Cetirizine: Allergy Uses, Side Effects, Dosage (original) (raw)
Generic Name: cetirizine
Brand Names: Zyrtec, Zyrtec Allergy, Zyrtec Hives
Drug Class: Antihistamine/Decongestant Combos, Antihistamines, 2nd Generation
What is cetirizine, and what is it used for?
Cetirizine is a non-sedating antihistamine that works by blocking histamine (H-1) receptors in cells. It is similar to the other second-generation antihistamines loratadine (Claritin), fexofenadine (Allegra) and azelastine (Astelin).
Histamine is a chemical that is responsible for many of the signs and symptoms of allergic reactions, for example, swelling of the lining of the nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes. Histamine is released from histamine-storing cells (mast cells) and then attaches to other cells that have receptors for histamine. The attachment of the histamine to the receptors causes the cells to be "activated," releasing other chemicals that produce the effects that we associate with allergy, for example, sneezing.
Certirizine blocks one type of receptor for histamine (the H1 receptor) and thus prevents activation of H1 receptor-containing cells by histamine. Unlike the first-generation antihistamines, cetirizine and other second-generation antihistamines do not readily enter the brain from the blood, and, therefore, they cause less drowsiness. Cetirizine may cause more drowsiness than other second-generation antihistamines.
Cetirizine uses
- Seasonal allergies: Cetirizine is used for the relief of symptoms associated with seasonal allergic rhinitis due to allergens such as ragweed, grass and tree pollens in adults and children 2 years of age and older. Symptoms treated effectively include sneezing, runny nose, itchy nose and eyes, tearing, and redness of the eyes.
- Perennial allergies: Cetirizine is used for the relief of symptoms associated with perennial allergic rhinitis due to allergens such as dust mites, animal dander and molds in adults and children 6 months of age and older. Symptoms treated effectively include sneezing, runny nose, postnasal discharge, itchy nose and eyes, and tearing.
- Hives and itching: Cetirizine is used for the treatment of the uncomplicated skin manifestations of chronic hives in adults and children 6 months of age and older. It significantly reduces the occurrence, severity, and duration of hives and significantly reduces itching.
The FDA approved cetirizine in September 1996.
What is the dosage for cetirizine?
- The recommended dose is 5 to 10 mg daily depending on the severity of symptoms.
Is cetirizine safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Cetirizine has not been adequately evaluated in pregnant women. Available evidence suggests that risk to the developing fetus is low.
Cetirizine is excreted in human breast milk.
What else should I know about cetirizine?
What preparations of cetirizine are available?
- Tablets: 5 and 10 mg. Tablets (Chewable or orally disintegrating): 10 mg. Syrup: 5 mg/5 ml.
How should I keep cetirizine stored?
- Cetirizine should be stored in a dry place at 15 C to 30 C (59 F to 86 F).
SLIDESHOW Common Allergies: Symptoms and Signs See Slideshow
Summary
Cetirizine is a drug used to treat seasonal or perennial allergies and hives. Side effects that have been reported with cetirizine include sleepiness (occurs in 14% of patients), dry mouth, nausea, headache, fatigue, jitteriness, and sore throat. Other important but rare side effects include allergic reactions, seizures, fainting, and low blood pressure. Consult your doctor if pregnant or breastfeeding.
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Treatment & Diagnosis
Medications & Supplements
- Drugs: Questions to Ask Your Doctor or Pharmacist about Your Drugs
- Drug Interactions
- Antihistamines (Oral)
- loratadine
- fluticasone
- Side Effects of Zyrtec (cetirizine)
- azelastine (Astelin, Astepro)
- loratadine, Claritin, Claritin RediTabs, Alavert, Claritin Hives Relief, Children's Claritin
- Xyzal (levocetirizine dihydrochloride)
- fexofenadine (Allegra, Mucinex Allergy)
- whole blood
- Dymista (azelastine hydrochloride and fluticasone propionate)
- fexofenadine and pseudoephedrine (Allegra-D)
- loratadine and pseudoephedrine (Alavert Allergy & Sinus, Claritin-D, Claritin-D 24 hour)
- hypotonic saline intranasal
- Beconase AQ (beclomethasone) Side Effects, Warnings, and Drug Interactions
- brompheniramine/dextromethorphan/phenylephrine
- modified ragweed tyrosine adsorbate
- Quzyttir (cetirizine)
Health News
Medically Reviewed on 3/14/2023
References
Medically reviewed by John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP; Board Certified Emergency Medicine
REFERENCE:
FDA Prescribing Information