Cetirizine
Cetirizine is an antihistamine that reduces the natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose. It is used to treat cold or allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, watery eyes, or runny nose. Cetirizine is also used to treat itching and swelling caused by hives.
Mechanism of effect
Cetirizine, a human metabolite of hydroxyzine, is an antihistamine; its principal effects are mediated via selective inhibition of peripheral H1 receptors.
Pharmacodynamic
Cetirizine hydrochloride is an orally active and selective H1-receptor antagonist.
Pharmacokinetics
Cetirizine was rapidly absorbed with a time to maximum concentration (Tmax) of approximately 1 hour following oral administration of tablets or syrup in adults. The mean plasma protein binding of Cetirizine is 93%.Cetirizine is metabolized to a limited extent by oxidative O-dealkylation to a metabolite with negligible antihistaminic activity. The mean elimination half-life is 8.3 hours .
Dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Allergic Rhinitis
5 to 10 mg orally or chewed once a day
Usual Adult Dose for Urticaria
5 to 10 mg orally or chewed once a day
Usual Pediatric Dose for Allergic Rhinitis
6 months to 2 years: 2.5 mg orally once a day, 12 months and older may be increased to 2.5 mg orally twice a day.
2 to 5 years: 2.5 mg orally once a day, may be increased to 5 mg/day in 1 to 2 divided doses.
6 years or older: 5 to 10 mg orally or chewed once a day.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Urticaria
6 months to 2 years: 2.5 mg orally once a day, 12 months and older may be increased to 2.5 mg orally twice a day.
2 to 5 years: 2.5 mg orally once a day, may be increased to 5 mg/day in 1 to 2 divided doses.
6 years or older: 5 to 10 mg orally or chewed once a day
Drug contraindications
hypersensitivity to drug or its components.Side effects
nausea , Headache , dry mouth , abdominal pain , vomiting , Diarrhea , Cough , somnolence , bronchospasm , pharyngitis , EpistaxisInteractions
Desmopressin , Diphenhydramin , Zolpidem , Cefalexin , Aripiprazole , Expectorant codein , Clobazam , Clomipramine , Clonazepam , Dimethyl Fumarate , Pindolol , Hydrocodone , Zaleplon , Triazolam , Difenoxin , Methscopolamine , EthchlorvynolAlerts
1-In clinical trials, the occurrence of somnolence has been reported in some patients taking Cetirizine hydrochloride; due caution should therefore be exercised when driving a car or operating potentially dangerous machinery.
2-The safety and effectiveness of Cetirizine in pediatric patients under the age of 6 months have not been established.
Points of recommendation
1-Avoid alcohol.
2-Take without regard to meals.
Ask a Pharmacist