Generic Name

Cetirizine

Precaution

Hepatic or renal impairment; elderly; tasks requiring mental alertness eg, driving or operating heavy machinery; pregnancy. Lactation: Excreted in breast milk; use not recommended

Indication

Allergic rhinitis, Hay fever, Allergies, Urticaria

Contra Indication

Hypersensitivity; lactation.

Dose

N/A

Side Effect

>10% Somnolence (2-14%),Headache (11-14%) 1-10% Fatigue (5.9%),Dry mouth (5%),Dizziness (2%),Diarrhea (2-3%),Malaise (4%),Bronchospasm (2-3%),Vomiting (2-3%),Epistaxis (2-4%) <1% Stomach pain,Drowsiness,Angioedema,Fussiness,Hallucinations,Hypotension,Tremor,Tongue discoloration

Pregnancy Category

Mode of Action

Cetirizine is a potent and highly selective antagonist of the peripheral histamine H1-receptor on effector cells in the GI tract, blood vessels and resp tract.

Interaction

Additive CNS depression when administered concomitantly w/ other CNS depressants (e.g. sedatives, tranquilisers).

Pregnancy Category Note

Pregnancy There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women Lactation Cetirizine has been reported to be present in human breast milk In mice and beagle dogs, studies indicated that cetirizine was excreted in milk When a drug is present in animal milk, it is likely it will be present in human milk

Adult Dose

Oral Allergic conditions Adult: 10 mg once daily or 5 mg bid. Elderly: Initially, 5 mg once daily. Hepatic impairment: Initially, 5 mg once daily. Syrup: Adults: 2 teaspoon once daily or 1 teaspoon twice daily.

Child Dose

Oral Allergic conditions Child: 6-23 mth 2.5 mg once daily increased to max of 2.5 mg bid in childn >12 mth; 2-5 yr 5 mg once daily or in 2 divided doses; >6 yr 10 mg once daily or in 2 divided doses. Syrup: Children over 6 years: 2 teaspoon once daily or 1 teaspoon twice daily. Children 2-6 years: 1 teaspoonful once daily or 1/2 teaspoon twice daily. <2 years: Safety and efficacy not established

Renal Dose

Renal impairment GFR >50 mL/min: Dose adjustment not necessary GFR< 50 mL/min: 5 mg PO qDay Peritoneal dialysis: 5 mg PO qDay Intermittent hemodialysis: 5 mg PO qDay; may also administer 3 times weekly

Administration

May be taken with or without food.