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Cetirizine Hydrochloride Oral Solution

Generic Name(s): Cetirizine

Why it's used

Cetirizine Hydrochloride Oral Solution is used to relieve the symptoms of allergic inflammation of the nasal airways due to allergens. This medicine works by blocking the action of an allergic substance in the body. Cetirizine Hydrochloride is also used to relieve allergic symptoms present throughout the year (perennial allergic rhinitis), and to treat long-term hives induced by allergies caused by food or medicines.
Antihistamines
Cetirizine Hydrochloride belongs to a class of medicines called Antihistamines. Antihistamines help in relieving allergic symptoms. They do so by blocking the effects of histamines. Histamines are produced by the body and in-turn cause fever, itching, sneezing, a runny nose, or watery eyes in allergic conditions.

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How to use

Follow directions on the product label, information guide, and provided by your doctor before using Cetirizine Hydrochloride. Use this medicine as per your doctor's instructions.
Cetirizine Hydrochloride is used with or without food.

Typical Dosage

The typical adult dose of Cetirizine Hydrochloride is 5 mg-10 mg once a day. The typical dose for children is 5 mg/5 ml-10 mg/10 ml (1-2 teaspoons) once daily for children 6-11 years in case of syrup formulation. Cetirizine Hydrochloride is typically used at the same time every day.
If using the liquid form of this medicine, measure the dose using the provided measuring cup, spoon, or dropper. Before pouring the medicine into the measuring device, you should check the measurement markings carefully. Then, pour the dose amount into the device. After use, clean and store the measuring device in a safe place for your next use. You should not use a tablespoon or teaspoon as the dose measuring devices since it can result in an incorrect dose. If indicated on the product package, shake the medicine before use.
If you are using the chewable tablet form of this medicine, make sure you chew the medicine before you swallow it.
To decrease the possibility of side-effects, you might be recommended to use the extended-release form of this medicine by your doctor. The extended-release medicine helps in maintaining a steady level of the medicine in your body for a longer period of time. Do not crush or chew the medicine, unless indicated on the package or by your doctor.

Talk to Your Doctor

Tell your doctor if your condition worsens. If you have any kidney disease, the dose will have to be adjusted according to children age and body weight. On the other hand, in patients of 12 years and older, a daily dose of 5 mg is recommended. If you have issues with the health of your liver, a dose of 5 mg once daily is recommended in patients from 12 years and older, and a lower dose is recommended in patients aged 6 to 11 years.

Use in Children

If you are giving Cetirizine Hydrochloride Oral Solution to a child, be sure to use a product that is meant for use in children. Before giving this medicine, use the child's weight or age to find the right dose from the leaflet or product package. You can also read the dosage section of this page to know the correct dose for your child. Else, consult with your doctor and follow their recommendation.

Avoid Alcohol

Avoid drinking alcohol with Cetirizine Hydrochloride.

Storage

Store Cetirizine Hydrochloride Oral Solution at room temperature 20°-25°C (68°-77°F), and away from moisture. Keep this medicine away from children and pets.
Medicines may be given for uses other than those listed in the medicine guide. Do not use Cetirizine Hydrochloride Oral Solution for symptoms for which it was not prescribed. Do not give Cetirizine Hydrochloride Oral Solution to others who may have similar symptoms as you. Self-medication can cause harm.

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How to take Cetirizine Hydrochloride

Your dose and how often you take Cetirizine Hydrochloride will depend on the following factors:
  • age
  • patient's health
  • the health of the patient's liver
  • the health of the patient's kidneys
  • medicines recommended by the doctor
  • any other medicines being used
  • herbal supplements in use
  • response to the medicine

Cetirizine Hydrochloride Dosage

Dosage for seasonal respiratory allergies and hives

Adult
  • Recommended: 5 -10 mg once daily
  • Maximum: 10 mg/day
Children (children of 6 years and above)
  • Recommended: 5-10 mg once daily
  • Maximum: 10 mg/day
Children (2-5 years)
  • Initial: 2.5 mg /2.5 ml (½ teaspoon) once daily (for syrup)
  • Maximum: 2.5 mg /2.5 ml (½ teaspoon) every 12 hours or 5 mg/ 5ml (1 teaspoon) per day (for syrup)
Children (6 months to less than 2 years)
  • Recommended: 2.5 mg /2.5 ml (½ teaspoon) once daily (for syrup)
  • Maximum: 2.5 mg /2.5 ml (½ teaspoon) every 12 hours or 5 mg/ 5ml (1 teaspoon) per day (for syrup)
Children (6 -11 years)
  • Initial: 5 mg/5 ml or 10 mg/10 ml (1 or 2 teaspoons) once daily (for syrup)
Older Adults
  • Recommended: 10 mg/day

Minimum Age

6 months

Dosage calculation for children

To calculate the dosage for children please use the weight based dose calculator to calculate the appropriate dosage as per the weight of your child.

