Cetirizine

Indication

Cetirizine is indicated for the relief of nasal and ocular symptoms of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis and the relief of symptoms of chronic idiopathic urticaria.

Dosage and Administration

Children 6 months to 2 years: 2.5 mL

Children 2 to 6 years: 2.5 mL to 5 mL

Children 6 to 12 years: 5 mL

Adults over 12 years: 5 mL to 10 mL daily, depending on severity of symptom.

Cetirizine can be taken with or without food.

Composition

Each 5 mL contains:

Cetirizine Hydrochloride B.P ... 5 mg.

Description

Cetirizine hydrochloride is an orally active and selective H1 receptor antagonist, antihistamine. It may not cause drowsiness or anticholinergic side effects. Chemically, it is (RS) -2-[2-[4-[(4-Chlorophenyl)phenylmethyl] piperazin-1-yl]ethoxy]acetic acid dihydrochloride. Its molecular formula is C2...read more

Clinical Pharmacology

Cetirizine, a piperazine derivative and metabolite of hydroxyzine, is a potent and selective antagonist of peripheral H1 receptors. The antihistamine activity of cetirizine has been shown in a variety of animal and human models. In vivo and ex vivo animal models have shown insignificant anticholiner...read more

Pharmacokinetics

Cetirizine was rapidly absorbed with a time to maximum concentration (Tmax) of about 1 hour after oral administration in adult. Food had no effect on the extent of cetirizine exposure (AUC) but Tmax was delayed by 1.7 hours and Cmax was decreased by 23% in the presence of food. The apparent volume o...read more

Contraindication

It is contraindicated in patient with hypersensitivity to cetirizine hydrochloride or hydroxyzine or to any piper-azine derivatives; patients with severe renal impairment < 10 mL/min creatinine clearance and patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, the Lapp lactase deficiency...read more

Precaution

It is used with caution in patient with increased risk of urinary retention (e.g. spinal cord lesion, prostatic hyperplasia), epileptic patients who are at risk of convulsions, hepatic and mild to moderate renal impairment, children, pregnancy and lactation. The use of the film-coated tablet formula...read more

Adverse Effects

The most common adverse effect is tiredness. The other adverse effects include tachycardia, abdominal pain, dry mouth, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, fatigue, asthenia, malaise, oedema, dizziness, headache, convulsion, agitation, somnolence, aggression, confusion, depression, hallucination, insomnia, e...read more

Drug Interaction

Alcohol: Combination may enhance the CNS depressant effect.

CNS depressants: Additive CNS depression when admini-stered concomitantly with other CNS depressants (e.g. sedatives, tranquilisers).

Lab Test: May cause false-positive serum TCA screen. May suppress the wheal and flare reactions to skin test antigens.

Allergy Skin Test: Response to allergy skin tests are inhibited by antihistamines and a wash-out period (of 3 days) is required before performing them.

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose: Confusion, diarrhoea, dizziness, fatigue, headache, malaise, mydriasis, pruritus, restless-ness, sedation, somnolence, stupor, tachycardia, tremor, urinary retention.

Management: Symptomatic and supportive treatment. Gastric lavage may be performed following early ingestion. Alternatively consider activated charcoal. Cetirizine is not effectively removed by dialysis.

Storage

Store below 30°C in cool, dry place. Protect from light and moisture. Keep out of reach and sight of children.

Presentation

60 mL Amber-coloured Plastic Bottle in a Carton Box.