The Cetirizine tablet is commonly used to treat various symptoms caused due to allergies such as watery eyes, itching, running nose, sneezing and more. Check out overview of Cetrizine Tablet below.
- Nature of Cetirizine : Antihistamine
- Uses of Cetirizine : Sneezing, coughing, rashes, etc. caused due to allergy, other symptoms of allergy
- Composition of Cetirizine : Cetirizine hydrochloride
- Cetirizine Side Effects: Sleepiness, Dizziness, Tiredness, Dryness of the mouth
- Precautions: Driving, consuming alcohol, using with other sedatives, Vitamin C
- Common Brands: Zyrtec
An allergy can be defined as an abnormal reaction shown by the body against an allergen which could be a particular food item, pollen, dust, fur or any other agent. To eliminate these agents the body produces histamines. They can make a person sneeze, cough or itch to get their job done. Antihistamines belong to a class of drugs which block the effect of histamines. Cetirizine is one such antihistamine which is effective in the treatment of allergic rhinitis, chronic urticaria, and pollen-induced asthma. Unlike other antihistamines, the drug does not cause drowsiness or anticholinergic side effects.
Uses of Cetirizine Tablet:
Cetirizine qualifies as an anti-histamine since it helps patients deal with the common symptoms of allergies. This does not mean that the cetrizine can cure an allergy itself, but the drug is used to treat and provide relief from the following allergy symptoms:
- Cetirizine can used in Itching.
- Sneezing
- Cetirizine tablet can used in runny nose.
- watery eyes
- skin itching
- Hives
- Shortness of breath
- Cetirizine can used in Coughing.
- Inflammation of the nose and nasal passage.
- Cetirizine can used in Swelling.
- Itchy throat
- Urticaria
- Rhinitis
Cetirizine mostly provides relief from the allergic reactions caused in the body due to contact with allergens such as pollen, pet dander, and molds-which are mostly seasonal in nature.
Side Effects of Cetirizine :
Every medicine must be taken into consideration by the doctor after all the pros and cons have been weighed for the patient’s specific case.
The following cetirizine side effects have been reported by users upon the intake of medicine:
- A headache
- Sleepiness
- Unusual tiredness and weakness
- Cetirizine may cause Dry mouth.
- Nausea or Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Cetirizine may cause Vomiting.
- Diarrhea
- Dry mouth
- Cetirizine may cause Tiredness.
- Cetirizine may cause Drowsiness.
- Difficulty in Urination
- Dryness of Mouth
- Cetirizine may cause Insomnia
- Irregularity in Heart Beats
- Blurred Vision
These are only some of the side effects that Cetirizine can possibly cause. Patients should stay alert and in case they experience any strange side effects, they must report them to the doctor as soon as possible.
When is Cetirizine prescribed?
Cetirizine is used in the case of the following issues:
- Allergic reactions
- a runny nose
- skin itching
- Sneezing
- Itching
- watery eyes
- Shortness of breath
- Urticaria
- Swelling
- Coughing
- Inflammation of the nose and nasal passage
- Hives
- Itchy throat
- Rhinitis
Common Dosage of Cetirizine:
Cetirizine can be taken by a person who is plagued by constant allergies and experience symptoms like an itchy nose, inflamed nose, itchy eyes, swollen eyes, red eyes, irritated nasal passages, rashes, etc. The dosage depends on how extreme the condition of the patient is and how much of the drug is required to control it. A doctor can assess this adequately and prescribe the right dosage for a person.
The usual dosage for adults younger than 65 years is a one 10 mg tablet per day. If the allergy is mild the doctor may recommend a dose of 5 mg twice per day. Children under the age of 6 may take the syrup form of cetirizine.
- Missed Dose: In case a dose is missed it should be taken as soon as the patient remembers. If the time is near to the time of taking the next dose, do not take a double dose.
