Dosage Forms
- 10 mg tablet
Drug Group
Anti- histamine
Packaging
- 10 tablets in one blister. 3 blisters in a box.
Treatment of perennial allergic rhinitis, seasonal allergic rhinitis, and chronic idiopathic urticaria.
Cetirizine inhibits the histamine-mediated early phase of the allergic reaction and also reduces the migration of inflammatory cells and the release of mediators associated with the ‘late’ allergic response. Cetirizine is a potent antihistamine with a low potential for drowsiness at pharmacologically-active doses and with additional ant allergic properties. It is a selective H1-antagonist with negligible effect on other receptors, and so is virtually free from anticholinergic and anti-serotonin effects.
Patients with a history of hypersensitivity to any of Cetirizine constituents.
There have been occasional reports of mild and transient side effects, e.g. Headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, agitation, dry mouth and gastrointestinal discomfort. If desired, the dose may be taken as 5 mg in the morning and 5 mg in the evening. In some individuals, hypersensitivity reactions including skin reactions and angioedema may develop.
No adverse effects have been reported from animal studies. There has been little or no use of cetirizine in pregnancy should be avoided. Cetirizine is contraindicated in lactating women since the active ingredient; cetirizine is excreted in breast milk.
To date, there are no known interactions with other drugs. Studies with diazepam and Cetirizine have revealed no evidence of interactions. As with other antihistamines, it is advisable to avoid excessive alcohol consumption.