Cetirizine is indicated for the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis, perennial allergic rhinitis, pruritus and urticaria. It is also used in allergen induced asthma.
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.
Tablet:
Syrup:
Cetirizine dihydrochloride is well tolerated. Lower incidence of sedation, headache, dry mouth, and gastrointestinal disturbances may occur. It does not produce anticholinergic effects.
Caution should be exercised when driving a car or operating a heavy machinery. Concurrent use of cetirizine with alcohol or other CNS depressants should be avoided because additional reduction in alertness and CNS performance may occur.
No clinically significant drug interactions have been found with theophylline, azithromycin, pseudoephedrine, ketoconazole or erythromycin and with some other drugs.
Pregnancy category B. There are no adequate and well controlled studies in pregnant women. Cetirizine should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Cetirizine has been reported to be excreted in human breast milk. As large amount of drugs are excreted in human milk, use of Cetirizine in nursing mother is not recommended.
Symptoms: Confusion, dizziness, fatigue, headache, malaise, restlessness, sedation, somnolence, diarrhoea, mydriasis, pruritus, stupor, tachycardia, tremor, and urinary retention.
Management: Symptomatic and supportive treatment. Gastric lavage may be done shortly following ingestion.
Cetirizine Dihydrochloride is contraindicated in those patients with a known hypersensitivity to it or any of its ingredients or hydroxyzine.
Store between 20-25°C. Syrup: Store between 2-8°C.