- Overdose: An overdose should be avoided since it can make the patient extremely sleepy and tired. In case of an overdose, if severe side effects occur the patient must report to the doctor.
Composition of Cetirizine Tablet:
The active ingredient in Cetirizine tablet is 10 mg of cetirizine hydrochloride. Other than that, there are also the following ingredients: pregelatinized starch, lactose, maize starch, povidone, magnesium stearate, macrogol 6000, basic polymethacrylate, titanium dioxide, and talc.
Cetirizine medicine belongs to the group of drugs called anti-histamines and helps in treating symptoms of allergies which are caused due to the action of the chemical histamine.
The Cetirizine tablet is available in several forms, as a syrup, a capsule, and a tablet. This ensures that all patients can use the formulation as per whatever they are most comfortable with.
Cetirizine Price in India:
Cetirizine is economically priced at Rs 37.50 for a strip containing 10 tablets, making each dose (one tablet) worth Rs 3.75
- Price per Cetirizine Table: Rs 3.75
- Number of tablets per Cetirizine strip : 10 tablets
- Price of the Cetirizine strip : Rs 37.50
How to Use Cetirizine?
- Cetirizine should be taken as soon as the patient feels the onset of allergic reactions. The patients should not wait for their condition to worsen before taking the dose. The tablet can also be consumed if one has been experiencing symptoms of allergy for a few days at a stretch, as in such a case it is likely that the patient experiences them for a prolonged period of time.
- The drug should be taken with food and it should be avoided to be consumed on an empty stomach.
- The cetirizine tablet should be stored in a cool and dry place, and should not be crushed or chewed, instead it should be swallowed whole with water.
How Cetirizine works?
Histamine is a neurotransmitter which is generated in the brain when the body experiences any allergy. Histamines are what enable the body to experience the symptoms of the allergy. Cetirizine belongs to the group of drugs known as anti-histamines. As the name suggests, these drugs work towards preventing the action of histamines. Cetirizine competes with the histamines for their binding sites on the cell surface. This binding inhibits the action of histamines and results in the suppression of the allergy symptoms.
When is Cetirizine prescribed?
Cetirizine is prescribed to treat conditions such as allergic rhinitis and urticaria (hives). The tablet is also effective in treating symptoms related to pollen induced asthma.
Precautions and Warning Related to Cetirizine:
- As Cetirizine tablet is designed to handle severe symptoms of allergy, it has a mild sedative effect. Hence, users might experience slight dizziness or sleepiness. This is why it is not safe for a patient to drive or operate any heavy machinery after taking a dose of Cetirizine.
- One cannot consume alcohol while using Cetirizine. This is because alcohol can make the sedative effect of Cetirizine much worse and cause extreme side effects. The two together mean an extremely slow mental activity level which is why they are not recommended together.
- It is safe to use Cetirizine while pregnant, but consulting a doctor is necessary to ensure it is safe in the patient’s specific condition. The same is true for lactating mothers, they should not take the drug without consulting their physician.
- If the patient has a tendency suggesting an allergy or hypersensitivity from the chemicals in the drug, a sugar tolerance issue, kidney or liver condition, it is recommended that they consult a doctor before starting to use the drug.
- While the drug does not have any specific precautions for renal or cardiovascular or diabetic patients, consulting a doctor before starting any medicine is advisable with these health conditions.
- Cetirizine can alter the results of an allergy test which is why an allergy test should only be taken after it has been at least 3 whole days since the last dose of Cetirizine was taken by the patient.
- One should avoid foods rich in Vitamin C and grapefruit juice since these can make the symptoms of allergy worse and make it hard for the body to absorb it.
- While it is fairly safe to use Cetirizine since it is an over the counter drug, if it is being used for a long period of time, doctor’s advice must be taken into consideration.
Substitutes for Cetirizine:
Medicine which use the same salt(s) or primary components can be used as substitutes for each other when one is not available or does not suit the patient.
