Cetirizine Hydrochloride is used to relieve symptoms of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis. It is also indicated for the treatment of uncomplicated skin symptoms of chronic idiopathic urticaria and allergen-induced asthma.

Cetirizine Hydrochloride is a strong H1 receptor antagonist with minimal anticholinergic and antiserotonergic effects. At therapeutic doses, it causes little to no drowsiness and does not affect behavior.

It works by blocking the early phase of histamine-mediated allergic reactions and reducing the movement of inflammatory cells and the release of mediators in the later phase of allergic responses.

Cetirizine oral dosage form:

• Adults and Children 6 years and older: 1 tablet or 2 teaspoonfuls daily (or 1 teaspoonful twice daily).
• Children 2-6 years: 1 teaspoon once daily or 1/2 teaspoonful twice daily.
• Children 6 months to 2 years: 1/2 teaspoonful once daily. The dose in children 12-23 months of age can be increased to a maximum dose as 1/2 teaspoonful every 12 hours.

Cetirizine injectable dosage form: Cetirizine is a single use injectable product for intravenous administration only. The recommended dosage regimen is once every 24 hours as needed for treatment of acute urticaria. Administer Cetirizine as an intravenous push over a period of 1 to 2 minutes. Cetirizine is not recommended in pediatric patients less than 6 years of age with impaired renal or hepatic function.

• Adults and adolescents 12 years of age and older: The recommended dosage is 10 mg administered by intravenous injection.
• Children 6 to 11 years of age: The recommended dosage is 5 mg or 10 mg depending on symptom severity administered by intravenous injection.
• Children 6 months to 5 years of age: The recommended dosage is 2.5 mg administered by intravenous injection.

No clinically significant drug interactions have been identified with Theophylline, Azithromycin, Pseudoephedrine, Ketoconazole, Erythromycin, or other medications.

This drug is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to Cetirizine or Hydroxyzine.

The most frequently reported side effect of Cetirizine is drowsiness.

Cetirizine Hydrochloride is classified as US FDA Pregnancy Category B. However, there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Since animal studies may not always predict human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only when clearly necessary. Cetirizine is excreted in human breast milk, therefore, caution is advised when administered to nursing mothers.

Caution should be taken when driving or operating heavy machinery.

Hepatic or renal insufficiency: In patients with mild to moderate liver or kidney impairment, total body clearance of cetirizine is reduced and AUC is increased by up to threefold. Clearance decreases in proportion to reduced creatinine clearance. Plasma levels are not significantly affected by hemodialysis. The elimination half-life in dialysis patients is approximately 20 hours, and AUC increases about three times.

Pediatric Use: The safety of cetirizine hydrochloride has been established in children aged 6 months to 5 years.

Elderly use: Clearance of cetirizine is reduced in elderly patients, mainly due to decreased creatinine clearance.

Sedating Anti-histamine

Store in a dry place, protected from light and heat. Keep out of reach of children.