CETIRIZINE HYDROCHLORIDE

72/100 · Elevated

Manufactured by Kenvue Brands LLC

Cetirizine Hydrochloride Adverse Events Show High Fatigue and Rash Reports

615,076 FDA adverse event reports analyzed

Last updated: 2026-05-12

About CETIRIZINE HYDROCHLORIDE

CETIRIZINE HYDROCHLORIDE is a medication tracked in the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), manufactured by Kenvue Brands LLC. Based on analysis of 615,076 FDA adverse event reports, CETIRIZINE HYDROCHLORIDE has a safety score of 72 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 CETIRIZINE HYDROCHLORIDE include DRUG INEFFECTIVE, FATIGUE, PAIN, OFF LABEL USE, RASH. This page provides a comprehensive breakdown of reported side effects, safety signals, patient demographics, and AI-powered safety analysis for CETIRIZINE HYDROCHLORIDE.

AI Safety Analysis

Cetirizine Hydrochloride has a safety concern score of 72 out of 100, placing it in the elevated concern category based on analysis of FDA adverse event data. The FDA has received approximately 615,076 adverse event reports for this medication, which is primarily manufactured by Kenvue Brands Llc.

The most commonly reported adverse events include Drug Ineffective, Fatigue, Pain. Of classified reports, 55.3% were designated as serious by the FDA, meaning they involved hospitalization, disability, or other significant medical outcomes. Fatigue and rash are the most common adverse reactions reported.

The majority of adverse events are non-serious, but serious reactions are concerning. A wide range of reactions are reported, indicating diverse safety concerns.

Patients taking Cetirizine Hydrochloride should monitor for the commonly reported side effects and contact their healthcare provider if they experience any unusual symptoms. Cetirizine Hydrochloride may interact with other drugs, and patients should be aware of potential side effects such as fatigue and rash. Consult a healthcare provider before combining with other medications. This analysis is based on voluntary FDA adverse event reports and should not replace professional medical advice.

Safety Score: 72/100

Cetirizine Hydrochloride received a safety concern score of 72/100 (elevated concern). This is based on a 55.3% serious event ratio across 156,375 classified reports. The score accounts for 615,076 total adverse event reports and 100 distinct reaction types. This elevated score indicates a notable proportion of serious adverse events and warrants careful monitoring.