The following substitutes may be used in case Cetirizine is not available. These should only be taken after consulting with the doctor.
- Cetzine – Manufactured by Glaxo SmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd
- Alerid – Manufactured by Cipla Ltd
- Alday – Manufactured by S H Pharmaceuticals Ltd
- CZ 3 – Manufactured by Lupin Ltd
- Cetiriz – Manufactured by Alkem Laboratories Ltd
- Incid L – Manufactured by Bayer Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd
- Allercet – Manufactured by Micro Labs Ltd
- Zyrtec – Manufactured by Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd
- Zyncet – Manufactured by Unichem Laboratories Ltd
- Triz – Manufactured by Indoco Remedies Ltd
- Elgnil Tablet – Manufactured by Cadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd
- Avil Nu Tablet – Manufactured by Sanofi India Ltd
- Allercet Tablet – Manufactured by Micro Labs Ltd
- Citrazan Tablet – Manufactured by Mac Laboratories Ltd
- Alerid Tablet – Manufactured by Cipla Ltd
- Cetrizet Tablet – Manufactured by Sun Pharma Laboratories Ltd
- Incid L Tablet – Manufactured by Bayer Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd
- Stanhist Tablet – Manufactured by Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd
- Okacet Tablet – Manufactured by Cipla Ltd
- Cetlergy Tablet – Manufactured by Zuventus Healthcare Ltd
- Hicet Syrup – Manufactured by Micro Labs Ltd
- Cezin Tablet – Manufactured by Menarini India
- Cope Tablet DT – Manufactured by Mankind Pharmaceuticals Ltd
- Cetriver Tablet – Manufactured by Leeford Healthcare
- Mycet Tablet – Manufactured by Morepen Laboratories Limited
- Ceteze Tablet – Manufactured by Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd
- Novahist Tablet – Manufactured by Micro Labs Ltd
- Cetrine Tablet – Manufactured by Dr. Reddys Laboratories Ltd
- Alerid Syrup – Manufactured by Cipla Ltd
Before using any of these drugs, consulting the doctor is imperative. One can also be vigilant and check the packaging properly to ensure the components are all present in the substitute, and in the right quantities and strength.
Cetirizine Variants:
- Cetirizine D: It is used to treat the allergic symptoms such as runny/stuffy nose, watery eyes, itchy nose/eyes, and sneezing. It works by blocking histamine that body produces as a response to an allergic reaction.
- Cetirizine 10 mg: It is a very potent and effective drug to treat allergic symptoms of Urticaria and Rhinitis.
Medicine that should not be taken with Cetirizine:
Taking
- Adderall (amphetamine / dextroamphetamine)
- Albuterol such as ProAir HFA, Volmax, Airet, Vospire ER, Ventolin, Ventolin HFA, Proventil, Proventil HFA, ProAir RespiClick, Respirol, AccuNeb, amoxicillin (Amoxil, Trimox, Moxilin, Apo-Amoxi, Amoxicot, Biomox, Moxatag, DisperMox, Wymox)
- Fish Oil (omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids)
- Flonase (fluticasone nasal)
- Claritin (loratadine)
- Cymbalta (duloxetine)
- Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
- Gabapentin (Neurontin, Gabarone, Fanatrex Gralise)
- ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, IBU, Proprinal, Advil Liqui-Gels, Motrin IB, IBU-200, Nuprin, Children’s Motrin, Motrin Migraine Pain, Advil Migraine, Caldolor, Ibuprofen PMR, Advil Children’s, Addaprin, NeoProfen, PediaCare Children’s IB Ibuprofen Pain Reliever/Fever Reducer,Advil Infant’s Concentrated Drops, A-G Profen, Ibu-6, Ibu-8, Motrin Infant Drops, Ibu-Tab, Rufen, Genpril, Haltran, Menadol, Midol IB, Saleto-200, Q-Profen, Saleto-400, Saleto-600, Saleto-800, Advil Junior Strength, Actiprofen, Ibu-4, Motrin Junior Strength, PediaCare Infants’ IB Ibuprofen Pain Reliever/Fever Reducer, Midol Maximum Strength Cramp Formula, Cap-Profen, Motrin Pediatric, Advil Film-Coated, Children’s ElixSure IB,
