Category:Anti-Histaminic
Introduction:
Cetirizine is a widely used antihistamine medication that is primarily prescribed for the treatment of allergies and associated conditions mostly known as cetirizine hydrochloride. It is classified as a second-generation antihistamine, known for its effectiveness in relieving symptoms such as sneezing, itching, runny nose, and watery eyes. Cetirizine is available over-the-counter and under various brand names, making it easily accessible to individuals seeking relief from allergies. Cetirizine was discovered in the 1980s, and it soon became the go-to remedy for those pesky allergy symptoms. Since its discovery and subsequent approval, cetirizine has played a significant role in alleviating symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis, chronic urticaria, and other related manifestations.
Category – Anti-Histamine
Uses:
But, Cetirizine doesn't limit itself to just allergies. Some doctors may also prescribe it for off-label uses such as relieving itchiness due to other skin conditions.
How to Consume:
The standard oral recommended dose for cetirizine is maximum 10mg once a day it can be consumed once a day either in morning or at night.
You can also consume it twice a day as 5-5mg in morning once and at night once.
Storage Conditions:
The medication should be kept at room temperature in a well sealed container away from heat, moisture and direct light. Prevent freezing.
Keep out of children’s reach
Duration between two dose:
Mostly as recommended cetirizine an antihistamine is taken once a day (10mg) if required or prescribed by the doctor it can be taken twice a day morning and evening (5-5mg)
Cetirizine is safe to take at any time of day. Because it is non-sedating (does not cause sleepy effect), most people take it in the morning. However, a small percentage of people find it sedating, so if it does make you drowsy, take it in the evening.
Side effects:
Some common side effects which can be seen after taking Cetirizine –
● Headache
● Dry mouth
● Feeling sick
● Dizziness
● Stomach pain (especially in children)
● Sore throat
● Abdominal pain
● Diarrhoea
● Nausea
● Excessive tiredness
Drug Mechanism:
Pharmacodynamics:
Histamine is a chemical our bodies produce in response to allergens, and it’s responsible for those various allergies caused in our body. Cetirizine works by targeting specific receptors in our bodies, known as histamine receptors. These receptors act like little gatekeepers, allowing histamine to wreak havoc or preventing it from doing so.
Here’s where cetirizine comes to the rescue. By binding to these histamine receptors, cetirizine blocks them from receiving histamine signals. By blocking the H1 receptors, cetirizine helps to alleviate itching, sneezing, and other annoying symptoms caused by histamine.
Pharmacokinetics:
When we consume a cetirizine medication, it sets out on an path through our digestive system. The drug gets absorbed into the bloodstream primarily through the small intestine. However, its absorption rate can be influenced by various factors, such as the presence of food or other drugs.
Once in the bloodstream, cetirizine faces another challenge – protein binding. It may associate with specific proteins, which can affect its distribution throughout the body. Despite this, cetirizine manages to reach various tissues and organs, targeting those pesky histamine receptors that cause all the allergy symptoms.
Cetirizine is metabolised in liver, where it undergoes metabolism. The liver transforms cetirizine into different compounds, which can either be inactive or retain some level of activity. These metabolites then continue their journey through the body, playing a role in the drug’s overall effectiveness.
The drug and its metabolites are primarily eliminated through the kidneys via urine. This process is called renal excretion.
Safety Measures:
When to see a doctor:
● Acid or sour stomach
● Change or loss of taste
● Feeling hot
● Headache
● Heartburn
● Increased Sweating
● Itching
● Numbness
● Feelings of tingling, numbness, prickling, or “pins and needles”
If condition form this occur you should immediately visit the doctor or it can be dangerous for your health if not cured as soon as possible.
Allergic Reactions:
This medication rarely causes serious allergic reactions. However, get medical treatment right away if you notice any of the following symptoms of a severe allergic reaction:- Rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), dizziness, or difficulty breathing.
Available Dosage Form:
Form:
1. Oral Tablets
Strength: 5mg, 10mg
2. Oral Disintegrating tablet
Strength: 10mg
3. Oral chewable tablet
Strength: 5mg, 10mg
4. Oral Syrup
Strength: 5mg/5ml
5. Oral Solution
Strength: 5mg/5ml
6. Injectable solution
Strength: 10mg/ml
Child Dosage:
Your doctor will determine the appropriate dose for children aged 1 to 2 years old based on their weight or age.
The dose for children aged 2 to 5 years is 2.5mg twice a day.
The normal dose for children aged 6 to 11 years is 5mg twice a day. Allow 10 to 12 hours gap between dosages. So, one before breakfast and one before bedtime.
Adult Dosage:
A normal adult above 18yrs of age can consume the medication max 10mg in 24hrs mostly recommended after dinner as it can cause drowsy (sleepy) in some people.
Or the doctor may recommend you 5mg once or twice a day if the allergy is mild.
Important Note :
Cetirizine has the potential to induce adverse impacts that impair your thinking or reactions.
Older people may require a lower dose than usual.
To get the total benefits of this medicine take the medicine each day at same time.
Do not self-treat yourself with this drug always take suggestion from healthcare professionals.
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning for child.
Tell your doctor about your medical history before taking this medication.
Swallow the entire capsule or tablet to prevent exposure to a life-threatening overdose, Do not chew, break, open or dissolve.
Do not continue taking of the drug without informing doctor.
Do not drink alcohol once you have taken the medication.
Do not increase your dose or use it more frequently or for longer than prescribed.
Follow the complete treatment prescribed by the physician, do not skip a dose in the treatment.
If you miss the dose, skip it don’t double it.
Available brands:
Reference:
Gehanno P, Bremard-Oury C, Zeisser P. Comparison of ebastine to cetirizine in seasonal allergic rhinitis in adults. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol.
Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®) [Internet]. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; Bethesda (MD): Jul 18, 2022. Cetirizine.
Tashkin DP, Brik A, Gong H. Cetirizine inhibition of histamine-induced bronchospasm. Ann Allergy.
Comments