Cetirizine is an allergy medication that you can buy OTC (over-the-counter) at a medical store. That is, you don’t need a prescription. Cetirizine is used for the treatment of hay fever, seasonal allergies, and hives. Get to know how Cetirizine works, its side effects, precautions, and contraindications where Cetirizine is not suggested.
Let’s look into details
This medication may be recommended for other uses. Ask your doctor for more information. It is a very effective and potent drug to treat allergic symptoms associated with Rhinitis (inflammation of the inside of the nose) and Utricaria (skin rash). Allergies such as a runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, skin itching and hives can be effectively treated with this medicine. Cetirizine available in tablets, capsules, and syrup form.
1. How does Cetirizine work?
2. Cetirizine Uses
3. Side effects of Cetirizine
4. Cetirizine contraindications
5. Available medicines for cetirizine
6. Cetirizine Dosage
7. Doctor’s advice for Cetirizine
8. Cetirizine – Precautions & How to Use
9. Warnings
How does Cetirizine work?
Cetirizine blocks the action of certain chemical messengers that are responsible for allergic reactions, congestion, itching, and other inflammation.
Cetirizine Uses
Allergic Rhinitis:
Cetirizine can effectively treat the symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis namely sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, etc.
Utricaria:
Cetirizine can effectively treat the symptoms of Utricaria which could be red and itchy rashes and raised bumps on the skin.
Cetirizine helps relieve seasonal and long-term allergy symptoms, such as:
- Rhinorrhea
- Postnasal discharge
- Ocular pruritus
- Nasal pruritus
- Runny nose
These reactions can happen after you touch or inhale allergens such as plant pollen, mold, or pet dander. Allergies usually affect your nose, sinuses, throat, and other areas of your upper respiratory system (URTI).
It also helps relieve hives. They are itchy, raised rashes on the skin. Hives often occur with food or medication allergies.
Side effects of Cetirizine
Below mentioned side effects are possible but do not always occur. Some of the side effects may be rare but serious. The following is a list of possible side effects that may occur from all constituting ingredients of Cetirizine. This is not a comprehensive list. Consult your doctor if you notice any of the following side effects, especially if they do not go away.
- Headache
- Sleepiness
- Running Nose and Cough
- Diarrhea
- Nausea or Vomiting
- Blurred vision
- Dry Mouth
- Difficulty in passing urine
Cetirizine contraindications
It is not used in following conditions:
Allergy
If you have a known history of allergy to Cetirizine then it is not recommended for you to use.
Kidney Disease
Cetirizine is not recommended if you are suffering from chronic 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 disorders.
Available medicines for cetirizine
- Alerid–Cipla Ltd
- Alday–S H Pharmaceuticals Ltd
- Avil NU–Sanofi India Ltd
- Allercet–Micro Labs Ltd
- Cetiriz–Alkem Laboratories Ltd
- Cetzine–Glaxo SmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd
- CZ 3–Lupin Ltd
- Triz–Indoco Remedies Ltd
- Zyrtec–Dr Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd
- Zyncet–Unichem Laboratories Ltd
Cetirizine Dosage
Take this drug exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully.
The dose your doctor recommends may be based on the following things:
- The condition being treated
- Other medical issues you have
- Other medicines you are taking
- Your age
- Your gender
- Your weight
The recommended dose range of cetirizine for the treatment of hay fever, hives, or allergies is 5 to 10 mg (milligram). The maximum recommended dose is 10 mg (milligram) daily.
Doctor’s advice for Cetirizine Tablet:
- Cetirizine is a very safe and well-tolerated medicine for short-term use
- Consuming high dose can cause serious liver damage
- If you are suffering from liver disease, inform your doctor first. Your dose may need to be adjusted
- When you taking Cetirizine, Avoid excess intake of alcohol, together they can affect your liver
- if you have taken an overdose of Cetirizine Immediately inform your doctor or contact a hospital emergency and you are feeling unwell
Cetirizine – Precautions & How to Use
Before using Cetirizine, inform your doctor about your current list of medications, over the counter products (e.g. vitamins, herbal supplements, etc.), allergies, pre-existing diseases, and current health conditions (e.g. pregnancy, upcoming surgery, etc.). Some health conditions may make you more susceptible to the side-effects of the drug. Take this tablet as directed by your doctor or follow the direction printed on the product insert. Dosage is based on your condition and symptoms. Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
Overdosage:
Taking more than prescribed Cetirizine may cause harmful side effects. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you find any side effects. Cetirizine available in the market in various dosage forms. Read the label carefully before taking this medicine to avoid overdosage. Taking an excess dose of Cetirizine can cause confusion, dizziness, diarrhea, headache, fatigue, malaise, restlessness, pruritus, sedation, somnolence, stupor, tremor, tachycardia and urinary retention.
Missing dosage:
If you miss the dosage take as soon as possible, and if it is near to next dose, skip the missing dosage continue the regular dosage. Do not take extra doses.
Warnings
- Avoid Taking Cetirizine with alcohol it can increase the risk of stomach bleeding
- Cetirizine may be unsafe to use during pregnancy consult your doctor before taking this drug
- Cetirizine is safe to use during lactation but it’s important to consult your doctor
- Cetirizine should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Please consult your doctor before consuming this medication
- Cetirizine should be used with caution in patients with renal disease. Dose adjustment of Combiflam may be needed. Please consult your doctor before taking medication
If for some reason an experienced doctor is not available around you, then you can contact us here.
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Dr. Kaleem Mohammed graduated as a Bachelor of Physiotherapy in 2014 from Deccan College of Physiotherapy, affiliated to Dr. N.T.R. University of Health Sciences, Vijayawada, India. Dr. Kaleem is an expert at handling physiotherapy needs of patients suffering from orthopedic and spinal conditions and post-surgery rehabilitation. Dr. Kaleem is associated with HealthClues since its inception where he facilitates diagnosis and advanced consultation with senior doctors. He is also a medical researcher and prolific writer who loves sharing insightful commentaries and useful tips to educate the patient community about fitness, treatment options, and post-treatment recovery.
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