- levothyroxine (Synthroid, Levoxyl, Tirosint, Levothroid, Eltroxin, Unithroid, Levothyrox, Euthyrox, Levo-T, L Thyroxine Roche, Eutroxsig, Novothyrox, Oroxine, Tirosint-Sol, Levotabs, Levotec, Evotrox)
- Lisinopril (Zestril, Prinivil, Qbrelis)
- Melatonin (Melatonin Time Release, Health Aid Melatonin, SGard, VesPro Melatonin, Bio-Melatonin)
- Metformin (Glucophage, Glumetza, Glucophage XR, Riomet, Fortamet)
- Mucinex (guaifenesin)
- Mucinex DM (dextromethorphan / guaifenesin)
- Omeprazole (Prilosec, Prilosec OTC, Zegerid (Original Formulation), Omesec)
- Panadol (acetaminophen)
- Singulair (montelukast)
- Synthroid (levothyroxine)
- Prednisone (Deltasone, Rayos, Prednicot, Sterapred DS, Sterapred, Meticorten, Liquid Pred, Orasone, Prednicen-M)
- Tramadol (Ultram, Tramal, Tramedo, Tramadol Hydrochloride ER, Ultram ER, Zamadol, Tramal SR, Tramahexal SR, Rybix ODT, Ultram ODT, Larapam SR, GenRx Tramadol, ConZip, Zydol, Ryzolt, Tramahexal, Zydol XL,)
- Trazodone (Desyrel, Oleptro, Desyrel Dividose)
- Tylenol (acetaminophen)
- Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol)
- Xanax (alprazolam)
- Zyrtec (cetirizine)
How to Store Cetirizine?
- Keep the medicine in a cool and dry place at room temperature.
- Keep it away from children.
- Keep it away from pets.
- Keep the medicine away from direct heat and sunlight
Cetirizine Interaction:
Interaction with Disease
- Kidney Disease: Cetirizine should be taken with caution in patients with renal disease due to decreased drug clearance. It is advisable to consult a doctor before taking the medicine.
- Liver Disease: The drug should be taken with caution in the patients with liver disease. The drug has also been seen to show hepatotoxicity in patients by increasing the level of liver enzymes; therefore it is advisable to consult a doctor before administering the medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
It is advisable not to consume alcohol while the intake of the medicine. Taking the medicine with cetirizine increases its sedative effect.
Interaction with Medicines
Interactions with other drugs, salts, or chemicals can slow down, reverse, or hinder the performance of any given drug. This is why it is crucial to consult a doctor and ensure a safe dosage so that the drug performs well.
The following drugs should not be taken alongside Cetirizine unless clearly stated so by the doctor.
- Alprazolam: Both Cetirizine and Alprazolam have a strong sedative effect which can cause extreme dizziness or drowsiness. In case these medicines are taken together, it is important that the patient refrains from activities requiring a high level of mental alertness, such as driving or operating heavy machinery.
- Codeine: When cetirizine and codeine are taken together, they amplify the sedative effect. Due to their consumption, a person may feel very dizzy. It is therefore recommended that if a patient takes both the medicines together he/she must refrain from operating heavy machinery or driving.
Medicines not to use with Cetirizine:
As discussed above, the following medications should not be used alongside Cetirizine
- Alprazolam
- Lorazepam
- zolpidem
- opioid pain relievers
- Codeine
- hydrocodone
- Carisoprodol
- cyclobenzaprine
- Chlorpheniramine
- diphenhydramine
- Allegra
- diphenhydramine cream
- hydroxyzine based medicines
- levocetirizine based medicines
FAQs Answered:
1) Is cetirizine anti-histamine or an antibiotic or steroid?
