# Cetirizine allergy tablets guide

Canonical page: https://www.sanarahealth.co.uk/medicines/hay-fever/cetirizine-tablets/

Updated: 2026-09-08. AI-assisted editorial information; not clinically reviewed.

Sanara is an independent UK comparison and affiliate platform. The provider handles assessment, prescribing and supply.

## The short answer

Cetirizine is an antihistamine for allergy symptoms. Pack suitability depends on age, formulation and health circumstances. Although often described as less sedating, it may still make some people sleepy; consider driving and work requirements.

## Understanding your options

Hay fever is a pollen allergy that can affect the nose, eyes and daily comfort. Symptoms can last for weeks or months during pollen exposure.

Antihistamine tablets, nasal treatments and eye drops target different symptom patterns. Reducing pollen exposure can also help.

## Who may be suitable?

Tell a pharmacist about pregnancy, other medicines, relevant health conditions and whether you need to drive or work safely.

## Side effects and precautions

Some antihistamines cause drowsiness. Check product directions, including how to use nasal and eye products correctly.

## When to get help

Wheezing or breathing problems need assessment; severe breathing difficulty or swelling of the tongue or throat is an emergency.

For a life-threatening emergency, call 999. For urgent advice, contact the appropriate local NHS service.

## Progress and follow-up

Seek a GP review if symptoms worsen or pharmacy treatment is not helping.

## Questions to ask

Could this affect alertness or interact with my other medicines?

- Which symptoms should this product help most?

- Could it make me sleepy?

- Am I using the spray or drops correctly?

## Treatment approaches

### Cetirizine 10mg tablets

Cetirizine is an antihistamine for allergy symptoms. Pack suitability depends on age, formulation and health circumstances. Although often described as less sedating, it may still make some people sleepy; consider driving and work requirements.

Full guide: https://www.sanarahealth.co.uk/medicines/hay-fever/cetirizine-tablets/

### Fexofenadine 120mg tablets

The 120mg hay-fever product should be compared using its actual licence, directions and pack size. Other strengths and indications are not automatically interchangeable. Discuss medicine and food or drink interactions with the pharmacist.

Full guide: https://www.sanarahealth.co.uk/medicines/hay-fever/fexofenadine-120-tablets/

### Mometasone nasal spray (pharmacy medicine)

A steroid nasal spray targets nasal inflammation and relies on correct, regular use as directed. It is not the same as a short-term decongestant spray. Ask about technique, the time to benefit and how to manage irritation or nosebleeds.

Full guide: https://www.sanarahealth.co.uk/medicines/hay-fever/mometasone-nasal-spray/

### Sodium cromoglicate allergy eye drops

Eye drops can target allergic eye symptoms but are not suitable for every red or painful eye. Check the active ingredient, contact-lens instructions and how long the bottle can be used after opening.

Full guide: https://www.sanarahealth.co.uk/medicines/hay-fever/allergy-eye-drops/

## Costs

The provider confirms current prices. Include assessment, supply, follow-up, delivery and repeat charges. This guide does not provide a guaranteed quote.

Cost planner: https://www.sanarahealth.co.uk/tools/treatment-cost/

## Sources

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hay-fever/

https://assets.pharmacyregulation.org/files/2024-11/how-to-keep-safe-when-getting-medicines-or-treatment-online.pdf