Forms

Tablet
Strength: 5mg, 10 mg
Oral solution
Strength: 5 mg/5 ml
Oral syrup
Strength: 5 mg/5 ml

Missed Dose

A missed dose should be taken as early as you remember it. However, if the time for the next dose is almost there, then the missed dose should be skipped, and the regular dosing schedule should be continued. Avoid taking a repeated dose to make up for a missed dose.

Overdose

What to do if you overdose on Cetirizine Hydrochloride?
If the overdose has happened within a short period of ingestion, the harmful effects can be reduced by inducing gastric lavage (cleaning out the harmful substances of the stomach). No specific antidote is available for an overdose of Cetirizine Hydrochloride. However, the treatment according to the symptoms should be given immediately. Use of activated charcoal can be considered as an alternative treatment. Activated charcoal is a form of carbon that has small and low-volume pores. These pores help trap chemicals as in the case of poisoning.
Symptoms of an overdose of Cetirizine Hydrochloride
If you use too much of this medicine, it could lead to dangerous levels of the medicine in your body. In such cases, symptoms of an overdose may include:
If you think you have overdosed on Cetirizine Hydrochloride Oral Solution, call a poison control center immediately. You can look up the poison control center information from the Poison Center Finder at TabletWise.com.

Precautions while using Cetirizine Hydrochloride

Before you use Cetirizine Hydrochloride, tell your doctor of your medical and health history including the following:
  • abnormality in functioning of kidneys
  • abnormality in liver function
  • allergic to Cetirizine Hydrochloride
  • epilepsy
  • inability to completely empty the bladder
  • prior history of using tranquilizers or sedatives
  • prostate enlargement (prostatic hyperplasia)
  • spinal cord injury (spinal cord lesion)
  • use of central nervous system depressants
This medicine increases the risk of harmful effects in patients with the abnormality in the functioning of kidneys and worsens the condition of inability to empty the bladder completely. Patients who are taking tranquilizers, sedatives, and central nervous system depressants, may cause drowsiness and reduced the functioning of the central nervous system.
Before you use Cetirizine Hydrochloride Oral Solution, discuss with your doctor if you are allergic to it or its ingredients. Your doctor may prescribe an alternative medicine and update your medical records to record this information. Tell your doctor if you are allergic any of the following substances: hydroxyzine, or piperazine.

Seizures

Cetirizine Hydrochloride Oral Solution can make you feel sleepy. Be careful when using any machinery, driving a vehicle, or doing any other activity that needs you to be fully alert. The consumption of alcohol with Cetirizine Hydrochloride Oral Solution can worsen the sleepiness. Cetirizine Hydrochloride Oral Solution may cause rarely seizures in some people. If you perform any activities where a loss of consciousness may cause harm to you (or others), you should discuss with your doctor.

Use in Pregnancy

The use of Cetirizine Hydrochloride during pregnancy should only be when required. There is no sufficient data for clinical studies in pregnant women.

Use while Breastfeeding

The use of Cetirizine Hydrochloride Oral Solution is not safe for use in women who are breastfeeding. If you are breastfeeding a baby, discuss with your doctor if you should either discontinue breastfeeding or stop using this medicine while breastfeeding. This medicine may pass into breast milk.

Use while Conceiving

Consult with your doctor on the use of Cetirizine Hydrochloride, if you are trying to conceive.

Alcohol

Avoid consuming alcohol together with Cetirizine Hydrochloride. Drinking alcohol may cause reduction in mental alertness, and abnormal functioning of the central nervous system.

Increased Risks

This medicine may increase your sensitivity to sunlight. If this happens, use a sunscreen and cover your skin when you are outdoors. Limit your time in the sun.

Side-effects in Children

Cetirizine Hydrochloride may cause an increased risk of side-effects in children. Children using this medicine may see an increased risk of stomach pain, headache, inflammation of the pharynx, drowsiness, diarrhea, bleeding from the nose, difficulty in breathing, nausea, vomiting, inflammation inside the nose, fatigue, and coughing.

What precautions should be taken during Pregnancy and Nursing, and administering Cetirizine Hydrochloride to Children or the Older Adults?

Pregnant Women

Only When Necessary
Warning: There is no sufficient data for clinical studies in pregnant women.

