CETIIRIZINE

85/100 · Critical

Manufactured by Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC

Cetirizine Adverse Reactions: High Seriousness and Diverse Reactions

233,494 FDA adverse event reports analyzed

Last updated: 2026-05-12

About CETIIRIZINE

CETIIRIZINE is a medication tracked in the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), manufactured by Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC. Based on analysis of 233,494 FDA adverse event reports, CETIIRIZINE has a safety score of 85 out of 100. This score indicates a relatively favorable safety profile, with fewer or less severe adverse events compared to many other tracked medications. The most commonly reported adverse reactions for CETIIRIZINE include FATIGUE, DRUG INEFFECTIVE, PAIN, RASH, DYSPNOEA. This page provides a comprehensive breakdown of reported side effects, safety signals, patient demographics, and AI-powered safety analysis for CETIIRIZINE.

AI Safety Analysis

Cetiirizine has a safety concern score of 85 out of 100, placing it in the high concern category based on analysis of FDA adverse event data. The FDA has received approximately 233,494 adverse event reports for this medication, which is primarily manufactured by Amneal Pharmaceuticals Llc.

The most commonly reported adverse events include Fatigue, Drug Ineffective, Pain. Of classified reports, 79.9% were designated as serious by the FDA, meaning they involved hospitalization, disability, or other significant medical outcomes. Fatigue and pain are the most common reactions, with a significant number of serious adverse events reported.

A wide range of reactions, including respiratory, gastrointestinal, and musculoskeletal issues, are observed. The drug is frequently reported to be ineffective, and there are concerns about drug intolerance and hypersensitivity. There are notable reports of serious conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus and pericarditis. The majority of adverse events are non-serious, but the high percentage of serious events is a cause for concern.

Patients taking Cetiirizine should monitor for the commonly reported side effects and contact their healthcare provider if they experience any unusual symptoms. Cetirizine may interact with other medications, and patients should be aware of potential drug intolerance and hypersensitivity reactions. This analysis is based on voluntary FDA adverse event reports and should not replace professional medical advice.

Safety Score: 85/100

Cetiirizine received a safety concern score of 85/100 (high concern). This is based on a 79.9% serious event ratio across 39,675 classified reports. The score accounts for 233,494 total adverse event reports and 100 distinct reaction types. This high score reflects a significant proportion of serious adverse events in the reporting data.

Top Adverse Reactions

FATIGUE5,414 reports
DRUG INEFFECTIVE4,954 reports
PAIN4,810 reports
RASH4,720 reports
DYSPNOEA4,263 reports
PRURITUS4,226 reports
OFF LABEL USE4,108 reports
ARTHRALGIA3,762 reports
PYREXIA3,653 reports
HYPERSENSITIVITY3,558 reports
HEADACHE3,393 reports
NAUSEA3,368 reports
SWELLING3,366 reports
JOINT SWELLING3,363 reports
ABDOMINAL DISCOMFORT3,260 reports
DIARRHOEA3,136 reports
PERIPHERAL SWELLING3,114 reports
ALOPECIA3,111 reports
INFUSION RELATED REACTION3,030 reports
URTICARIA3,001 reports
RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS2,998 reports
VOMITING2,947 reports
WEIGHT INCREASED2,930 reports
SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS2,907 reports
CONFUSIONAL STATE2,866 reports
NASOPHARYNGITIS2,863 reports
INFECTION2,774 reports
PEMPHIGUS2,774 reports
LOWER RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTION2,766 reports
HEPATIC ENZYME INCREASED2,750 reports
STOMATITIS2,742 reports
SINUSITIS2,731 reports
BLISTER2,721 reports
GLOSSODYNIA2,689 reports
PERICARDITIS2,638 reports
IMPAIRED HEALING2,580 reports
FOLLICULITIS2,569 reports
SYNOVITIS2,566 reports
IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME2,555 reports
ARTHROPATHY2,543 reports
HAND DEFORMITY2,538 reports
MALAISE2,493 reports
WOUND2,477 reports
DRUG INTOLERANCE2,430 reports
DUODENAL ULCER PERFORATION2,415 reports
DIZZINESS2,366 reports
HELICOBACTER INFECTION2,351 reports
CONDITION AGGRAVATED2,348 reports
MUSCLE INJURY2,314 reports
GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDER2,253 reports
ANTI CYCLIC CITRULLINATED PEPTIDE ANTIBODY POSITIVE2,245 reports
DISCOMFORT2,188 reports
INSOMNIA2,163 reports
HYPERTENSION2,137 reports
CONTRAINDICATED PRODUCT ADMINISTERED2,125 reports
ILL DEFINED DISORDER2,114 reports
CONTUSION2,059 reports
MATERNAL EXPOSURE DURING PREGNANCY2,042 reports
THERAPEUTIC PRODUCT EFFECT DECREASED2,037 reports
ASTHENIA2,029 reports
ABDOMINAL PAIN UPPER2,010 reports
GENERAL PHYSICAL HEALTH DETERIORATION1,950 reports
PNEUMONIA1,821 reports
DRUG HYPERSENSITIVITY1,817 reports
WHEEZING1,790 reports
SLEEP DISORDER1,778 reports
SLEEP DISORDER DUE TO GENERAL MEDICAL CONDITION, INSOMNIA TYPE1,767 reports
ASTHMA1,706 reports
HYPOAESTHESIA1,663 reports
ANXIETY1,642 reports
TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS1,631 reports
PRODUCT USE ISSUE1,570 reports
PSORIATIC ARTHROPATHY1,540 reports
MOBILITY DECREASED1,525 reports
INJURY1,519 reports
TREATMENT FAILURE1,481 reports
FIBROMYALGIA1,459 reports
PAIN IN EXTREMITY1,438 reports
PRODUCT USE IN UNAPPROVED INDICATION1,431 reports
INTENTIONAL PRODUCT USE ISSUE1,421 reports
DRY MOUTH1,420 reports
DEPRESSION1,411 reports
MUSCULOSKELETAL STIFFNESS1,397 reports
CHEST PAIN1,385 reports
ABDOMINAL PAIN1,365 reports
DECREASED APPETITE1,359 reports
RHEUMATIC FEVER1,336 reports
BLOOD CHOLESTEROL INCREASED1,299 reports
PARAESTHESIA1,264 reports
MUSCLE SPASMS1,227 reports
RHEUMATOID FACTOR POSITIVE1,196 reports
MEMORY IMPAIRMENT1,184 reports
WEIGHT DECREASED1,180 reports
JOINT RANGE OF MOTION DECREASED1,155 reports
LIVER INJURY1,145 reports
MIGRAINE1,134 reports
BACK PAIN1,120 reports
COUGH1,108 reports
NIGHT SWEATS1,105 reports
OSTEOARTHRITIS1,102 reports

