Cetirizine: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use it

What Drug Cetirizine?

What is the function of the drug cetirizine?

Cetirizine is an antihistamine drug that works to relieve allergy symptoms such as:

• itchy rash
• watery eyes
• cold
• itchy eyes or nose

These drugs work by blocking certain natural substances (namely histamine) that the body produces during an allergic reaction.

Cetirizine cannot prevent itching or treat serious allergic reactions (eg anaphylactics). So, if your doctor has prescribed epinephrine to treat a serious allergic reaction, don't replace it with cetirizine. Always carry an epinephrine syringe with you.

Cetirizine is a drug that can be obtained with or without a doctor's prescription at a pharmacy. This medicine is available in the form of chewable tablets, lozenges, and liquids.

What are the rules for using Cetirizine?

If you are treating an allergy with an over the counter medicine, read all directions on the product packaging before using this medication. You can also consult a pharmacist. If your doctor has prescribed this medicine, take it as directed, usually once every day.

There are several types of cetirizine tablets available, namely drinking (oral) tablets, chewing, or quick dissolving lozenges. If you are taking cetirizine tablets, take them with a glass of water.

If you are taking the chewable tablet, first chew it in your mouth until it is completely crushed, then swallow it.

Drink a glass of water to clean the remnants of the medicine. For a fast dissolving tablet, suck the tablet until it dissolves on the tongue, without being bitten. Swallow and drink water.

If you are taking this medicine in liquid form (syrup), measure the dose carefully. You should use a special measuring spoon to make it the right size.

Do not use a home spoon as the dosage may not be appropriate. Dosage is usually given based on age, medical condition, and body response to treatment.

Do not increase your dose or take medication on your own without a doctor's direction.

Usually, this drug only needs to be taken when allergy symptoms are on the way. This medicine is not a drug that you must take regularly or in a daily dose.

Tell your doctor if your allergy symptoms do not improve, the itching doesn't go away 3 days after treatment, or the itching lasts more than 6 weeks.

Get immediate medical attention if your condition worsens or you may have serious health problems (eg very serious allergic / anaphylactic reactions).

How to store Cetirizine?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Do not store medicines in the bathroom or freeze them.

Cetirizine is a generic drug. This drug may have various brands from various drug manufacturers. Other brands may have different storage rules.

Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed.

Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

What are the trademarks of cetirizine available in Indonesia?

You can get cetirizine for allergies or other symptoms, by getting its generic drug. You can also choose from the following brands that are available in Indonesia:

• Betarhin
• Capritazin
• Cerini
• Cetinal
• Cetrol
• Cetymin
• Esculer
• Estin
• Allergy
• Intrizine
• Lerzin
• Ozen
• Ritez
• Rybest
• Ryvel
• Ryzen
• Simzen
• Tiriz
• Yarizine
• Zenriz
• Zine

Cetirizine dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dose of Cetirizine for adults?

The following are the recommended cetirizine dosages for adults:

• To treat allergies in adults, the dose of the drug cetirizine is 10 mg once a day or 5 mg twice a day
• To treat allergies in the elderly, the dose of the drug cetirizine is 5 mg once a day for the initial dose

What is the dose of Cetirizine for children?

Cetirizine tablets are safe to administer to children aged 6-12 years. Give a dose of 5 mg (half a tablet) twice a day.

Here are the details of the dosage of cetirizine tablets for children:

• For children 6 - 23 months of age, the dose of the drug cetirizine is 2.5 mg once a day. Maximum dose 2.5 mg twice daily for ages 12 months and older
• For children aged 2-5 years, the dose of the drug cetirizine is 5 mg once a day or 2.5 mg twice a day
• For children 6 years of age and older, the dose of the drug cetirizine is 10 mg once daily or 5 mg twice daily

You can give children cetirizine in the morning and evening. Try to take this medication at the same time every day during the treatment period.

In what dosage is Cetirizine available?

The available forms and dosages of the drug cetirizine are:

• Tablets, oral: 5 mg and 10 mg
• Solution, oral: 5 mg / 5 ml, 2.5 mg / 5 ml

Cetirizine side effects

What are the possible side effects of cetirizine?

Just like drugs in general, cetirizine is a drug that has the potential to cause side effects in some people.

The most common side effects of using the drug cetirizine are:

• Dizzy
• Sleepy
• Tired
• Dry mouth
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Nausea
• Constipation
• Headache

Not everyone experiences the following side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above.

