Can you take ibuprofen with Zyrtec?

In this article:

• Can you take ibuprofen with Zyrtec?
• How long after taking Zyrtec can I take ibuprofen? 
• Can you take pain relievers with Zyrtec?

In this article

• Can you take ibuprofen with Zyrtec?
• How long after taking Zyrtec can I take ibuprofen? 
• Can you take pain relievers with Zyrtec?

You can take ibuprofen and Zyrtec at the same time, as they don’t cause any harmful drug interactions. “They do different things in your body—ibuprofen helps with pain and inflammation, while Zyrtec tackles allergy symptoms like sneezing and itching,” says Taher Saifullah, MD, MS, a double board-certified physician specializing in anesthesiology and pain management, and the CEO and Founder of Spine & Pain Institute Los Angeles in Los Angeles, California.

Here’s a look at how ibuprofen and Zyrtec interact, possible side effects, and safety precautions.

Can you take ibuprofen with Zyrtec?

“Ibuprofen (brand names Advil and Motrin) is a popular nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is commonly used to treat mild pain and fever,” says Jennie Stanford, MD, FAAFP, DipABOM, a double board-certified physician specializing in family and obesity medicine and medical contributor for Drugwatch of Cybele, New York. “Cetirizine (Zyrtec) is a second-generation antihistamine, often used in the treatment of allergic rhinitis, urticaria, and seasonal allergies.”

According to Dr. Stanford, it is safe to use ibuprofen alongside Zyrtec. “According to the popular drug interactions database Lexicomp, ibuprofen and cetirizine pose no significant drug-drug interactions,” she says.

Can you take ibuprofen with Zyrtec Children’s Allergy?

Dr. Saiffullah says it is safe for young children to take ibuprofen and Zyrtec Children’s Allergy medication simultaneously. “This combination can be handy if your child has both pain and allergy symptoms, like during a cold or allergy season,” he says. “Just make sure to follow the right dose for kids based on their age and weight.”

Dr. Stanford also notes that Zyrtec Children’s Allergy contains the same active ingredient as regular Zyrtec—cetirizine—but the dosage and formulation are adjusted for children. 

Benefits of taking ibuprofen and Zyrtec together

The main benefit of taking both the allergy medicine Zyrtec and ibuprofen is that you can treat two conditions at the same time. 

“Using ibuprofen and Zyrtec together can handle different symptoms at once,” Dr. Saifullah explains. “Ibuprofen helps with things like headaches or muscle pain, while Zyrtec takes care of allergy symptoms such as a runny nose or itchy eyes. This way, you can manage more of what’s bothering you.”

What are the dangers of taking ibuprofen and Zyrtec at the same time?

While taking the nonprescription drugs Zyrtec and ibuprofen together is safe, there are a few precautions to take. For example, both ibuprofen and Zyrtec have individual side effects that can accumulate when taken together.

Potential side effects of ibuprofen use can include the following:

• Gas or bloating
• Constipation
• Dizziness
• Nervousness
• Ringing in the ears

Dr. Saifullah says that frequent or long-term use of ibuprofen may lead to serious side effects, such as bleeding in your stomach. 

The allergy medication Zyrtec can also cause a few side effects, ranging from mild to severe.

Below are the side effects of Zyrtec liquid gel capsules:

• Allergic reactions, such as skin rashes, itching, hives, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Fatigue
• Dry mouth

RELATED: Does Zyrtec raise blood pressure?

If you’re experiencing severe side effects from Zyrtec and ibuprofen, reach out to your healthcare provider for immediate medical help. 

Typically, ibuprofen and Zyrtec don’t interact with each other, but according to Dr. Saifullah, having medical conditions like kidney or liver problems may affect how your body handles these medications. The risk of adverse drug events can be higher if these conditions are present, and in some cases, the drugs must be avoided. “Age and other health problems can also play a role, so it’s smart to talk with your healthcare provider if you’re not sure,” he says.

Be sure to share your medical history with your healthcare provider, as they can share any drug interaction warnings with you. 

How long after taking Zyrtec can I take ibuprofen? 

“There are no time restrictions taking cetirizine and ibuprofen together,” Dr. Stanford says. “However, cetirizine should be taken once daily, and ibuprofen may be taken every four to six hours as needed.”

She adds that the dose of ibuprofen can vary depending on the indication and severity, ranging from 200 to 800 milligrams (mg) per dose. “Ibuprofen is generally taken as needed unless prescribed differently by your healthcare provider.”

Regarding Zyrtec use, Dr. Saifullah says that adults typically take 10 mg once a day, with kids having varying doses depending on their age. 

Can you take pain relievers with Zyrtec?

If you cannot take ibuprofen, other pain relievers may be safe to take with Zyrtec. “Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Aleve (naproxen) can usually be used with Zyrtec without a problem,” Dr. Saifullah explains. However, Aleve comes from the same drug class as ibuprofen and may also be contraindicated if ibuprofen needs to be avoided. “Just be careful with strong pain medicines that make you really sleepy or high doses of NSAIDs.”

There are a few prescription pain medications that shouldn’t be used with Zytrec. “Because cetirizine can suppress the central nervous system, it should not be taken with opioids like Maxitram (tramadol), Vicodin (hydrocodone), Oxycontin (oxycodone), and others,” Dr. Stanford says.

If you have concerns about mixing Zyrtec and ibuprofen, contact your primary care provider or pharmacist for medical advice. “Your healthcare provider can provide the best advice based on your health and what medicines you’re taking,” Dr. Saifullah says.