Cetirizine

Generic name: cetirizine
Brand name: Zyrtec
Drug class: Antihistamines

Dosage form: Tablet/Chewable tablets/Syrup
Root of administration: Oral
Dose:

• Tablets: 5 mg or 10 mg once daily
• Chewable tablets: 5 mg or 10 mg once daily
• Syrup: 5 mg/5 mL or 1 mg/mL, with a usual dose of 5 mg once daily or 2.5 mg twice daily

Mechanism of action: Cetirizine is a second generation antihistamine that reduces the natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.
Drug usage cases: Cetirizine is used to treat cold or allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, watery eyes, or runny nose. Cetirizine is also used to treat an allergic reaction, itching and swelling caused by chronic urticaria (hives) and minimizes or eliminates the symptoms of perennial allergic rhinitis, seasonal allergic rhinitis, chronic idiopathic urticaria, allergic asthma, physical urticaria, and atopic dermatitis.

Drug contraindications: You should not use this medication if you are allergic to or had an adverse reaction to cetirizine. Before taking cetirizine, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions or if you have ever had kidney or liver disease.

Side effects: Stop using cetirizine and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
• weakness, tremors (uncontrolled shaking), or sleep problems (insomnia)
• severe restless feeling, hyperactivity
• confusion
• problems with vision
• urinating less than usual or not at all

Warnings: Cetirizine can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase some of the side effects of cetirizine.
Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding: Cetirizine is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Cetirizine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use cetirizine without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.