Breastfeeding

Contraindicated or Not Recommended
Warning: Take necessary precautions while prescribing this medicine to breastfeeding mother.

Younger Adults Population

No Known Risk
Warning: The safety and effectiveness of Cetirizine Hydrochloride in children under the age of 6 months have not been confirmed yet.

Older Adults Population

Precaution
Warning: In elderly patients with abnormal functioning of kidneys, careful dose selection is needed.

Cetirizine Hydrochloride Side-effects

The following side-effects may commonly occur when using Cetirizine Hydrochloride Oral Solution. If any of these side-effects worsen or last for a long time, you should consult with your doctor:
The following side-effects may commonly occur in children when using Cetirizine Hydrochloride Oral Solution. Discuss with your doctor if any of these side-effects last for a long time or are severe:
Rarely, the use of Cetirizine Hydrochloride Oral Solution may cause the following side-effects:
  • a feeling of excitement
  • abnormal bleeding between periods
  • abnormal coordination
  • abnormal growth in the nasal passage
  • abnormal hair growth on the body
  • abnormal sensation of tingling
  • acne
  • aggression
  • agitation
  • allergic reaction to a medicine
  • amnesia
  • back pain
  • bad dreams
  • blindness
  • chest pain
  • convulsions
  • damage of ear
  • dark feces with blood
  • deafness
  • decreased interest in sex
  • decreased taste sensitivity
  • dehydration
  • difficulty in speaking
  • difficulty in urination
  • drooping of the upper eyelid
  • dry skin
  • dryness of the eye
  • ear pain
  • enlarged stomach
  • excessive production of urine
  • facial swelling
  • fainting
  • feeling of discomfort
  • female breast pain
  • fluid-filled blisters
  • flushing
  • gas formation in the stomach
  • hair loss
  • hives
  • hot flashes
  • inability to control urination
  • inability to properly identify the smell
  • increase in physical sensitivity
  • increased appetite
  • increased muscle tone
  • increased salivation
  • increased sweating
  • increased weight
  • indigestion
  • inflammation inside the nose
  • inflammation of the lung
  • inflammation of the urinary bladder
  • inflammation of the vagina
  • insomnia
  • itchy inflammation of the skin
  • joint pain
  • lack of energy
  • leg cramps
  • leg swelling due to fluid build up in the legs
  • liver function abnormal
  • loss of ability of the eyes to focus
  • loss of body movements
  • memory problems
  • migraine
  • mood changes
  • muscle pain
  • muscle weakness
  • nervousness
  • painful periods
  • painful swelling and sores inside the mouth
  • painful swelling of the joint
  • painful urination
  • palpitation
  • rashes due to allergic reactions
  • ringing in the ears
  • severe itching of the skin
  • skin nodule
  • swelling around the eyes
  • swollen and enlarged lymph nodes
  • swollen tongue
  • swollen veins in anus and rectum
  • thickening of the skin
  • thirst
  • tongue discoloration
  • tooth cavities
  • tremor
  • uncontrolled muscle movement (dystonia/dyskinesia/tics/hyperkinesia)
  • vertigo
  • whitish or yellowish discharge from the vagina
The following severe side-effects may also occur when using Cetirizine Hydrochloride Oral Solution:
Your doctor has prescribed Cetirizine Hydrochloride Oral Solution because they judge that the benefit is greater than the risk posed by side-effects. Many people using this medicine do not have serious side-effects. This page does not list all possible side-effects of Cetirizine Hydrochloride Oral Solution.
If you experience side-effects or notice other side-effects not listed above, contact your doctor for medical advice. You may also report side-effects to your local food and drug administration authority. You can look up the drug authority contact information from the Drug Authority Finder at TabletWise.com.

Side-effects and Allergic Reactions of Cetirizine Hydrochloride by Severity and Frequency

Common Side-effects

Following are the common side-effects of this medicine:

Infrequent and Rare Side-effects

Following are the infrequent and rare side-effects of this medicine:

Severe Side-effects

Following are the severe side-effects of this medicine:

Side-effects in Children

Following are the side-effects of this medicine in young patients:

Mild Allergic Reactions

Following are the symptoms of mild allergic reactions to this medicine:
  • difficulty in breathing
  • dizziness
  • fever
  • rash itchiness
  • sudden wheeziness
  • swelling of the eyelids
  • swelling of the face
  • swelling of the lips
  • swelling of the throat

Serious Allergic Reactions

Following are the symptoms of serious allergic reactions to this medicine:
If you experience side-effects or notice other side-effects not listed above, contact your doctor for medical advice. You may also report side-effects to your local food and drug administration authority. You can look up the drug authority contact information from the Drug Authority Finder at TabletWise.com.