Side effects in the form of serious allergic reactions (anaphylactic) are rare due to cetirizine. However, if you experience the following signs and symptoms, please stop using this drug immediately and seek medical attention:

• Skin rash
• Itchy rash
• Swelling of the face, tongue, or throat
• Difficulty breathing
• Dizzy
• Severe headache

There are several ways you can treat cetirizine side effects, namely:

1. Using other antihistamines

Consumption of cetirizine often makes you sleepy. If this is enough to interfere with activity, try replacing it with another antihistamine that does not cause drowsiness.

2. Drink lots of water

To help deal with the side effects of cetirizine headaches, make sure you drink plenty of water. Avoid alcohol for a while.

You can get a prescription painkiller from your doctor or a recommendation from a pharmacist. Headaches due to cetirizine will usually disappear 1 week after taking the drug. Call your doctor if the headache doesn't go away and lasts more than a week.

3. Eat candy

Another side effect of cetirizine is dry mouth. You can solve this one problem by sucking on candy or chewing gum. However, make sure the candy is free of sugar so that it doesn't cause new problems due to excess sugar.

4. Reducing foods that are too heavy

You can also treat nausea from cetirizine by temporarily changing your diet.

Choose foods that are not too excessive in terms of spices and portions. You should also avoid foods that are too spicy.

You are also advised to eat smaller portions, but more often.

5. Avoid driving or strenuous activity

The side effects of cetirizine that are quite disturbing are feeling dizzy, headache, stomachache, and drowsiness.

Therefore, make sure you stop your activities for a while and take a break first. Do not drive or bring the vehicle in advance.

6. Sore throat

Sometimes, cetirizine can also cause side effects such as sore throat or sore throat. The solution, you can try gargling with aspirin dissolved in half a glass of water. You can also use pain relieving mouthwash.

If the symptoms of a sore throat do not go away a week after you take this medicine, contact your doctor immediately. Also, do not give aspirin solution water to children under the age of 16.

If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using Cetirizine?

Some things you should know before using cetirizine are:

• You should stop this medication if you are allergic to cetirizine.
• Before using this medication, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions.
• Older people may need a lower dose. Follow the doctor's instructions.
• Tell your doctor if you are taking other drugs that cause drowsiness (such as cold or other allergy medications), sleeping pills, drugs that relax your muscles, and medications for seizures, depression, or anxiety.
• Cetirizine can cause side effects that may interfere with your thoughts or reactions. Be careful when you drive or do activities that require you to stay awake and alert.

Is cetirizine safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There is no adequate research on the risks of using cetirizine for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication.

This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category B according to the Food and Drug Administration in the United States, the FDA.

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = Not at risk
• B = No risk in several studies
• C = May be risky
• D = There is positive evidence of risk
• X = Contraindicated
• N = Unknown

In addition, this drug can also be absorbed into breast milk. That is why, it is possible that cetirizine can be taken by babies if it is taken for breastfeeding mothers.

If you are going to take this drug while still breastfeeding, you should first consult a doctor. You may be given a recommendation for other drugs that are safe for breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with Cetirizine?

Although several types of drugs cannot be taken at the same time, there are also cases where interacting drugs are prescribed simultaneously.

In this case, the doctor may change the dose or prescribe preventive measures. Inform all medicines, both prescription and non-prescription, and herbal products to medical personnel.

The following is a list of possible drugs that can trigger interactions with cetirizine. Tell your doctor or medical team if you are taking any of the following medicines:

• midodrine (a blood pressure-lowering drug)
• ritonavir (an HIV infection drug)
• other medications that cause drowsiness, dry mouth, or difficulty urinating

You should also avoid taking herbal medicines, vitamins, or other supplements if you are taking cetirizine.

Can food or alcohol interact with this drug?

Certain drugs cannot be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur.

Smoking or consuming alcohol with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interact with this drug?

There are certain health conditions that may interact with the drug cetirizine. Therefore, always tell your doctor about any health conditions you have before taking certain drugs.

According to Drugs.com, the following are health conditions that may cause interactions with this drug:

• diseases or disorders of the kidneys
• dependence or abuse of alcoholic beverages

Cetirizine overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

If you think you or your child is taking cetirizine with a dose that is more than the doctor or pharmacist recommended, contact your doctor immediately. Your doctor will assess your condition and take action if necessary.

Side effects that may arise from overdosing on cetirizine include:

• dizzy
• headache
• diarrhea
• limp
• heart beat fast
• tremor
• dilated pupils

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.