Cetirizine Pharmacology

Cetirizine

About Cetirizine
Second Generation H1 Antagonist, Metabolite of hydroxyzine, Antihistamine.
Mechanism of Action of Cetirizine
This drug is a selective peripheral H1 receptor antagonist. Thus it inhibits the allergic symptoms produced by histamines like cold, rhinorrhea, sneezing, urticaria etc. The drug has some mast cell stabilizing properties. It 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.
Pharmacokinets of Cetirizine
Absorption- Well absorbed after oral administration
Distribution-Widely distributed in the body. 93% bound to the plasma proteins. It enters to the CNS in small amounts.
Metabolism-Metabolized in the liver to its metabolites by oxidative O-dealkylation
Excretion- Excreted through urine (50% as unchanged form) and a small amount through feces
Onset of Action for Cetirizine
10-30 min
Duration of Action for Cetirizine
12-24hrs
Half Life of Cetirizine
Its plasma half life is 8.3 hrs
Side Effects of Cetirizine
1. Somnolence.
2. Fatigue
3. Malaise
4. Headache
5. Dry mouth
6. CNS stimulation in children
7. Dizziness
8. Tinnitus
9. Incordination
10. Blurred vision
12. Diplopia
13. Euphoria
14. Nervousness
15. Drowsiness
16. Excessive tiredness
17. Vomiting
18. Diarrhea
19. Sore throat
20. Stomach pain
Contra-indications of Cetirizine
Hypersensitivity to the drug or hydroxyzine.
Special Precautions while taking Cetirizine
1. Renal impairment.
2. Hepatic dysfunction.
3. Haemodialysis.
4. Any work which require mental alertness like driving or machine operation.
Pregnancy Related Information
Contraindicated
Old Age Related Information
Use with caution
Breast Feeding Related Information
Contraindicated
Children Related Information
Use with caution
Indications for Cetirizine
1. Sneezing
2. Rhinorrhoea
3. Postnasal discharge.
4. Common coughs
5. Colds.
6. Chronic urticaria
7. Dermatitis
8. Pruritic skin disorders
9. Hay fever
10. Angioedema
Interactions for Cetirizine
Alcohol: Avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
Typical Dosage for Cetirizine
Oral-
Adult - 10 mg daily, single dose
Children (6-12 years) -5 mg daily.
Schedule of Cetirizine
N/A
Storage Requirements for Cetirizine
Store in cool, dry, dark place
Effects of Missed Dosage of Cetirizine
Take the missed dose as soon as noticed and if it is the time for next dose then skip the missed dose. Continue the regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Effects of Overdose of Cetirizine
Give symptomatic and supportive treatment.

Home Delivery for Cetirizine in Your City

Medicine India is just a publishing medium for medicine related information and does not provide services or sales of medicines including cetirizine.

However, we do publish a comprehensive directory of Pharmacies, Chemists and Druggists in cities all over India. You can use this directory to find the medicine stores in your city (or area) that provide home delivery services for cetirizine and other medicines and health products. Home delivery services for cetirizine may be free or they may cost you depending on the pharmacy and the minimum order requirements. It would be best to get this clarified while placing the order.

Please be aware that you should take cetirizine only if a doctor has recommended or prescribed it. Some or all pharmacies who provide a home delivery service for medicines might insist on a prescription for cetirizine before they complete the sale. You can get this information while placing the order for cetirizine with the pharmacy.

Cetirizine is a generic medicine name and there are several brands available for it. Some of the brands for cetirizine might be better known than cetirizine itself. If the pharmacy that's willing to deliver medicines to your home doesn't have cetirizine in stock, you can ask for one of the branded alternatives for cetirizine.