An antihistamine that treats symptoms, such as itching, runny nose, watery eyes, and sneezing from hay fever (allergic rhinitis) and other allergies, such as allergies to molds and dust mites.
Piperazine Derivative; Antihistamine
Cetirizine Hydrochloride is a potent H1 receptor antagonist without any significant anticholinergic and antiserotonic effects. At pharmacologically active dose levels, it has almost no drowsiness effect and does not cause behavioral changes. It 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 phase of the allergic reaction.
Pharmacokinetics: Cetirizine 10 mg achieves peak plasma concentrations of 257 mcg/L within one hour of administration (980 mcg/L in children). Food does not affect the extent of absorption, but it may slightly reduce the rate. Peak blood levels 0.3 micrograms/ml are reached between thirty & sixty minutes after administration of 10 mg dose of Cetirizine. Its plasma half-life is approximately 11 hours. Absorption is very consistent from one subject to the next. Its renal clearance is 30 ml/minute and the excretion half-life is approximately nine hours.
ORAL Allergic conditions: Adult: 10 mg once daily or 5 mg bid. Child: 6 mth-2 yr: 2.5 mg once daily (up to 2.5 mg bid in child 12 mth); 2-5 yr: 5 mg once daily or 2.5 mg bid; >6 yr: 10 mg once daily or 5 mg bid.
No clinically significant drug interactions have been found with Theophylline, Azithromycin, Pseudoephedrine, Ketoconazole or Erythromycin and with other drugs.
Hypersensitivity; lactation. Hepatic or renal impairment; elderly; tasks requiring mental alertness eg, driving or operating heavy machinery; pregnancy.
Somnolence, insomnia, malaise, headache, dizziness; GI discomfort, dry mouth, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting; occasional hypersensitivity; epistaxis, pharyngitis, bronchospasm.
This drug should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Use is not recommended for breastfeeding.
Keep in a dry place away from light and heat. Keep out of the reach of children.
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