Cetirizine: Uses, indications and precautions when using

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Cetirizine is a medicine used to treat allergies, the active ingredient is cetirizine hydrochloride or cetirizine dihydrochloride. The drug is prepared in many forms for use such as: film-coated tablets, capsules, oral solution or syrup.

1. What is Cetirizine? Uses of Cetirizine

Cetirizine is an antihistamine used to relieve allergy symptoms such as watery eyes, runny nose, itchy eyes, nose, sneezing, hives, and itching. Cetirizine works by blocking histamine, a substance the body makes during an allergic reaction. Cetirizine does not prevent hives or prevent or treat severe allergic reactions (such as anaphylaxis). Therefore, if your doctor has prescribed epinephrine to treat allergic reactions, always carry an epinephrine syringe with you. Do not use Cetirizine as a substitute for Epinephrine.

2. Indications for treatment of Cetirizine

Cetirizine is indicated in adults and pediatric patients 6 years of age and older for the relief of nasal and ocular symptoms of perennial, seasonal allergic rhinitis. Or relieve symptoms of chronic idiopathic urticaria.

3. How to use Cetirizine

If you are using an over-the-counter product for self-treatment, read all directions on the package before taking this medication. If your doctor has prescribed this medication, take it as directed, usually once daily.
If you are taking chewable tablets, chew each tablet thoroughly and swallow. If you are using a quick release tablet, let it dissolve on your tongue and then swallow, with or without water. If using the liquid form of the drug, measure the dose carefully with a special measuring device or spoon. Do not use a household spoon, as the exact dose will not be used.
The dose of the drug is based on the patient's age, medical condition, and response to treatment. Do not increase the dose yourself or take the medicine more often than directed.
Tell your doctor if allergy symptoms do not improve, if rash does not improve after 3 days of treatment, or if rash persists for more than 6 weeks. Get medical help right away if you have serious medical problems (such as an allergic reaction, very serious anaphylaxis).

4. Undesirable effects and precautions

4.1. Undesirable effects when taking Cetirizine Possible side effects include: Drowsiness, fatigue and dry mouth. Stomach pain may also occur when Cetirizine is taken, especially in children. If any side effects persist or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist immediately.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: Difficulty urinating, weakness.
Very serious allergic reactions to Cetirizine use are very rare. However, seek medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: Rash, swelling, and itching (especially of the face, tongue, and throat area) , severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
The above is not a complete list of all possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist for prompt treatment.
4.2. Precautions Before taking Cetirizine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to cetirizine, hydroxyzine, levocetirizine, or if you are allergic to any other medications. The product may contain excipients, causing allergic reactions or other problems.
Before using Cetirizine, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of the following conditions: Difficulty urinating due to prostate enlargement, kidney disease, liver disease.

If you are using Cetirizine to treat a rash, tell your doctor right away if you have any of these other symptoms, as they could be signs of a more serious condition: rash of unusual color, rash with bruises or blisters, hives that do not itch. In the context of the epidemic or unable to go to the hospital, you can use medical services at home.
This Cetirizine may make you drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana can make drowsiness worse. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until it can be done safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana.
Cetirizine liquid preparations may contain sugar. Caution should be exercised in patients with diabetes.
Before surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you are using (including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and herbal products).
During pregnancy, Cetirizine should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits of medication with your doctor. Cetirizine can pass into breast milk, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

5. Drug interactions and precautions when using Cetirizine

5.1. Drug interactions Drug interactions can change the way a drug works or increase the risk of serious side effects. The article does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of the products you are using and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine without your doctor's approval.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products that can cause drowsiness such as opioid pain relievers or cough suppressants (such as Codeine, Hydrocodone), marijuana, alcohol, sleeping pills (such as Alprazolam). , Lorazepam, Zolpidem), a muscle relaxant (such as Carisoprodol, Cyclobenzaprine), or another antihistamine (such as Chlorpheniramine, Diphenhydramine).
Check the labels on all medicines (such as allergy or cough and cold products), as they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist if you can use these products safely.
Do not use with any other topical antihistamines (such as creams, ointments, sprays of Diphenhydramine), as side effects may increase.
Cetirizine may interfere with certain laboratory tests (including allergy skin tests), leading to erroneous test results. Make sure laboratory staff and all doctors know if you are using this medicine.
5.2. Precautions for the use of Cetirizine At therapeutic doses, no clinically significant interactions have been demonstrated with alcohol (for a blood alcohol concentration of 0.5 g/l). However, caution should be exercised if you drink alcohol while using Cetirizine.
Use caution in patients with predisposing factors for urinary retention (eg, spinal cord injury, prostatic hyperplasia) because Cetirizine may increase the risk of urinary retention.
Caution is advised when using Cetirizine in epileptic patients and in patients at risk of seizures. Reactions to allergic skin tests are inhibited by antihistamines and require a washout period (for 3 days) prior to testing.
Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, the Lapp lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take Cetirizine.
Pruritus and urticaria may occur upon discontinuation of Cetirizine, even if such symptoms did not appear prior to initiation of treatment. In some cases, symptoms can be intense and treatment may be required. Symptoms should resolve when treatment is restarted.

In children under 6 years of age, the film-coated tablet formulation is not recommended, as this formulation does not allow for an appropriate dose adjustment. It is best to use a cetirizine formula specially formulated for children.
In summary, before taking Cetirizine, patients should understand the above important information. Using the right medicine for the right purpose always brings high efficiency to the treatment process.
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Reference sources: Webmd.com, eMC, DailyMed