Key Safety Signals

  • High percentage of serious adverse events (79.9%)
  • Diverse range of reactions including respiratory, gastrointestinal, and musculoskeletal issues
  • Frequent reports of drug ineffectiveness and intolerance
  • Reports of serious conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus and pericarditis
  • Significant number of reports related to infections and respiratory tract issues

Patient Demographics

Adverse event reports by sex: Female: 23,901, Male: 11,046, Unknown: 30. The most frequently reported age groups are age 44 (1,625 reports), age 43 (1,191 reports), age 40 (626 reports). These demographics reflect reporting patterns and may not represent the full patient population.

Report Outcomes

Out of 39,675 classified reports for CETIIRIZINE:

  • Serious: 31,700 reports (79.9%) — includes hospitalization, disability, life-threatening events, or death
  • Non-Serious: 7,975 reports (20.1%)
Serious 79.9%Non-Serious 20.1%

The FDA classifies an adverse event as “serious” if it results in death, hospitalization, disability, congenital anomaly, or requires intervention to prevent permanent damage.

Demographics Breakdown

Reports by Sex

Female23,901 (68.3%)
Male11,046 (31.6%)
Unknown30 (0.1%)

Reports by Age

Age 441,625 reports
Age 431,191 reports
Age 40626 reports
Age 68570 reports
Age 67561 reports
Age 58542 reports
Age 69540 reports
Age 71520 reports
Age 70507 reports
Age 62498 reports
Age 56496 reports
Age 55488 reports
Age 59472 reports
Age 61472 reports
Age 60471 reports
Age 72469 reports
Age 66462 reports
Age 57458 reports
Age 50457 reports
Age 64457 reports

Demographics reflect voluntary FDA adverse event reporting patterns and may not represent the full patient population.

Drug Interactions & Warnings

Cetirizine may interact with other medications, and patients should be aware of potential drug intolerance and hypersensitivity reactions.

What You Should Know

If you are taking Cetiirizine, here are important things to know. The most commonly reported side effects include fatigue, drug ineffective, pain, rash, dyspnoea. While many of these may be mild and temporary, you should contact your healthcare provider if any symptoms are severe or persistent. Consult a healthcare provider if you experience persistent or severe side effects. Do not stop taking cetirizine without consulting your doctor, as this could worsen your condition. If you experience a serious adverse reaction, seek emergency medical attention immediately or call 911. You can report side effects to the FDA's MedWatch program at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Regulatory Context

The FDA continues to monitor cetirizine for safety, and healthcare providers should be vigilant about serious adverse events and consider alternative treatments if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many adverse event reports has the FDA received for Cetiirizine?