Ans- Cetirizine is an anti-histamine drug. It is not an antibiotic or a steroid. It works by blocking the pathway of histamines.
2) Is cetirizine banned?
Ans- Cetirizine is not banned and easily available in India. The medicine should be taken as advised by a doctor.
3) Can you take cetirizine for prickly heat?
Ans- Cetirizine can be used for prickly heat to reduce the itching. Patients should follow the advice of the doctor to use this drug.
4) Can I take cetirizine with high blood pressure?
Ans- Yes. The patients with high blood pressure can take cetirizine. No negative interactions have ever been noted with the consumption of this medicine.
5) Can I take cetirizine with antibiotics/ azithromycin/ citalopram/ sertraline?
Ans- Yes, as there are no noted reactions with cetirizine. Always consult your doctor for the change of dose regimen or an alternative drug of choice that may strictly be required.
6) Does cetirizine make you gain weight?
Ans- It is rarely seen that Cetirizine causes a person to gain weight, but there is a possibility that cetirizine, like other anti-histamines, might cause weight gain as a side effect.
7) Is cetirizine safe to use?
Ans- Cetirizine is safe to use when it is prescribed by the doctor. Patients should follow the advice of the doctor and stick to the prescription.
8) Is cetirizine used for cold/sore throat/allergic reaction/itching/hives?
Ans- Cetirizine is used to treat cold or allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, watery eyes, or a runny nose. It is also used to treat hives, but not used for a sore throat, unless a sore throat is a result of an allergic reaction.
9) How long can I take cetirizine for?
Ans- Patients should take Cetirizine until they see the symptoms of their allergy subside. The patient should take cetirizine as directed by their doctor and avoid an overdose at all costs.
10) Can I take cetirizine along with paracetamol/ aspirin/ ibuprofen/ Dayquil/ prednisone/ Benadryl?
Ans- Cetirizine can be taken alongside paracetamol, aspirin, ibuprofen, or prednisone. However, taking Benadryl and Dayquil along with cetirizine can enhance the drowsiness side effect of these drugs. It is important to consult the doctor before starting a new medicine or when using medicines alongside each other.
11) Can I take cetirizine with loratadine/ diphenhydramine/ brompheniramine/ fexofenadine?
Ans- No. The patient should not take cetirizine with these drugs as they are from the same category of anti-histamines and they work the very same way. This can lead to an overdose and drug toxicity.
12) Does cetirizine make one sleepy or cause drowsiness?
Ans- The patient may feel sleepy after taking cetirizine due to its sedative effect.
13) Does cetirizine contain diphenhydramine, pseudoephedrine, aspirin, or acetaminophen (paracetamol)?
Ans- No. Cetirizine does not contain diphenhydramine, pseudoephedrine, or aspirin. However, the doctor may prescribe cetirizine in combination with other drugs in case they see it fit.
14) Can I take Cetirizine with Betahistine?
Ans- Cetirizine should not be taken alongside Betahistine. Cetirizine has an anti-histamine action, and Betahistine has histamine-like action. Using the two drugs together will make them both inefficient.
15) Can Cetirizine be used in the case of prickles caused in summers?
Ans- Cetirizine qualifies as anti-histamine and is not recommended for use when one has prickles due to heat as this condition does not qualify as an allergy symptom.
16) Can one use Cetirizine when they have high blood pressure?
Ans- Yes, it is safe to use Cetirizine with high blood pressure. One should consult their physician before using any medicine when they have a health condition like high blood pressure.
17) Is it safe to drive after taking Cetirizine?
Ans- Cetirizine has a mild sedative effect which is why it might cause sleepiness or dizziness in patients. In such a condition, it is not advisable for the patient to drive a vehicle or operate heavy machinery.
18) Can Cetirizine be the cause of why I find it difficult to sleep?
