Cetirizine Uses and Mechanism of Action

Almost everyone is allergic to some stimuli, and when an allergy is talked about a ubiquitous drug named comes to the mind. Here we present a complete piece of information about Cetirizine uses, mechanism of action and side effects.

The allergic reaction may occur due to the environmental pollutants or by insect bites and sting or due to the use of any medication or cosmetic products or some weather or when going to a particular place.

The allergic reaction may not be much harmful and severe like other diseases, so in general, people go ahead with an Over-the-counter (OTC) medication like Cetirizine for their effective treatment.

However, in some cases, the allergic reaction may be severe (anaphylaxis condition), and it requires proper treatment under the supervision of the doctor.

Cetirizine is the most prefered OTC drug for the effective treatment of allergic conditions.

USFDA approves it as a safe prescription as well as an over-the-counter medication.

However, it is essential to know what Cetirizine is? What warning and precautions should be taken while using Cetirizine? How does it work? Why is it used?

What are the possible side effects?

So let’s get started.

What is Cetirizine?

Cetirizine is a hydroxyzine derivative. It is an orally active second-generation H1 Histamine blocker (antihistamine drug) and proven as a safe and effective treatment of various allergic conditions such as sneezing, coughing, nasal congestion, conjunctivitis (red and itchy eyes), hives (urticaria), eczema, reaction to insects bite and sting and some food allergy.

 

How does it work?

Cetirizine is a second-generation antihistaminic drug it mainly shows anti-allergic response by blocking histamine (a chemical substance released by body cells, responsible for causing an allergic reaction such as sneezing, coughing, itching, running nose and conjunctivitis).

It selectively inhibits histamine H1 receptor without causing any sedative effects (that’s why it is called a second-generation antihistamine drug whereas first-generation antihistaminic drug cause sedative effects).

Along with a vast number of advantages every medication have some side effects, it depends on whether everyone gets them or not. So let us discuss, side effects related to Cetirizine.

Why is Cetirizine used?

Whenever you come in contact with an allergy-causing substance (allergens), your body started to produce a chemical substance named histamine. Histamine is responsible for causing symptoms of an allergic reaction, and Cetirizine mainly acts by blocking the effects of histamine.

Cetirizine does not prevent allergy symptoms; it only provides relief from these symptoms.

Cetirizine Uses:

It may help to get relieved from mild to moderate symptoms of allergic reactions such as:

• Sneezing

• Coughing

• Running nose (cold)

• Itchy or watery eyes

• Hives (urticaria)

• Itchy throat or nose

• Inflammation related to insects bite and sting and many more.

 

Side effects related to Cetirizine:

Some common side effects associated with Cetirizine are

• Headaches

• Dry mouth

• Dizziness

• Feeling sleepy and tired

• Nausea

• Diarrhoea

• Sore throat

• Stomach pain

• Itching and rashes

However, these side effects are rare. It might be the chance that one person out of 100 gets these side effects.

Dose-related information

The marketed formulation of Cetirizine is available in three different types of dosage form, i.e. tablet, capsule (5mg,10mg) and liquid syrup (labelled either 5mg/ml or 1mg/ml).

The usual dose for:

• Adult, children six years (or above) and older is 10mg/day

• Child 2-5 year is 2.5-5 mg/day

• Less than two years is 2.5 mg/day

• The dose is usually lower in patients having a kidney problem

How to take Cetirizine?

• It can be taken either with food or without food.

• Do not chew the tablet or capsule of Cetirizine, swallow them whole either with water, milk or juice.

• For the liquid formulation of Cetirizine always use a plastic syringe or spoon (provided with the bottle) for exact dosing, do not use your kitchen teaspoon as it will not give right information regarding dose.

Precautions and warning

1. Contraindicated during pregnancy: if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, take the advice of your doctor before taking Cetirizine.

2. Contraindicated during breastfeeding: Cetirizine passes from mother to newborn through breastfeeding; thus, it is not recommended during breastfeeding.

3. Prior episode of an allergic reaction: if you had any events of allergic reaction towards Cetirizine or any other antihistaminic drugs that contain hydroxyzine.

4. Kidney and liver impairment: if you have kidney and liver disease, then consult your doctor before taking Cetirizine.

5. Do not take Cetirizine with alcohol beverages: Do not drink alcoholic beverages with Cetirizine as it facilitates more drowsiness and sleep. So do not drive your car or operate any machinery work after the intake of medication.

Concluding, Cetirizine is a safe and effective antihistaminic drug for getting relief from symptoms of numerous allergic conditions.

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