Selective peripheral H1 receptor antagonist; active metabolite of hydroxyzine with minimal CNS penetration, reducing pruritus without significant sedation
At a glance
Class
Second-generation antihistamine (H1 receptor antagonist) — non-sedating
Dosing
Allergic pruritus / atopic dermatitis (adjunct)
Max dose
20 mg/dose; 40 mg/day
Duration: Long-term as needed
Allergic pruritus
Duration: Long-term as needed
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
Find a vet near you →Safety
Severe renal impairment
Renally excreted — reduce dose or frequency in renal failure
Concurrent CNS depressants
Minimal but possible additive sedation
Hepatic impairment
Partially hepatically metabolised
Adverse effects
Common
Mild sedation (less than first-generation)
Dry mouth
Serious
Urinary retention (rare)
Paradoxical excitation (rare)
Pruritus scoreClinical response
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
Find a vet near you →Interactions
No documented interactions.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
›What is Cetirizine?
Cetirizine is a second-generation antihistamine (h1 receptor antagonist) — non-sedating used in pets. Selective peripheral H1 receptor antagonist; active metabolite of hydroxyzine with minimal CNS penetration, reducing pruritus without significant sedation
›What is Cetirizine used for in pets?
Cetirizine is used in veterinary medicine for: Allergic pruritus / atopic dermatitis (adjunct); Allergic pruritus.
›What is the Cetirizine dose for dogs?
For dogs, Cetirizine is typically dosed as follows — Allergic pruritus / atopic dermatitis (adjunct): 1–2 mg/kg PO SID-BID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Cetirizine dose for cats?
For cats, Cetirizine is typically dosed as follows — Allergic pruritus: 2.5–5 mg/cat PO SID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What are the side effects of Cetirizine?
Common: Mild sedation (less than first-generation), Dry mouth. Serious (call your vet immediately): Urinary retention (rare), Paradoxical excitation (rare).
›Does Cetirizine need a prescription?
Cetirizine is available over the counter. Even so, you should consult your veterinarian before giving any medication to your pet.
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
Find a vet near you →References
References
The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.
Textbooks & handbooks — 5
- Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
- Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
- Merck Veterinary Manual
- NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
- Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)
Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
- AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
- ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
- RECOVER CPR Guidelines
Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2
- EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
- JVIM FAT CAT Study
Regulatory & approvals — 1
- CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)
Databases — 1
- Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database