Cetirizine - Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Drug Warnings, and Precautions

Overview:

Cetirizine is an antihistamine drug used to treat the symptoms of allergies and colds. It is known as a non-drowsy antihistamine as it is less likely to make you feel drowsy than any other antihistamines. Cetirizine is available in both oral and injection forms. Cetirizine oral is used in adults and children to treat cold, sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, or allergy symptoms. It comes as tablets, capsules, and liquid. Cetirizine injection is used to treat urticaria (hives) in adults and children above six years. It is an over-the-counter drug approved by the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Drug Group:

Cetirizine belongs to the group of antihistamines. There are different types of antihistamines. They are

• First-Generation or Sedating Antihistamines:

These drugs can be used when your sleep gets disturbed because of itching, leading to significant drowsiness. They include:

1. Alimemazine.

2. Chlorphenamine.

3. Clemastine.

4. Promethazine.

5. Ketotifen.

6. Hydroxyzine.

• Second-Generation or Non-sedating Antihistamines:

These drugs can cause less drowsiness when compared to first-generation antihistamines. The second-generation antihistamines include:

1. Cetirizine.

2. Levocetirizine.

3. Acrivastine.

4. Desloratadine.

5. Loratadine.

6. Fexofenadine.

What Is Cetirizine Used For?

Cetirizine is used to treat the following:

• Allergies.

• Cold.

• Sneezing.

• Runny nose.

• Watery eyes.

• Hay fever.

• Conjunctivitis.

• Eczema.

• Urticaria (hives).

• Allergic reactions to insect bites and stings.

• Food allergies.

How Does Cetirizine Work?

Cetirizine is an antihistamine that works particularly on peripheral histamine receptors. These histamine receptors are located outside the brain and spinal cord. Histamine is a chemical released by the mast cells in response to an allergen. Allergen is responsible for the symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as swelling of the mucous membranes, sneezing, and itching. Cetirizine binds to the histamine receptors, prevents histamine from affecting those receptors, and relieves allergy symptoms. As Cetirizine acts on the peripheral histamine receptors, it is less likely to cause drowsiness compared to other antihistamines.

How to Take Cetirizine?

Cetirizine comes as capsules and tablets. Adults and children of 6 years and above can take Cetirizine. You need to take the drug as prescribed by your doctor if you are not sure. It is usually taken once a day. Please do not take it more often than directed by your doctor or as directed on the package.

Do not take Cetirizine to treat hives that are already bruised or blistered, and stop taking Cetirizine and contact your doctor if your symptoms of hives do not improve during the first phase of the treatment.

What Is the Dosage of Cetirizine?

The recommended dosage is 5 to 10 mg daily, depending on the severity of the symptoms.

What Happens If I Miss a Dose?

The missed dose can be taken immediately when you remember about it. If it is almost the time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dose schedule. Do not double the dose to compensate for the missed dose.

What If I Take Overdose?

You need to seek medical consultation if you have taken an overdose. Taking an overdose of Cetirizine can make you feel restless, drowsy, and nervous.

What Are the Drug Warnings and Precautions?

1)Avoid taking this drug if you are allergic to Cetirizine or any other antihistamines.

2) Consult your doctor before taking this drug if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant or if you are breastfeeding. Usually, Cetirizine is safe during pregnancy, but it is always better to consult a doctor before taking the medication.

3) Inform your healthcare provider if you have any previous illnesses like liver disease or kidney disease. Your doctor weighs the risks and may recommend taking the full dose or taking less than the typical dose.

4) Be cautious when driving a vehicle or using any machinery after taking Cetirizine. Even though Cetirizine is less likely to cause drowsiness when compared to the other antihistamines, some people respond differently when taking it.

What Are the Side Effects of Cetirizine?

Cetirizine is less likely to cause some severe side effects. However, it can cause adverse effects like:

• Drowsiness.

• Excessive tiredness.

• Dry mouth.

• Stomach pain.

• Diarrhea.

• Vomiting.

• Headache.

• Nosebleed.

• Tremor.

• Low blood pressure.

• Tongue discoloration.

• Difficulty in Breathing.

Consult your healthcare provider if you experience any unexpected side effects. However, these side effects are usually not an emergency.

What Are the Drug Interactions of Cetirizine?

• If you are taking any sedatives, consult a doctor before taking Cetirizine.

• Taking Cetirizine with other drugs that depress the central nervous system can cause drowsiness.

• There is a possibility for Cetirizine to interact with Theophylline. Theophylline is a drug used by some people with lung problems or asthma. In some instances, when Cetirizine and Theophylline are taken together, Cetirizine stays longer in the body. Hence it is always necessary to consult your doctor before taking Cetirizine.

• The other drugs which interact with Cetirizine when taken together are:

  • Serious Interactions:

    • Isocarboxazid.

    • Tranylcypromine.

  • Moderate Interactions:

    • Clobazam.

    • Hyaluronidase.

    • Lomitapide.

  • Mild Interactions:

    • Dyphylline.

Can Cetirizine Be Taken During Pregnancy?

Cetirizine is usually safe when taken during pregnancy. There is no evidence of teratogenicity or any other harmful effects on pregnancy. But it is always better to take your doctor's consultation before taking this medication.

Can Cetirizine Be Taken While Breastfeeding?

Small doses of Cetirizine are probably acceptable while breastfeeding. Larger doses or prolonged usage of Cetirizine can cause drowsiness and other effects on the infant or decrease the milk supply.

What Are the Common Brand Names of Cetirizine?

The following are a few common brand names of Cetirizine:

• Tablet Alvin.

• Tablet Cetriver.

• Tablet Okacet.

• Tablet Cetcip.

• Tablet Stanhist 10.