Warnings

Spinal Cord Injury and Prostatic Enlargement

Patients with spinal cord injury and enlarged prostate gland are at increased risk when using this medicine. These patients are at increased risk of inability to completely emptying the urinary bladder while using this medicine. Take the necessary precautions while using this medicine.

Family History of Fructose Intolerance

Patients with family history of fructose intolerance are at increased risk when using this medicine. Avoid the use of this medicine in such conditions.

Central Nervous System Depressants

Patients taking central nervous system depressants are at increased risk when using this medicine. When this medicine is used with central nervous system depressants may reduce mental alertness and alter the functioning of the central nervous system. Patients should avoid the use of central nervous system depressants with Cetirizine Hydrochloride.

Alcohol Consumption

Patients consuming alcohol are at increased risk when using this medicine. Patients may see an increased risk of reduced mental alertness and drowsiness. Patients should avoid alcohol consumption when using this medicine.

Tranquilizers or Sedatives

Patients taking sleep-inducing medicines are at an increased risk when using this medicine. These medicines may increase the risk of drowsiness. Patients should ask a doctor before using Cetirizine Hydrochloride.

Kidney or Liver Diseases

Patients with kidney or liver disease are at increased risk when using this medicine. A lower dose is recommended in patients with liver or kidney problems after consultation with the doctor.

Epilepsy

Patients with epilepsy are at increased risk of convulsions when using this medicine. This medicine should only be used after consultation with the doctor.

Interactions with Cetirizine Hydrochloride

When two or more medicines are taken together, it can change how the medicines work and increase the risk of side-effects. In medical terms, this is called as a Drug Interaction.
This page does not contain all the possible interactions of Cetirizine Hydrochloride Oral Solution. Share a list of all medicines that you use with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medicines without the approval of your doctor.

Central Nervous System Depressants

There may be an interaction of Cetirizine Hydrochloride with central nervous system depressants, which are used to treat insomnia, anxiety, panic attacks, and seizures. The use of Cetirizine Hydrochloride with central nervous system depressants may reduce the mental alertness and alter the functioning of the central nervous system. Patients should avoid the use of central nervous system depressants with Cetirizine Hydrochloride.

Xanthine Derivatives

Cetirizine Hydrochloride Oral Solution may interact with theophylline, which is used to treat wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. The high dose of theophylline (400 mg) may slightly decrease the removal of Cetirizine Hydrochloride from the body.

Interactions of Cetirizine Hydrochloride by Severity

Severe

The following medicines are usually not to be taken together without consulting with your doctor or pharmacist.

Moderate

The following medicines may interact when taken together and can increase your risk of harmful effects. Please consult with your doctor or pharmacist before taking these medicines together.

When should Cetirizine Hydrochloride be not used?

Allergic to Cetirizine Hydrochloride

This medicine should not be used in patients who are allergic to it.

Allergic to Hydroxyzine

This medicine should not be used in patients who are allergic to it.

Allergic to Piperazine Derivatives

This medicine should not be used in patients who are allergic to it.

Patients with Severe Kidney Problems

This medicine should not be used in patients suffering from severe kidney problems.

Family History of Galactose Intolerance

This medicine should not be used in patients with family history of galactose intolerance and Lapp lactase deficiency.

Inability to Completely Empty the Urinary Bladder

This medicine should not be used in patients who are unable to empty the urinary bladder completely.

Expired Medication

Taking a single dose of expired Cetirizine Hydrochloride is unlikely to cause a side-effect. However, please discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, if you feel unwell or sick. An expired medicine may become ineffective in treating your prescribed conditions. To be on the safe side, it is important not to use an expired drug. You are much safer by always keeping a fresh supply of unexpired medicines.

Safe Disposal of Medication

  • If there are disposal instructions on the package, please follow the instructions.
  • If there are medicine take-back programs in your country, you should contact the respective authority to arrange for the disposal of the medicine. For example, in the USA, the Drug Enforcement Administration regularly hosts National Prescription Drug Take-Back events.
  • If there are no take-back programs, mix the medicine with dirt and place them in a sealed plastic bag. Throw the plastic bag in your household trash. Separately, remove all personal information including the prescription label from the medicine packaging and then dispose off the container.
  • If specifically indicated on the medicine package that it needs to be flushed down the toilet when no longer needed, perform the required step.
This page provides information for Cetirizine Hydrochloride Oral Solution .

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