Cetirizine is a drugto relieve symptoms or complaints due to reactions allergies, such asitching of the skin, throat, nose, sneeze, or hives. This drug can be found in the form of tablets, syrup, or tablets oral drops (drops).
Cetirizine is an antihistamine drug. This drug works by blocking histamine, which is a compound that increases in number and causes allergic symptoms and reactions when the body is exposed to an allergen (allergy-triggering substance).
Please note that cetirizine can not cure allergies. The best way to prevent an allergic reaction is to avoid exposure to allergens.
Cetirizine trademark: Allergy, Allerzen, Cerini, Cetinal, Cetirizine HCl, Cetirizine Hydrochloride, Etarizine, Allergy, Ozen, Rinocet, Yarizine, Zentris
What is Cetirizine
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Antihistamines |
| Benefit | Relieves allergy symptoms, such as itching on the skin or hives |
| Consumed by | Adults and children 2 years old |
| Cetirizine for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Mothers | Category B: Animal studies have not shown any risk to the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Cetirizine can be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not take this medicine without consulting your doctor. |
| Medicine Form | Film-coated tablets, syrups, or oral drops (drops) |
Warnings Before Taking Cetirizine
Cetirizine is a drug that needs to be taken according to a doctor's prescription. The following are some things you need to pay attention to before taking cetirizine:
- Do not take cetirizine if you are allergic to this drug. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to hydroxyzine or levocetirizine.
- Tell your doctor if you have or are currently suffering from a benign enlarged prostate, kidney disease, liver disease, difficulty urinating, or epilepsy.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including supplements or herbal products.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Do not do activities that require alertness, such as driving a vehicle after taking cetirizine, because this drug can cause drowsiness.
- Do not consume alcoholic beverages after taking cetirizine.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction, serious side effects, or overdose after taking cetirizine.
Dosage and Instructions for Use of Cetirizine
The dose of cetirizine prescribed by a doctor can be different for each patient. The doctor will adjust the dose and duration of drug use according to age, overall health condition, and the patient's body reaction to the drug. In general, the following are the dosages of cetirizine to relieve allergy symptoms:
- Adults and children >12 years old: 10 mg, 1 time a day.
- Children aged 6–12 years: 5 mg, 2 times a day.
- Children ages 2–6 years: 2.5 mg, 2 times a day.
How to Take Cetirizine Correctly
Use cetirizine according to the doctor's prescription and read the instructions on the medicine package. Do not reduce or increase the dose taken without a doctor's instructions.
Cetirizine can be taken before or after meals. Cetirizine tablets need to be swallowed whole with a glass of water. Do not chew or crush the medicine.
Meanwhile, cetirizine in the form of syrup ordrops need to be shaken before use. Use the spoon or measuring tool provided to take cetirizine syrup ordrops so that the measure is appropriate.
If you forget to take cetirizine, take it immediately if the time lag with the next dose is not too close. If the time lag is too close, ignore the dose and do not double the next dose.
Please note, doctors usually recommend stopping cetirizine after your condition improves. However, don't stop taking cetirizine if your doctor doesn't recommend it.
Store cetirizine in a dry and cool place away from direct sunlight. Keep this medicine out of reach of children.
Cetirizine Interactions with Other Drugs
Drug interactions that can occur if cetirizine is used with certain drugs include:
- Increased risk of extreme drowsiness and side effects if cetirizine is used with antihistamines, anticonvulsants, muscle relaxants, antidepressants, or antianxiety drugs
- Increased levels of cetirizine when used with theophylline
In addition, if cetirizine is taken with alcoholic beverages, it can increase the risk of drowsiness.
Cetirizine Side Effects and Dangers
There are several side effects that can occur after cetirizine is consumed, namely:
- Drowsiness
- dry mouth
- Unusual fatigue
- Fast heart rate
- Nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain
- Dizziness or headache
Check with your doctor if the side effects mentioned above don't go away or get worse. Immediately see a doctor if you have an allergic reaction to the drug, after taking cetirizine.
Although rare, there are some more serious side effects that can occur after taking cetirizine, namely hallucinations, tremors, nosebleeds, difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, or swelling of the whole body (angioedema). Immediately see a doctor if you experience these complaints or symptoms.