# Cetirizine in Nigeria

Cetirizine has 6 active NAFDAC registrations in our October 2026 copy of the register, from 6 registration holders; 24 further listings have lapsed.

- Source: https://ogbogwu.com/drugs/cetirizine/
- Drug class: Second-generation antihistamine (Allergy)
- Also known as: Zyrtec, Cetrizin, Incidal
- Prescription required: no
- Last updated: October 2026

## Price in Nigeria

As of October 2026, Cetirizine syrup sells for about ₦63 per ml online in Nigeria (packs ₦1,875–₦9,000; Levocetirizine) at three online pharmacies; tablets ₦1,500–₦7,000. The online price is down 10% since July 2026. Open-market prices (e.g. Idumota, Ogbogwu) are often lower.

## 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) and Allercet. 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?

- 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

Always follow a doctor's or pharmacist's instructions; this is general reference information.

- 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: 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 (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

Do not take if: 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.

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.

## Brands in Nigeria

Well-known NAFDAC-registered brands: Zyrtec (UCB, made in Belgium).
Full searchable brand list: https://ogbogwu.com/drugs/cetirizine/brands/

## How to verify it is genuine

1. Check the NAFDAC registration number on the packaging — all genuine cetirizine products sold in Nigeria must have a valid NAFDAC registration number
2. Verify the NAFDAC number using the NAFDAC Green Book or the NAFDAC mobile verification app available on Android and iOS
3. Purchase from licensed pharmacies and registered patent medicine stores only — avoid buying from unregistered vendors or open markets
4. Check the packaging for the manufacturer's name, batch number, manufacturing date, and expiry date — all must be clearly printed and legible
5. Genuine tablets should have a uniform appearance in colour, size, and shape — reject any tablets that appear discoloured, crumbled, or inconsistent
6. For major brands like Zyrtec and Allercet, look for tamper-evident packaging and any brand-specific security features

Verify any NAFDAC number free (no login): https://ogbogwu.com/nafdac-checker/

## Compared with

### Cetirizine vs Loratadine: which allergy tablet won't slow you down?

Both are once-daily, non-sedating antihistamines that handle sneezing, itching, and catarrh from allergies. Cetirizine acts a little faster and hits a little harder — but makes roughly one person in ten drowsy. Loratadine is the safest bet when you must stay sharp: driving, operating machinery, writing exams.

When Loratadine fits:

- You drive, operate machines, or need full concentration
- Antihistamines have made you groggy before
- Mild-to-moderate seasonal or dust allergy

When Cetirizine fits:

- Itching or hives are the main complaint
- You want the faster, stronger option and can tolerate possible drowsiness
- Evening dosing suits you (any drowsiness works in your favour)

Loratadine guide: https://ogbogwu.com/drugs/loratadine/

## FAQs

### Does cetirizine cause drowsiness? Can I drive after taking it?

Cetirizine is a second-generation antihistamine and causes significantly less drowsiness than older antihistamines like chlorpheniramine (Piriton). Most people can take cetirizine without feeling sleepy. However, some individuals do experience mild drowsiness, especially when they first start taking it. If you are taking cetirizine for the first time, it is wise to see how it affects you before driving or operating heavy machinery. Taking it at bedtime can help if drowsiness is a concern. Avoid combining cetirizine with alcohol, as this increases the risk of drowsiness.

### Can children take cetirizine? What age can they start?

Yes, cetirizine is safe for children and is widely used for childhood allergies in Nigeria. Children as young as 2 years old can take cetirizine syrup (5mg/5ml formulation). The recommended dose for children aged 2-5 years is 2.5ml once daily, while children aged 6-12 years can take 5ml once or twice daily. For children over 12 years, the standard adult dose of 10mg once daily applies. Always use the measuring device provided with the syrup for accurate dosing. For children under 2 years, consult a paediatrician before giving cetirizine.

### Is cetirizine better than Piriton (chlorpheniramine) for allergies?

Both cetirizine and Piriton (chlorpheniramine) are effective antihistamines, but they differ in important ways. Cetirizine is a second-generation antihistamine that causes much less drowsiness, lasts 24 hours with a single dose, and is generally better tolerated. Piriton is a first-generation antihistamine that is very effective but causes significant drowsiness, needs to be taken multiple times a day, and can impair concentration and performance. For daytime allergy relief when you need to stay alert — at work, school, or while driving — cetirizine is the better choice. Piriton may still be useful at night when the sedating effect can actually help you sleep. Both are affordable and widely available in Nigeria.

### Can I take these for catarrh from a cold?

They help allergy-driven catarrh — clear, itchy, sneezy — far more than the common cold, where evidence for newer antihistamines is weak. A cold clears itself in about a week; fever or coloured discharge that worsens deserves a clinic visit rather than stronger allergy tablets.

### Is it safe to take one every day long-term?

Both are considered safe for extended daily use in allergy sufferers and don't lose effect the way decongestant sprays do. If you find yourself needing one every single day year-round, though, it's worth identifying and reducing the trigger — dust, mould, a pet — rather than medicating indefinitely.

## Sources

- NAFDAC Greenbook (official register of approved products in Nigeria)
- British National Formulary (BNF)
- Nigerian Standard Treatment Guidelines (Federal Ministry of Health)