Cetirizine Dihydrochloride

Cetirizine Dihydrochloride belongs to a group of medicines called antihistamines. It is used to treat various allergic conditions such as hay fever, conjunctivitis and some skin reactions, and reactions to bites and stings. It relieves watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, and itching. Cetirizine Dihydrochloride can be taken with or without food. The dose required for you may vary depending on what you are taking it for. This medicine is usually taken in the evening but follow the advice of your doctor on how to take it. You may need this medicine only on days you have symptoms, but if you are taking it to prevent symptoms you should take it regularly. If you miss doses or stop taking it earlier than advised, your symptoms may come back. This medicine is generally very safe. The most common side effects include feeling sleepy or dizzy. These are usually mild and go away after a couple of days as your body adjusts. Consult your doctor if any of the side effects persist or worry you. You should avoid alcohol while taking this medicine. Before taking it, tell your doctor if you have any kidney problems or epilepsy. Your dose may need to be modified or this medicine may not be suitable. Some other medicines can interact with this medicine so let your healthcare team know what else you are taking. You should also talk to your doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, although it is not thought to be harmful.

Cetirizine Dihydrochloride is an antihistaminic medication. It treats allergy symptoms such as itching, swelling, and rashes by blocking the effects of a chemical messenger (histamine) in the body.

• Seasonal & Perennial Allergic Rhinitis
• Uncomplicated skin manifestations of Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria
• Allergen-induced Asthma
• Allergic Conjunctivitis
• Reactions to bites and stings

Cetirizine Hydrochloride is a potent H1 receptor antagonist without any significant anticholinergic and antiserotonic effects. At pharmacologically active dose levels, it has almost no drowsiness effect and does not cause behavioral changes. It inhibits the histamine-mediated early phase of the allergic reaction and also reduces the migration of inflammatory cells and the release of mediators associated with the late phase of the allergic reaction.

Cetirizine is a potent and highly selective antagonist of the peripheral histamine H1-receptor on effector cells in the GI tract, blood vessels and respiratory tract.

Adult Dose (Oral): 10 mg once daily or 5 mg twice daily.

Elderly: Initial: 5 mg once daily.

Hepatic Dose: Initial: 5 mg once daily.

Pediatric Dose (Oral):

Syrup Dose: Adults: 2 teaspoon once daily or 1 teaspoon twice daily; >6 years: 2 teaspoon once daily or 1 teaspoon twice daily; 2-6 years: 1 teaspoon once daily or ½ teaspoon twice daily; <2 years: Safety and efficacy not established.

Injection Dose (IV - ≥12 years): 10 mg IV injection; 6-11 years: 5-10 mg; 6 months-5 years: 2.5 mg.

Renal Dose: GFR >50 mL/min: No adjustment needed; GFR ≤50 mL/min: 5 mg once daily; Peritoneal dialysis: 5 mg once daily; Hemodialysis: 5 mg once daily or 3 times weekly.

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Cetirizine Dihydrochloride may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

Injection: For intravenous use only. Administer as an intravenous push over 1 to 2 minutes.

If you miss a dose of Cetirizine Dihydrochloride, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

Common Side Effects:

• Somnolence (most common)
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Fatigue

• [SAFE] Cetirizine Dihydrochloride does not usually affect your ability to drive. However, exercise caution as it may cause dizziness and sleepiness.
• Stop taking Cetirizine Dihydrochloride at least three days before taking an allergy test as it can affect the test results.
• Do not drink alcohol as it may cause increased sleepiness.
• Exercise caution while driving or doing anything that requires concentration.
• Consult your doctor if you have kidney or liver problems.

• Hypersensitivity to Cetirizine or hydroxyzine.
• Lactation.

Additive CNS depression when administered concomitantly with other CNS depressants. No clinically significant drug interactions have been found with Theophylline, Azithromycin, Pseudoephedrine, Ketoconazole or Erythromycin.

[UNSAFE] Cetirizine Dihydrochloride may cause excessive drowsiness with alcohol.

[SAFE IF PRESCRIBED] Cetirizine Dihydrochloride is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown low or no adverse effects to the developing baby; however, there are limited human studies. Pregnancy Category B. Should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.

[SAFE IF PRESCRIBED] Cetirizine Dihydrochloride is probably safe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug does not represent any significant risk to the baby. Cetirizine is excreted in human milk. Larger doses or prolonged use may cause sleepiness and other effects in the baby.

Pediatric dose: 6 months-2 years: 2.5 mg once daily (12-23 months: max 2.5 mg every 12 hours); 2-5 years: 5 mg once daily or in 2 divided doses; 6 years and older: 10 mg once daily or in 2 divided doses. <6 months: Safety and efficacy not established.

The clearance of cetirizine is reduced in elderly patients, but only in proportion to the decrease in creatinine clearance.

[CAUTION] Cetirizine Dihydrochloride should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment may be needed. Please consult your doctor. Not recommended in patients with severe kidney disease. May cause excessive sleepiness in patients with end stage kidney disease.

[SAFE IF PRESCRIBED] Cetirizine Dihydrochloride is probably safe to use in patients with liver disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment may not be needed. Please consult your doctor.

Cetirizine overdose symptoms include somnolence, restlessness, headache, palpitations, and urinary retention. Treatment should be symptomatic.

Keep in a dry place away from light and heat. Keep out of the reach of children.

Cetirizine Dihydrochloride