Zyrtec Cetirizine is an antihistamine. Cetirizine blocks the actions of the naturally occurring chemical histamine in the body. Histamine, which is produced by the body can cause itching, sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes. Antihistamines are used to relieve or prevent the symptoms of hay fever and other types of allergy.
Zyrtec (Cetrizine) is used for Preventing or treating symptoms of hay fever and other upper respiratory allergies such as stuffy nose, runny nose, sneezing, itching of the nose and throat, and itchy, watery eyes. It is also used for preventing or treating chronic hives. Cetirizine is less likely than some other antihistamines to cause side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness.
Drug Name:
Zyrtec
Generic Name: Cetirizine
Manufacture By:
UCB Private Ltd. (UCB manufacturing strengths have established it as a producer of world-class generics, branded generics and a major supplier of its range of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients).
Zyrtec is available in 10 mg tablet form.
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Prescription Required: No
Drug Uses
Zyrtec is used to treat allergies, hives (urticaria), and other allergic inflammatory conditions. Zyrtec is an antihistamine. Antihistamines prevent sneezing, runny nose, itching and watering of the eyes, and other allergic symptoms.
How Taken
Zyrtec comes as a tablet has to be taken orally once daily.
Dosage in Adult : 10 mg daily.
Children (6-12 years) : 5 mg daily
Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Drug Class and Mechanism
Cetirizine is a new generation of allergy medications called "non- sedating" antihistamines or histamine (H-1) receptor blockers. Antihistamines block the effects of histamines. Histamines cause symptoms of allergy when released by allergic reactions in the body. Cetirizine is a selective peripheral H1 receptor antagonist. Thus Cetirizine inhibits the allergic symptoms produced by histamines like cold, rhinorrhea, sneezing, urticaria etc.Cetirizine has some mast cell stabilizing properties. Cetirizine also inhibit eotaxin-induced eosinophil TEM through both dermal and lung micro vascular endothelial cells. So inhibit eosinophil chemotaxis and also inflammation caused by it. Absorption- Cetirizine well absorbed after oral administration. Distribution- Cetirizine widely distributed in the body. 93% bound to the plasma proteins. Cetirizine enters to the CNS in small amounts. Metabolism- Cetirizine metabolized in the liver to its metabolites by oxidative O-dealkylation Excretion- Cetirizine excreted through urine (50% as unchanged form) and a small amount through feces.
Missed Dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose.
Do not take a double dose of this medication.
Storage
Store Zyrtec at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture.
Warnings/Precautions
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are renal impairment, Hepatic dysfunction, Haemodialysis, Any work which require mental alertness like driving or machine operation. Zyrtec is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is unlikely to harm an unborn baby. Do not take Zyrtec without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. Zyrtec passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing baby. Do not take Zyrtec without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from Zyrtec. You may require a lower dose of this medication.
Possible Side Effects
The following are the most common side effects reported with cetirizine
• Somnolence, Fatigue, Malaise, Headache, Dry mouth, CNS stimulation in children, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Incordination, Blurred vision, Diplopia, Euphoria, Nervousness, Drowsiness, Excessive tiredness , Vomiting, Diarrhea, Sore throat, Stomach pain.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual.
More Information
• Stop taking cetirizine and seek emergency medical attention if you experience a rare but serious allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives).