Cetirizine

Cetirizine

Cetirizine, a popular antihistamine has become a go-to remedy for millions worldwide who suffer from allergies and hay fever. Cetirizine offers relief from common symptoms like runny nose, watery eyes, and skin rashes, giving users a chance to enjoy life without constant discomfort. Understanding cetirizine is crucial for anyone considering its use. 

What is Cetirizine?

Cetirizine is a widely used antihistamine medication that effectively relieves various allergy symptoms. It belongs to a class of drugs called antihistamines, which work by blocking the histamine action. Histamine is a natural substance produced by the body during an allergic reaction.

Cetirizine Uses 

Cetirizine is primarily used to temporarily alleviate the following allergy symptoms:

• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Itchy, red, and watery eyes
• Itchy nose or throat
• It is commonly prescribed for hay fever, which is an allergy to pollen, dust, or other airborne substances. 
• Cetirizine can help relieve itching and redness caused by hives, a skin condition characterised by raised, itchy welts.

How to Use Cetirizine?

Cetirizine tablet comes in various forms, including tablets, capsules, and liquid formulations. The appropriate dosage depends on numerous factors, such as age, weight, and kidney or liver function. 

Administration

• Cetirizine can be taken with or without food.
• Swallow tablets or capsules whole with a drink of water, milk, or squash. Do not chew them.
• Measure the correct dose for liquid formulations using the provided plastic syringe or spoon.

Side Effects of Cetirizine Tablet

Like all medicines, cetirizine can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. The most common side effect is feeling sleepy and tired. Talk to your doctor if this side effect bothers you or does not go away.

Common Side Effects:

• Headaches
• Dry mouth
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Diarrhoea
• Sore throat
• Sneezing or blocked and runny nose
• Children are more susceptible to experiencing sneezing, a blocked and runny nose, or diarrhoea than adults.

Rare but Serious Side Effects: It's rare to have a serious side effect with cetirizine, but if you experience bruising or bleeding that's more than normal, call your doctor straight away. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms, which may indicate a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis):

• Sudden swelling of the mouth, lips, throat, or tongue
• Breathing very fast or struggling to breathe (wheezing, choking, or gasping for air)
• Tightness in the throat
• Skin, tongue, or lips turning blue, grey, or pale (easier to see on the palms of hands or soles of feet for those with black or brown skin)
• Sudden confusion, drowsiness, or dizziness
• Fainting and inability to wake up
• A child becoming limp, floppy, or unresponsive
• A swollen, raised, blistered, itchy, or peeling rash

Precautions

Before taking cetirizine, it is crucial to consider certain precautions to ensure safe & effective use, such as:

• Allergies: Be cautious if you have any known allergies. Do not use cetirizine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it, its active ingredients, or any other antihistamine containing hydroxyzine. 
• Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions may warrant additional adjustments or precautions when taking cetirizine, such as:
  • Kidney disease or kidney failure
  • Epilepsy or risk of seizures
  • Difficulty urinating or enlarged prostate
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding
  • If you are scheduled for allergy testing

Interactions with Other Substances

Cetirizine can interact with certain substances, potentially increasing the possibility of side effects or altering its effectiveness, such as:

• Avoid consuming alcoholic beverages while taking cetirizine, as it may exacerbate drowsiness and impair alertness. 
• If you are taking any tranquillizers, sedatives, sleep aids, or medications that depress the central nervous system, inform your doctor, as combining them with cetirizine can increase drowsiness and impair mental and nervous system functions.
• Some herbal supplements and remedies may interact with cetirizine, particularly those that cause drowsiness, dry mouth, or difficulty urinating. 

How Cetirizine Works

Cetirizine is an antihistamine, which means it blocks the effects of histamine, a chemical produced by the body during an allergic reaction. When you come into contact with substances you're allergic to allergens, such as plant pollen, mold, or pet dander, your body releases histamine. This histamine causes most symptoms associated with allergic reactions, including sneezing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, and scratchy throat or nose.

Cetirizine is a highly selective peripheral histamine H1-receptor antagonist. It inhibits the H1 receptors primarily found on respiratory smooth muscle cells, vascular endothelial cells, immune cells, and the gastrointestinal tract. Unlike first-generation antihistamines like diphenhydramine and doxylamine, cetirizine does not readily cross the blood-brain barrier, avoiding interactions with neurons in the central nervous system. As a result, cetirizine produces minimal sedation compared to many first-generation antihistamines.

Can I Take Cetirizine with Other Medicines?

Cetirizine can interact with certain medications, which may increase the risk of side effects or alter its effectiveness. 

While there are no severe interactions reported for cetirizine, some moderate and mild interactions have been identified:

• Moderate Interactions: Cetirizine may interact with the following medications, potentially requiring dosage adjustments or monitoring:
  • Bosutinib
  • Clobazam
  • Crizotinib
  • Daclatasvir
  • Eliglustat
  • Hyaluronidase
  • Lomitapide
  • Lurasidone
  • Ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir
  • Phenelzine
  • Ponatinib
  • Ritonavir
  • Vemurafenib
• Mild Interactions: Cetirizine may have mild interactions with:
  • Dyphylline
  • Theophylline

Dosing Information

• Usual Adult Dose
  • For allergic rhinitis and urticaria, the usual adult dose of cetirizine is 5 to 10 mg taken orally once a day (the maximum recommended dose is 10 mg daily).

Conclusion

Cetirizine offers effective relief for those struggling with allergies, providing a way to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. This antihistamine blocks histamine receptors, reducing common allergy symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes. Its low sedative potential and once-daily dosing make it a popular choice for many allergy sufferers.

While cetirizine is generally safe and well-tolerated, it's essential to use it accurately and be aware of potential complications and interactions. By following the recommended dosage, considering individual health factors, and consulting with doctors, users can maximise the benefits of cetirizine while minimising risks. Remember, cetirizine is a tool to help manage allergies, but it's just one part of a comprehensive approach to allergy care.

FAQs

1. Does cetirizine make you tired and drowsy?

Yes, cetirizine can cause sleepiness in some people, though it is generally less sedating than older antihistamine medications. While the potential risk isn't extremely high, over 1 in 10 people experience this side effect, according to the NHS. Cetirizine is a modern antihistamine that generally does not cause significant drowsiness in most people, unlike older allergy medications.

2. How long does it take for cetirizine to work?

Cetirizine starts to work within one hour of being taken. It provides allergy relief for 24 hours and relieves symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itchy and watery eyes, and itchy nose or throat.

3. Is it safe to take cetirizine daily for a long time?

This antihistaminic drug is unlikely to harm you if you take it for a long time. However, it's best to take it only as long as necessary.

4. Is cetirizine used for the common cold?

Cetirizine is not used to treat cold symptoms. It is an antihistamine medicine that helps relieve the symptoms of allergies. Cetirizine tablet uses are as follows:

• Hay fever
• Conjunctivitis (red, itchy eye)
• Eczema
• Hives (urticaria)
• Reactions to insect bites and stings
• Some food allergies

5. Why is cetirizine taken at night?

Cetirizine can be taken at any time of the day. Most people find it non-sedating, so they take it in the morning. However, some people find it sedating, so if it makes you drowsy, it is best to take it in the evening.

6. Is cetirizine safe for kidneys?

Cetirizine is generally safe for people with kidney problems, but doses are usually lower. If you have kidney disease, seek guidance from your doctor before taking cetirizine. If your doctor feels it's safe to take, they may recommend taking less than the typical cetirizine dosage.