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Overview

Cetirizine

Prescription vs OTC : Prescription by Doctor required

About Cetirizine

Cetirizine is used for the treatment of diseases like itching in throat or nose, runny nose, watery eyes, long-term hives and allergic rhinitis. It gives relief by blocking the passage of histamine. Histamine is the compound responsible for causing allergic reactions in your body leading to itching, cold, sneezing and other such reactions.

It is advisable that you follow the dosage patterns and not self-medicate without consulting it from a doctor. Being a second-generation antihistamine, Cetirizine does not have too many serious side effects. Some of the basic side effects that you may experience are stomach pain, vomiting or nausea, diarrhoea, tiredness or drowsiness.

If you experience any of the serious side effects like insomnia, problems in urinating, blurred vision or irregular heartbeats, you must consult a doctor immediately. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also avoid this medication as it can affect the fetus or infant adversely.

Keep these precautions in mind, before and after taking Cetirizine :

  • This medication can cause drowsiness and it may also have different reactions, vary from one person to another. Be cautious while taking this medication, especially in initial stages. Avoid drinking and driving during this period.
  • Do not take this medication if you are allergic to any ingredient that has been used in it.
  • Consult your doctor before taking Cetirizine if you are planning a baby or you are pregnant. Remember, not to use this medicine if you are a breastfeeding woman.
  • Get your doctor informed before taking this medication if you have any disease related to kidney or liver.

Symptoms of overdose include seizures, sedation, hypotension. There is no specific treatment for an antihistamine overdose, however, most of its clinical toxicity is due to anticholinergic effects.

Anticholinesterase inhibitors may be useful by reducing acetylcholinesterase. For anticholinergic overdose with severe life-threatening symptoms, physostigmine 1-2 mg (0.5 mg or 0.02 mg/kg for children) I.V., slowly may be given to reverse these effects.

Take as directed; do not exceed recommended dose. Avoid use of other depressants, alcohol, or sleep-inducing medications unless approved by prescriber.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Allergist/Immunologist before using this medicine.

    What are the uses of Cetirizine

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Allergist/Immunologist before using this medicine.

    What are the contraindications of Cetirizine ?

    • Kidney Disease

      Cetirizine is not recommended if you are suffering from end-stage kidney disease, were the Creatinine clearance in such cases is less than 10 ml/min. It should not be used in children below 12 years with kidney abnormalities.

    • Hypersensitivity

      Cetirizine is not recommended for use if you have a known history of allergy to it.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Allergist/Immunologist before using this medicine.

    What are the side effects of Cetirizine ?

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Allergist/Immunologist before using this medicine.

    Key highlights of Cetirizine

    • How long is the duration of effect?

      The duration of the effect of the medicine lasts for 24 hours in most cases and thus a single dose is enough for the whole day.

    • What is the onset of action?

      The onset of action usually starts from within 15 - 30 minutes after administration. You can consult a doctor if you do not experience relief for long hours and ask for changes in dosage.

    • Are there any pregnancy warnings?

      The medication is probably safe to use during pregnancy, as the animal studies have shown low or no adverse effect over the foetus, however, limited data on human studies are available. Thus, the individual must consult doctor before taking it.

    • Is it habit forming?

      No, the medicine is not habit-forming or addictive.

    • Are there any breast-feeding warnings?

      The medication is probably safe to use during lactation period, as limited human data suggests that the drug does not represent to have a significant risk to the infant. Prolonged use or larger doses of the medication may cause sleepiness and other effects in the infant. Thus the individual must consult a doctor before prolonging its usage.

    • Is It safe with alcohol?

      It is advisable that you do not consume alcohol while on this medication, as it may lead to excessive drowsiness or calmness. It is not safe with alcohol.

    • Is it safe to drive while on this medicine?

      It is advisable that you do not indulge in driving while on this medication since there is a possibility of you experiencing drowsy or calm and thus affecting your driving skills.

    • Does this affect kidney function?

      The medicine can affect the functioning of kidney in people suffering from renal impairment or other kidney related issues. Therefore, it is advisable that you discuss it with your doctor if you suffer from any such diseases.

    • Does this affect liver function?

      People suffering from liver related issues should also consult a doctor before taking the medication to avoid any serious implications.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Allergist/Immunologist before using this medicine.

    What are the dosage instructions?

    • Are there any missed dose instructions?

      It is advisable that you do not miss a dosage since there is just one dose per day. Consume the missed dosage as soon as you remember.

    • Are there any overdose instructions?

      In case of an overdose, you may experience side effects like restlessness, anxiety, confusion or dizziness. In such cases, make sure that you consult a doctor with immediate effect.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Allergist/Immunologist before using this medicine.

    Where is the Cetirizine approved?

    • India

    • United States

    • Japan

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Allergist/Immunologist before using this medicine.

    Medicines containing Cetirizine

    Below is the list of medicines, which contains Cetirizine as ingredient

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Allergist/Immunologist before using this medicine.

    How does this medication work?

    This medication selectively inhibits the peripheral H1 receptors thereby reducing histamine levels in the body. It specifically acts on allergies caused in the stomach and intestine, blood vessels and airways leading to the lungs.

      Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Allergist/Immunologist before using this medicine.

      What are the interactions of Cetirizine ?

      Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.