Ans- Cetirizine has a mild sedative effect and most people find it rather easy to doze off after taking it. However, the drug may sometimes cause patients to feel anxious and nervous when they go to bed.
In such a case it is advised that patients take the medicine a few hours prior to going to bed.
19) Is cetirizine a sleeping pill?
Ans- No. the medicine is not a sleeping but anti-histamine used to alleviate the symptoms of allergy.
20) What is cetirizine used to treat?
Ans- Cetirizine is an antihistamine drug which is used to treat and prevent allergy symptoms such as a runny nose, itching eyes/nose, sneezing, itching, and hives. It functions by blocking certain allergic substance that the body produces during an allergic reaction.
21) Is it okay to take Cetirizine every day?
Ans- The normal dose of cetirizine (Zyrtec) for adults is 5mg to 10mg daily. It is advisable to take the medicine at equal intervals each day.
22) How many cetirizine can you take in a day?
Ans- The normal dose for an adult younger than 65 and children above the age of 6 years is 10mg per day. If the patient experiences mild allergy then the doctor may advise him/her to take a 5mg tablet once or twice a day.
23) Is cetirizine the same as Benadryl?
Ans- The generic name of Zyrtec is cetirizine and the generic name for Benadryl is Diphenhydramine. Benadryl is a first-generation antihistamine while zyrtec is a second generation antihistamine.
24) How long does it take for cetirizine to take effect?
Ans- Mostly people experience difference within the one hour to 24 hours of the single dose of the drug. An antihistamine such as cetirizine and Claritin is used to treat and prevent allergic symptoms.
25) Can cetirizine be taken empty stomach?
Ans- Yes, it can be taken with food or an empty stomach. It is advisable to take the medicine after consulting a doctor.
26) What are the side effects of cetirizine?
Ans- Like other medicines, a person may feel the following side effects –
- Excessive tiredness
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Dry mouth
27) Does cetirizine makes you sleepy?
Ans- Cetirizine is a non-drowsy antihistamine and it’s less likely to make you feel sleepy than other.
28) Can I get high on cetirizine?
Ans- No, a person can’t get high on cetirizine. It may cause fatigue, pharyngitis, dizziness and dry mouth as common side effects.
29) Can I take two cetirizine?
Ans- The normal dose for the medicine is 5mg a day in equal intervals. It is not recommended to take two tablets together. It is advisable to take the tablet as per doctor’s prescription.
30) When should cetirizine be taken?
Ans- The medicine is taken to prevent and treat symptoms of the allergic reactions.
31) Is cetirizine good for a cold?
Ans- Cetirizine is an antihistamine which is used to reduce the effects of natural chemical histamine. It can be used to prevent symptoms such as watery eyes, a runny nose, sneezing, itching. It is also used to treat cold or allergic symptoms.
32) Is cetirizine good for a cough?
Ans- Cetirizine is widely used for treating allergic rhinoconjunctivitis.
33) How much does cetirizine cost?
Ans- The most common version of the medicine will cost around INR 22.30.
34) Are antihistamine dangerous?
Ans- No, antihistamines are safe if taken as directed. If you overdose the medicine it can be harmful to adults as well as children. Check out master health plan at docprime to be aware and stay fit.
35) Is cetirizine a decongestant?
Ans- Cetirizine consists of antihistamine and a decongestant. Usually, it is used to treat allergic symptoms such as sinus congestion and nasal a runny nose, itching, watery eyes, sneezing.
36) How do you take cetirizine 10mg?
Ans- It is advisable to take cetirizine 10mg tablet after consulting a doctor. Swallow the tablet with a glass of water. The recommended dose for the tablet is 5mg twice daily.
37) Do cetirizine makes you drowsy?
Ans- Cetirizine is also known as a non-drowsy antihistamine. This drug makes you feel less sleepy than any other medicine. Most people prefer taking a non-drowsy antihistamine medicine instead of a sedating drug.
