Cetirizine Hydrochloride information from DrugsUpdate
P - Caution when used during pregnancy
L - Contraindicated in lactation
Cetirizine hydrochloride, an antihistamine, is a major metabolite of hydroxyzine, and a racemic selective H1 receptor inverse agonist used in the treatment of allergies, hay fever, angioedema, and urticaria. The structural similarity of cetirizine to hydroxyzine, and its derivation from piperazine, attribute similar adverse reactions and properties to other piperazine derivatives.
Pharmacodynamics
Pharmacokinetics
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.
Absorption: Absorbed rapidly from the GI tract (oral); peak plasma concentrations after 1 hr. Rate, but not extent, of absorption altered by food.
Distribution: Enters breast milk; crosses the blood-brain barrier (insignificant amounts). Protein-binding: Highly bound.
Excretion: Via the urine (as unchanged); 10 hr (elimination half-life).
Cetirizine Hydrochloride Indications / Cetirizine Hydrochloride Uses
Information Not Available
Cetirizine Hydrochloride Adverse Reactions / Cetirizine Hydrochloride Side Effects
Somnolence, insomnia, malaise, headache, dizziness; GI discomfort, dry mouth, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting; occasional hypersensitivity; epistaxis, pharyngitis, bronchospasm.
Precautions
Information Not Available
Special Precautions
Hepatic or renal impairment; elderly; tasks requiring mental alertness eg, driving or operating heavy machinery; pregnancy.
Other Drug Interactions
Risk of increased INR and epistaxis when taken together with warfarin.
Potentially Fatal: CNS depressants and anticholinergics may potentiate CNS depression of cetirizine.
Other Interactions
Information Not Available
Dosage
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 children ≥12 mth) ; 2-5 yr: 5 mg once daily or 2.5 mg bid; >6 yr: 10 mg once daily or 5 mg bid.
Elderly:
Renal impairment: Half the usual dose.
Hepatic impairment: Half the usual dose.
Food(before/after)
Information Not Available
List of Contraindications
Cetirizine Hydrochloride and Pregnancy
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Caution when used during pregnancy.
Cetirizine Hydrochloride and Lactation
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Contraindicated in lactation
Cetirizine Hydrochloride and Geriatic
Information Not Available
Cetirizine Hydrochloride and Other Contraindications
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Hypersensitivity; lactation
Storage
Oral: Store at 20-25°C.
Syr: Can also refrigerate at 2-8°C
Lab interference
Oral: Store at 20-25°C.
Syr: Can also refrigerate at 2-8°C
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