Cetirizine and its Uses
Generic Cetirizine is a non-sedating anti-histamine.
Generic
Cetirizine treats both indoor and outdoor allergy symptoms,
as well as chronic hives. In fact, no other allergy
medicine of its kind is approved to treat more allergies
than Cetirizine.
And studies show that 1 dose
of Cetirizine works for a full 24 hours.
Generic
Cetirizine is the first antihistamine
approved to treat indoor allergies
in infants 6 months and up.
Generic Cetirizine can also be used to relieve the symptoms of a condition called chronic idiopathic urticaria. This is a chronic itchy rash, similar to nettle rash, but with no apparent cause. Blocking the actions of histamine relieves the itching and reduces the rash associated with this condition.
Generic Cetirizine is called a non-sedating antihistamine as it does not enter the brain, and is therefore unlikely to cause drowsiness. However, some people may experience some slight sleepiness.
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Histamine is a substance produced by the body as part of its defense mechanisms. It is stored in cells called mast cells, in almost all tissues of the body. When the body reacts to a foreign substance (known as an allergen, e.g. flower pollen), the mast cells stimulated by the allergen release their stores of histamine.
The released histamine
then binds to its receptors (H1 receptors), causing a chain reaction
that results in
allergic symptoms. It causes an increase in
blood flow to the area of the allergy,
and the release of other chemicals that add to the allergic
response.
All this results in the symptoms of an allergic reaction. In hay fever, histamine causes inflammation of the nose, eyes, skin or airways and results in itchy watery eyes, a runny nose, sneezing and nasal congestion.
Generic Cetirizine works by blocking histamine H1 receptors. It does not prevent the actual release of histamine from mast cells, but prevents it binding to its receptors. This in turn prevents the release of other allergy chemicals and increased blood supply to the area, and provides relief from the typical symptoms of hay fever.
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Cetirizine Dose
Missed Dose of Cetirizine
If you are taking Cetirizine on a regular schedule, take the missed dose of Cetirizine as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose of Cetirizine and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of Cetrizine .
Excess Dose of Cetirizine
Generic Cetirizine in excess dose may show symptoms such as drowsiness.
Conditions for Storage of Cetirizine
Store Cetirizine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Potencies of Cetirizine
Cetirizine Tablets : Cetirizine 10 mg
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Food and Drug interactions with Cetirizine
Generic Cetirizine may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness or dizziness, including antidepressants, alcohol, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, muscle relaxants, and other antihistamines.
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Contraindications with Cetirizine
Generic Cetirizine is contraindicated in the following:
- Children under six years of age
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
-
Allergy to one or any of its ingredients
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Precautions with Cetirizine
Generic Cetirizine should be used with caution in decreased kidney function.
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Adverse effects with Cetirizine
The adverse effects associated with Cetirizine are:
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness
- Agitation
- Dizziness
- Stomach or intestinal discomfort
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