Indications
Cetirizine Hydrochloride is used to relieve the symptoms of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis. Doctors also use it to treat the uncomplicated skin signs of chronic idiopathic urticaria, and for allergen induced asthma.
⚠️ Always consult a registered physician before taking any medicine.
Pharmacology
Cetirizine Hydrochloride is a potent H1 receptor antagonist, and it has no significant anticholinergic or antiserotonic effects. At pharmacologically active doses it causes almost no drowsiness and doesn't cause behavioural changes. It inhibits the histamine-mediated early phase of the allergic reaction. It also reduces the migration of inflammatory cells and the release of mediators linked to the late phase of the allergic reaction. Pharmacokinetics: a 10 mg dose of cetirizine reaches peak plasma concentrations of 257 mcg/L within one hour (980 mcg/L in children). Food doesn't affect the extent of absorption, but it may slightly reduce the rate. Peak blood levels of 0.3 micrograms/ml are reached between thirty and sixty minutes after a 10 mg dose. The plasma half-life is approximately 11 hours, and absorption is very consistent from one person to the next. Renal clearance is 30 ml/minute and the excretion half-life is approximately nine hours.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Cetirizine Hydrochloride falls under US FDA Pregnancy Category B. That said, there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Animal reproduction studies don't always predict how humans will respond, so Cetirizine Hydrochloride should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.
The medicine has been shown to pass into human milk. So caution should be taken when it is given to a nursing woman.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Dosage Reference
⚠️ Reference ranges from official sources only. Consult your doctor for personalized dosing.
Side Effects & Interactions
Side Effects
No side-effect data recorded yet.