The FDA has received approximately 233,494 adverse event reports associated with Cetiirizine. These reports come from healthcare professionals, consumers, and manufacturers through the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Note that the number of reports does not directly indicate the frequency of side effects, as adverse events are voluntarily reported and may be underrepresented.

What are the most commonly reported side effects of Cetiirizine?

The most frequently reported adverse events for Cetiirizine include Fatigue, Drug Ineffective, Pain, Rash, Dyspnoea. By volume, the top reported reactions are: Fatigue (5,414 reports), Drug Ineffective (4,954 reports), Pain (4,810 reports). These figures reflect FDA adverse event reports and may not represent the true incidence rate of these side effects in all patients taking Cetiirizine.

What percentage of Cetiirizine adverse event reports are serious?

Out of 39,675 classified reports, 31,700 (79.9%) were classified as serious and 7,975 as non-serious. The FDA classifies an event as "serious" if it results in death, hospitalization, disability, or other medically significant outcomes. A higher serious-event ratio warrants closer attention but does not necessarily mean the drug is unsafe.

Who reports adverse events for Cetiirizine (by sex)?

Adverse event reports for Cetiirizine break down by patient sex as follows: Female: 23,901, Male: 11,046, Unknown: 30. This distribution reflects reporting patterns rather than actual risk differences between groups. Reporting rates can be influenced by prescribing patterns, disease demographics, and reporting behavior.

What age groups report the most side effects for Cetiirizine?

The most frequently reported age groups for Cetiirizine adverse events are: age 44: 1,625 reports, age 43: 1,191 reports, age 40: 626 reports, age 68: 570 reports, age 67: 561 reports. Age-related reporting patterns can reflect both the demographics of the patient population and potential age-related susceptibility to certain side effects.

Who manufactures Cetiirizine?

The primary manufacturer associated with Cetiirizine adverse event reports is Amneal Pharmaceuticals Llc. Multiple manufacturers may produce generic versions of this drug. The manufacturer listed reflects the most frequently reported brand in FDA adverse event data.

What other side effects have been reported for Cetiirizine?

Beyond the most common reactions, other reported adverse events for Cetiirizine include: Pruritus, Off Label Use, Arthralgia, Pyrexia, Hypersensitivity. Less common side effects can still be clinically significant. Patients should report any unusual symptoms to their healthcare provider.

How do I report a side effect from Cetiirizine?

You can report adverse events from Cetiirizine to the FDA through their MedWatch program at www.fda.gov/medwatch, by calling 1-800-FDA-1088, or by completing Form FDA 3500. Healthcare professionals, consumers, and manufacturers can all submit reports. Reporting helps the FDA monitor drug safety after approval.

What is Cetiirizine's safety score and what does it mean?

Cetiirizine has a safety concern score of 85 out of 100 (high concern). This score is calculated from the ratio of serious to non-serious adverse events, the diversity of reported reactions, and the overall volume of reports relative to usage. Fatigue and pain are the most common reactions, with a significant number of serious adverse events reported.

What are the key safety signals for Cetiirizine?

Key safety signals identified in Cetiirizine's adverse event data include: High percentage of serious adverse events (79.9%). Diverse range of reactions including respiratory, gastrointestinal, and musculoskeletal issues. Frequent reports of drug ineffectiveness and intolerance. Reports of serious conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus and pericarditis. Significant number of reports related to infections and respiratory tract issues. These signals are derived from patterns in FDA reports and should be discussed with a healthcare provider for personalized assessment.

Does Cetiirizine interact with other drugs?

Cetirizine may interact with other medications, and patients should be aware of potential drug intolerance and hypersensitivity reactions. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and over-the-counter drugs you are taking before starting Cetiirizine.

What should patients know before taking Cetiirizine?

Consult a healthcare provider if you experience persistent or severe side effects. Do not stop taking cetirizine without consulting your doctor, as this could worsen your condition.

Are Cetiirizine side effects well-documented?

Cetiirizine has 233,494 adverse event reports on file with the FDA. A wide range of reactions, including respiratory, gastrointestinal, and musculoskeletal issues, are observed. The volume of reports for Cetiirizine reflects both the drug's usage level and the vigilance of the reporting community.

What is the FDA's position on Cetiirizine?

The FDA continues to monitor cetirizine for safety, and healthcare providers should be vigilant about serious adverse events and consider alternative treatments if necessary. For the most current regulatory information, check the FDA's drug labeling database or consult your pharmacist.

Related Drugs

Drugs related to CETIIRIZINE based on therapeutic use, drug class, or shared indications:

FexofenadineLoratadineDesloratadineCetirizineLevocabastine
Important Disclaimer: This content is generated by AI analysis of FDA adverse event reports and is provided for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Adverse event reports submitted to the FDA do not prove that a medication caused the reported side effect. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you experience a serious side effect, contact your doctor or call 911 immediately.