Indications
- Used for treatment of Perennial and Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis.
Type of medicine
- Antihistamine (H1- receptor)
Before using cetirizine syrup
Conditions affecting use, especially:
- Sensitivity to any antihistamine
- Use in children: Increased susceptibility to anticholinergic side effects in newborn or premature infants; hyperexcitability (paradoxical reaction) may occur in children
- Use in the elderly: Increased susceptibility to anticholinergic side effects in newborn or premature infants; hyperexcitability (paradoxical reaction) may occur in children
- Dental: Increased risk of dental problems because of decrease or inhibition of salivary flow
- Other medications, especially alcohol or other CNS depressants, anticholinergics or other medications with anticholinergic activity, or MAO inhibitors
- Other medical problems, especially urinary retention; seizures
- PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: FDA pregnancy category B. Adequate and well-controlled studies in humans have not been done. Cetirizine syrup is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking cetirizine syrup.
Proper use of cetirizine syrup
- Importance of not taking more medication than the amount recommended
- Taking with food, water, or milk to minimize gastric irritation
- Cetirizine syrup may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Use cetirizine syrup with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
Side effects
Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them.
Those indicating need for medical attention
Incidence less frequent or rare
- Anaphylaxis (cough; difficulty swallowing; dizziness; fast heartbeat; hives; itching; puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips or tongue; shortness of breath; skin rash; tightness in chest; unusual tiredness or weakness)
- Cholestasis, hepatitis or other hepatic function abnormalities (abdominal or stomach pain; chills; clay-colored stools or dark urine; diarrhea; dizziness; fever; headache; itching)
- Convulsions or seizures
- Edema (swelling)
Those indicating need for medical attention only if they continue or are bothersome
Incidence more frequent
- Drowsiness; dryness of mouth, nose, or throat; gastrointestinal upset; stomach pain
Note:
- Tolerance to central nervous system effects may develop quickly with some antihistamines, so that sedation is no longer troublesome after a few days.
- Incidence of sedation may increase when the recommended doses are exceeded.
Dosage form of cetirizine Syrup
Recommended doses of cetirizine are:
Usual adult and adolescent dose
- Antihistaminic (H1- receptor): Oral, 5 to 10 mg once a day.
Note:
In patients with reduced creatinine clearance (< 31 mL per min) and with hepatic impairment, a dose of 5 mg once a day is recommended.
Usual pediatric dose
Antihistaminic (H1- receptor):
- Children up to 2 years of age: Safety and efficacy have not been established.
- Children 2 to 6 years of age: Oral, 2.5 mg once a day.
- Children 6 years of age and older: Oral, 5 or 10 mg once a day.
Note:
- The dosage should be decreased in patients who have reduced renal function (creatinine clearance of 11-31 mL per minute) or hepatic function impairment.
- In patients up to 6 years of age with renal or hepatic dysfunction, cetirizine use is not recommended.
- For children 6 years of age and older, the lower dosage of 5 mg once a day should be used.
Overdose
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
Storage
- Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.
- Keep out of the reach of children.