Top Adverse Reactions

DRUG INEFFECTIVE20,910 reports
FATIGUE18,112 reports
PAIN15,413 reports
OFF LABEL USE13,458 reports
RASH12,789 reports
HEADACHE12,073 reports
PRURITUS11,870 reports
NAUSEA11,341 reports
DYSPNOEA10,597 reports
ABDOMINAL DISCOMFORT10,351 reports
ALOPECIA10,284 reports
ARTHRALGIA9,931 reports
HYPERSENSITIVITY9,557 reports
DIARRHOEA9,375 reports
RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS9,048 reports
SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS8,590 reports
SWELLING8,500 reports
PEMPHIGUS8,275 reports
DIZZINESS8,065 reports
URTICARIA7,905 reports
VOMITING7,882 reports
GLOSSODYNIA7,851 reports
PYREXIA7,846 reports
JOINT SWELLING7,508 reports
INFUSION RELATED REACTION7,367 reports
PRODUCT USE ISSUE7,220 reports
MALAISE7,056 reports
CONDITION AGGRAVATED7,017 reports
ARTHROPATHY6,957 reports
HAND DEFORMITY6,767 reports
WOUND6,611 reports
PRODUCT USE IN UNAPPROVED INDICATION6,445 reports
CONTRAINDICATED PRODUCT ADMINISTERED6,444 reports
HEPATIC ENZYME INCREASED6,401 reports
DRUG INTOLERANCE6,363 reports
WEIGHT INCREASED6,245 reports
SINUSITIS6,221 reports
PERICARDITIS6,153 reports
NASOPHARYNGITIS6,091 reports
DISCOMFORT6,068 reports
MATERNAL EXPOSURE DURING PREGNANCY6,008 reports
SYNOVITIS5,911 reports
PERIPHERAL SWELLING5,847 reports
INSOMNIA5,834 reports
HYPERTENSION5,677 reports
ASTHENIA5,347 reports
ANXIETY5,297 reports
ANTI CYCLIC CITRULLINATED PEPTIDE ANTIBODY POSITIVE5,230 reports
INFECTION5,212 reports
PNEUMONIA5,183 reports
ABDOMINAL PAIN UPPER5,150 reports
CONFUSIONAL STATE5,120 reports
BLISTER5,024 reports
DRUG HYPERSENSITIVITY4,867 reports
SOMNOLENCE4,786 reports
ASTHMA4,771 reports
COUGH4,733 reports
DUODENAL ULCER PERFORATION4,684 reports
HELICOBACTER INFECTION4,662 reports
PAIN IN EXTREMITY4,630 reports
GENERAL PHYSICAL HEALTH DETERIORATION4,521 reports
STOMATITIS4,426 reports
LOWER RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTION4,385 reports
DEPRESSION4,372 reports
HYPOAESTHESIA4,323 reports
THERAPEUTIC PRODUCT EFFECT DECREASED4,320 reports
IMPAIRED HEALING4,222 reports
IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME4,195 reports
FOLLICULITIS4,118 reports
WEIGHT DECREASED4,061 reports
TREATMENT FAILURE4,051 reports
GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDER4,005 reports
CONTUSION3,928 reports
DECREASED APPETITE3,902 reports
MUSCULOSKELETAL STIFFNESS3,828 reports
CHEST PAIN3,812 reports
WHEEZING3,750 reports
INTENTIONAL PRODUCT USE ISSUE3,731 reports
ABDOMINAL PAIN3,705 reports
TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS3,656 reports
FALL3,643 reports
BACK PAIN3,641 reports
MUSCLE INJURY3,626 reports
PSORIATIC ARTHROPATHY3,603 reports
ILL DEFINED DISORDER3,491 reports
BLOOD CHOLESTEROL INCREASED3,472 reports
SLEEP DISORDER3,428 reports
INJURY3,408 reports
MUSCLE SPASMS3,392 reports
MOBILITY DECREASED3,385 reports
MIGRAINE3,347 reports
FEELING ABNORMAL3,335 reports
RHEUMATOID FACTOR POSITIVE3,284 reports
ERYTHEMA3,243 reports
PARAESTHESIA3,213 reports
FIBROMYALGIA3,210 reports
DRY MOUTH3,116 reports
MEMORY IMPAIRMENT3,036 reports
PRODUCT DOSE OMISSION ISSUE3,003 reports
COVID 192,959 reports

Key Safety Signals

  • Frequent reports of fatigue and rash suggest potential side effects.
  • A high number of serious reactions, particularly respiratory issues, indicate significant safety concerns.
  • A diverse range of reactions, including serious conditions like pericarditis and pneumonia, are reported.

Patient Demographics

Adverse event reports by sex: Female: 98,471, Male: 38,695, Unknown: 151. The most frequently reported age groups are age 43 (3,213 reports), age 44 (3,211 reports), age 40 (2,070 reports). These demographics reflect reporting patterns and may not represent the full patient population.

Report Outcomes

Out of 156,375 classified reports for CETIRIZINE HYDROCHLORIDE:

  • Serious: 86,434 reports (55.3%) — includes hospitalization, disability, life-threatening events, or death
  • Non-Serious: 69,941 reports (44.7%)
Serious 55.3%Non-Serious 44.7%

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

Female98,471 (71.7%)
Male38,695 (28.2%)
Unknown151 (0.1%)

Reports by Age

Age 433,213 reports
Age 443,211 reports
Age 402,070 reports
Age 592,050 reports
Age 581,814 reports
Age 621,796 reports
Age 611,751 reports
Age 561,737 reports
Age 681,704 reports
Age 671,689 reports
Age 711,671 reports
Age 601,669 reports
Age 651,669 reports
Age 641,619 reports
Age 661,595 reports
Age 551,586 reports
Age 701,586 reports
Age 571,573 reports
Age 631,556 reports
Age 691,551 reports

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

Drug Interactions & Warnings

Cetirizine Hydrochloride may interact with other drugs, and patients should be aware of potential side effects such as fatigue and rash. Consult a healthcare provider before combining with other medications.

What You Should Know

If you are taking Cetirizine Hydrochloride, here are important things to know. The most commonly reported side effects include drug ineffective, fatigue, pain, off label use, rash. While many of these may be mild and temporary, you should contact your healthcare provider if any symptoms are severe or persistent. Monitor for signs of fatigue and rash, which are the most commonly reported side effects. Follow the prescribed dosage and consult a healthcare provider if you experience any unusual symptoms. 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 hydrochloride for safety. Patients should report any adverse reactions to the FDA's MedWatch program.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many adverse event reports has the FDA received for Cetirizine Hydrochloride?

The FDA has received approximately 615,076 adverse event reports associated with Cetirizine Hydrochloride. 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 Cetirizine Hydrochloride?

The most frequently reported adverse events for Cetirizine Hydrochloride include Drug Ineffective, Fatigue, Pain, Off Label Use, Rash. By volume, the top reported reactions are: Drug Ineffective (20,910 reports), Fatigue (18,112 reports), Pain (15,413 reports). These figures reflect FDA adverse event reports and may not represent the true incidence rate of these side effects in all patients taking Cetirizine Hydrochloride.

What percentage of Cetirizine Hydrochloride adverse event reports are serious?

Out of 156,375 classified reports, 86,434 (55.3%) were classified as serious and 69,941 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 Cetirizine Hydrochloride (by sex)?

Adverse event reports for Cetirizine Hydrochloride break down by patient sex as follows: Female: 98,471, Male: 38,695, Unknown: 151. 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 Cetirizine Hydrochloride?

The most frequently reported age groups for Cetirizine Hydrochloride adverse events are: age 43: 3,213 reports, age 44: 3,211 reports, age 40: 2,070 reports, age 59: 2,050 reports, age 58: 1,814 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 Cetirizine Hydrochloride?

The primary manufacturer associated with Cetirizine Hydrochloride adverse event reports is Kenvue Brands 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 Cetirizine Hydrochloride?

Beyond the most common reactions, other reported adverse events for Cetirizine Hydrochloride include: Headache, Pruritus, Nausea, Dyspnoea, Abdominal Discomfort. 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 Cetirizine Hydrochloride?

You can report adverse events from Cetirizine Hydrochloride 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 Cetirizine Hydrochloride's safety score and what does it mean?

Cetirizine Hydrochloride has a safety concern score of 72 out of 100 (elevated 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 rash are the most common adverse reactions reported.

What are the key safety signals for Cetirizine Hydrochloride?

Key safety signals identified in Cetirizine Hydrochloride's adverse event data include: Frequent reports of fatigue and rash suggest potential side effects.. A high number of serious reactions, particularly respiratory issues, indicate significant safety concerns.. A diverse range of reactions, including serious conditions like pericarditis and pneumonia, are reported.. These signals are derived from patterns in FDA reports and should be discussed with a healthcare provider for personalized assessment.

Does Cetirizine Hydrochloride interact with other drugs?

Cetirizine Hydrochloride may interact with other drugs, and patients should be aware of potential side effects such as fatigue and rash. Consult a healthcare provider before combining with other medications. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and over-the-counter drugs you are taking before starting Cetirizine Hydrochloride.

What should patients know before taking Cetirizine Hydrochloride?

Monitor for signs of fatigue and rash, which are the most commonly reported side effects. Follow the prescribed dosage and consult a healthcare provider if you experience any unusual symptoms.

Are Cetirizine Hydrochloride side effects well-documented?

Cetirizine Hydrochloride has 615,076 adverse event reports on file with the FDA. The majority of adverse events are non-serious, but serious reactions are concerning. The volume of reports for Cetirizine Hydrochloride reflects both the drug's usage level and the vigilance of the reporting community.

What is the FDA's position on Cetirizine Hydrochloride?

The FDA continues to monitor cetirizine hydrochloride for safety. Patients should report any adverse reactions to the FDA's MedWatch program. For the most current regulatory information, check the FDA's drug labeling database or consult your pharmacist.

Related Drugs

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

LevocetirizineFexofenadineLoratadineDesloratadinePseudoephedrine
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.