Cetirizine

Antihistamine, Systemic · H1 receptor antagonist

Indications

Perennial and seasonal rhinitis, urticaria.

Dosage

Adults: 10 mg once daily. Children: 1-2 yr, 250 mcg/kg twice daily; 2-6 yr, 5 mg once daily, alternatively 2.5 mg twice daily; 7-12 yr, 10 mg once daily, alternatively 5 mg twice daily; over 12 yr, same as adult.

Adverse Effects

Drowsiness, headache, dizziness, agitation, dry mouth, GI upset, pharyngitis, rhinitis, fatigue. Urticaria and pruritus after stopping treatment.

Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)

Pregnancy: No evidence of risk in humans. Lactation: Contraindicated or not recommended. Contraindications: Severe renal impairment. Peanut or soya allergy. Hypersensitivity to hydroxyzine. Precautions: Renal insufficiency. Epilepsy. Risk factors for urinary retention.

Interactions

CNS depressants, alcohol.

Advice to Patient

Take with or without meals. Contact prescriber if there is agitation, confusion, increased sleepiness, constant nausea or vomiting, chest pain, palpitations, blurred vision, urinary pattern changes or if there is no improvement or worsening of condition. Do not take other depressants, sleep-inducing medications, alcohol without consulting prescriber.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset of action: Suppression of skin wheal and flare: 0.7 hours. Duration of action: Suppression of skin wheal and flare: =24 hours. Absorption: Rapid. Metabolism: Limited hepatic. Half-life elimination: Children: 6.2 hours; Adults: 8 hours. Time to peak, serum: 1 hour. Excretion: Urine (70%; 50% as unchanged drug); feces (10%).

Brands with this active ingredient

• Aksozine
• Alce
• Alegra
• Alergicare
• Alergo
• Alerid
• Alerwise
• Alerzine
• Alex
• Allergid
• Allerzin
• Allos
• Amsozine
• Amzine
• Apozine

Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →

Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.