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      • Interaction with Alcohol

        Using alcohol while taking this drug is not recommended. Any activity requiring a high level of mental alertness should be avoided in such cases.
      • Interaction with Medicine

        • The Cetirizine can interact with certain medicines and ingredients to cause adverse side effects. You must avoid the tablet if you are already consuming medicines that have ingredients like alprazolam, codeine or isocarboxazid. It is advisable that you discuss your medical history with the doctor to avoid any possible side effects.
        • Increased toxicity: CNS depressants, anticholinergics.
      • Interaction with Food

        Information not available.
      • Interaction with Disease

        Patients suffering from liver or kidney related diseases must not consume this medication without consulting it first with a doctor, as it can cause some serious side effects. People suffering from epilepsy too must be careful while taking the medicine as they are at a risk of experiencing increased convulsions.

      FAQs about Cetirizine

      • Ques : What is Cetirizine?

        Ans : This medication is used to treat and avoid allergic sign of illness associated with rhinitis and seasonal allergies. It is also can be used to treat allergic rhinitis appearing together. Running nose, sneezing, watery eyes, itching, and hives are some of the symptoms.

      • Ques : What is Cetirizine used for?

        Ans : It is used to prevent and manage symptoms of Asthma. This medication belongs to group of medication known as leukotriene receptor antagonists. It also gives relives in symptoms such as Seasonal Allergy, Rhinitis and Hay Fever.

      • Ques : What are the side effects of Cetirizine?

        Ans : The side effects are mentioned below:

        • Severe once: chest tightness, stomach pain, cough.
        • Minor once: fever, heartburn, skin rash, joint pain, etc.

      • Ques : What are the most common side effects of Cetirizine?

        Ans : There are some common side effects of this medication. if you are experiencing any the of below mentioned side effects, kindly contact your doctor immediately.

        1. Thirst
        2. Scaly and itching skin
        3. Headache
        4. Blurred vision
        5. Nausea and vomiting
        6. Dizziness
        7. Diarrhoea
        8. Weakness or unusual tiredness
        9. Abdominal or stomach pain

      • Ques : Does Cetirizine make you drowsiness?

        Ans : It totally depends on the amount of dosage has been prescribed to the patient. or if we talk about its effects on infants so, small doses as per prescription are acceptable during breastfeeding. Large dose and extended use of this medication can cause drowsiness and other side effects on infants or it can also decrease the milk supply.

      • Ques : Is Cetirizine an antihistamine?

        Ans : This is an antihistamine drug that prevents the physiological effects of histamine. most of the allergies are treated by Antihistamine.

      • Ques : Can I use Cetirizine during pregnancy?

        Ans : It can be taken during pregnancy, there no such risk of any thing. it is an allergic kind of medication. it only deals with the allergies, pain, fever, etc.

      • Ques : Is Cetirizine safe during breastfeeding?

        Ans : If we talk about it’s effects on infants so, small doses as per prescription are acceptable during breastfeeding. there is no side effects on small quantities as advised by doctor. large dose and extended use of this medicine can cause drowsiness on infants or it can also decrease the milk supply.

      • Ques : Can I use Cetirizine if I have symptoms of a runny nose or itchy nose or throat?

        Ans : This medication can be used to temporarily relieve the symptoms of hay fever (allergy to pollen, dust, or other substances in the air) and allergy to other substances such as dust mites, animal dander, cockroaches, and molds.

      • Ques : Is Cetirizine helpful in treating hives?

        Ans : Yes, this medication is used to treat itching & redness caused by hives.

      • Ques : What are the symptoms of overdose?

        Ans : Symptoms of overdose include restlessness, irritability and drowsiness.

      • Ques : Is Cetirizine a steroid? What is it used for?

        Ans : This medicine belongs to the class of antihistamine and not a steroid. It is helpful in treating allergic rhinitis and urticaria.

      • Ques : Can I take Cetirizine along with Fexofenadine?

        Ans : Quite a few times doctor might prescribe you with a combination of two antihistamines to treat severe clinical conditions.

      • Ques : Is it safe to take Cetirizine daily for a long time?

        Ans : This medicine is safe to use if taken as per doctors prescription. However, this medicine is unlikely to harm you, but its suggested to take it for the period of time you need it.

      References

      • Cetirizine- Drug Information Portal [Internet]. druginfo.nlm.nih.gov. 2021 [Cited 03 December 2021]. Available from:

        https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/name/cetirizine

      • BecoAllergy 10mg Tablets- EMC [Internet]. www.medicines.org.uk. 2015 [Cited 03 December 2021]. Available from:

        https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/5332/smpc

      • Cetirizine: Uses, Side Effects, Dosage- Drugs Bank [Internet]. drugsbanks.com. 2017 [Cited 03 December 2021]. Available from:

        https://www.drugsbanks.com/cetirizine/

      • ALLEROFF - cetirizine hydrochloride tablet- Daily Med [Internet]. dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2010 [Cited 03 December 2021]. Available from:

        https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=2e431020-bf57-46a7-bbfd-487b87d00ffb

      Disclaimer : The information produced here is best of our knowledge and experience and we have tried our best to make it as accurate and up-to-date as possible, but we would like to request that it should not be treated as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.

      Lybrate is a medium to provide our audience with the common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. Even if there is no mention of a warning for any drug or combination, it never means that we are claiming that the drug or combination is safe for consumption without any proper consultation with an expert.

      Lybrate does not take responsibility for any aspect of medicines or treatments. If you have any doubts about your medication, we strongly recommend you to see a doctor immediately.
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      Written ByDrx Hina FirdousPhD (Pharmacology) Pursuing, M.Pharma (Pharmacology), B.Pharma - Certificate in Nutrition and Child CarePharmacology
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      Reviewed ByDr. Garima SharmaMBBS, Master in Healthcare Administration, Diploma in Occupational HealthGeneral Physician
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