brands like Zyrtec and Allercet, look for tamper-evident packaging and any brand-specific security features
Cetirizine Price in Nigeria
Cetirizine prices in Nigeria typically range from ₦100 to ₦2,500 per pack, depending on the brand, strength, and where you buy it.
₦100 – ₦2,500
per pack
Prices vary by location and vendor. Last updated: 2026-02-01
Where to Buy
Purchase Cetirizine only from licensed pharmacies and verified distributors. Avoid buying medicines from unverified sources, roadside vendors, or unregistered market stalls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
- •NAFDAC Greenbook — National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control registered products database
- •WHO Model List of Essential Medicines (23rd List, 2023)
- •British National Formulary (BNF)
- •Nigerian Standard Treatment Guidelines