Does Zyrtec (Cetirizine) Affect Birth Control?
Our pharmacist answers the latest question regarding the possibility of Zyrtec affecting birth control.
Does Zyrtec affect birth control?
Aug 22, 2022- Zyrtec and other over-the-counter antihistamines do not interact with birth control pills or affect how well they work. You can safely take Zyrtec together with your birth control without concern. It is still important to check for interactions anytime you start a new medication, as some drugs like rifampin can decrease birth control effectiveness.
Answer
Hello and thanks for reaching out! There is no known interaction between Zyrtec, a second-generation antihistamine, and birth control pills.
In fact, there are no known interactions between birth control pills and any antihistamine available over the counter, including:
- Zyrtec (cetirizine)
- Claritin (loratadine)
- Xyzal (levocetirizine)
- Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
- Allegra (fexofenadine)
While no antihistamines interact with birth control pills, it is important to check for interactions with any new medication you may be taking.
Several significant interactions with birth control pills do exist which could potentially decrease how well they work and could put you at risk for pregnancy. One such interaction is with rifampin, a prescription antibiotic.
Nevertheless, you can feel safe taking Zyrtec (or other antihistamines) with your birth control pills.
References & sources
- Elsevier ClinicalKey: Drug Interactions — ClinicalKey (Subscription Required)
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Antihistamine
- A medication that blocks histamine, a chemical in the body that causes allergy symptoms like itching and swelling.
- Cetirizine
- The active ingredient in the allergy medication Zyrtec.
- Loratadine
- The active ingredient in the allergy medication Claritin.
- Levocetirizine
- The active ingredient in the allergy medication Xyzal.
- Diphenhydramine
- The active ingredient in the allergy medication Benadryl.
- Fexofenadine
- The active ingredient in the allergy medication Allegra.
- Rifampin
- A prescription antibiotic that can reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills.
- Interaction
- A reaction that occurs when two medications are taken together and affect how each other works in the body.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Doctor of Pharmacy, board certified clinical pharmacist (BCPS), American Herbalist Guild, Medication Therapy Management certified
Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS, is a licensed pharmacist with more than 13 years of experience across retail pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, medication safety, pharmacy program development, and healthcare administration. He is the founder of HelloPharmacist.com, where he helps patients...
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