Cetirizine hydrochloride 10mg tablets
Class: Second-generation antihistamine; selective peripheral H1-receptor antagonist (non-sedating in most patients compared to first-generation antihistamines).
Manufacturer: Universal Corporation Ltd (UCL)
Dosage Form: Film-coated oral tablets
Similar Brands:
Uses:
Relief of symptoms associated with seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever), perennial allergic rhinitis, and chronic idiopathic urticaria (hives). Temporarily relieves: sneezing; runny nose; itchy, watery, or red eyes; itchy nose or throat; itching and redness/swelling of skin due to hives. Effective for indoor/outdoor allergies; starts working within ~1 hour and provides 24-hour relief. Not for acute asthma or other non-allergic conditions.
Dosage:
Once daily (every 24 hours); can be taken with or without food.
Adults and children ≥6 years: 10 mg (one 10 mg tablet) once daily; do not exceed 10 mg in 24 hours. For milder symptoms, 5 mg once daily may suffice.
Adults ≥65 years or those with mild-moderate renal/hepatic impairment: Start with 5 mg once daily (or consult doctor for adjustment).
**Children <6 years**: Not recommended for 10 mg tablet; use age-appropriate lower-strength forms or syrup under medical advice.
Duration: As needed for symptoms; consult doctor if persistent (>7–10 days) or worsening.
Adults and children ≥6 years: 10 mg (one 10 mg tablet) once daily; do not exceed 10 mg in 24 hours. For milder symptoms, 5 mg once daily may suffice.
Adults ≥65 years or those with mild-moderate renal/hepatic impairment: Start with 5 mg once daily (or consult doctor for adjustment).
**Children <6 years**: Not recommended for 10 mg tablet; use age-appropriate lower-strength forms or syrup under medical advice.
Duration: As needed for symptoms; consult doctor if persistent (>7–10 days) or worsening.
Side Effects:
Common (≥1%): Drowsiness/somnolence (dose-dependent, less than first-generation antihistamines but can occur), dry mouth, fatigue, headache, dizziness, abdominal pain, nausea, pharyngitis.
Serious (rare): Hypersensitivity reactions (rash, urticaria, angioedema, anaphylaxis—seek immediate care), severe drowsiness, seizures (very rare, especially in overdose or renal impairment), palpitations, or liver enzyme elevations.
Warnings & Precautions:
May cause drowsiness—use caution when driving, operating machinery, or with alcohol/CNS depressants (may increase sedation).
Avoid in severe renal impairment (CrCl <10 mL/min) without dose adjustment/medical advice.
Use caution in moderate renal/hepatic impairment or elderly (higher risk of side effects).
Not for relief of acute allergic emergencies (e.g., anaphylaxis—use epinephrine).
Stop and seek medical help if allergic reaction occurs.
Overdose: Seek emergency care (symptoms include extreme drowsiness, restlessness, tachycardia).
Avoid in severe renal impairment (CrCl <10 mL/min) without dose adjustment/medical advice.
Use caution in moderate renal/hepatic impairment or elderly (higher risk of side effects).
Not for relief of acute allergic emergencies (e.g., anaphylaxis—use epinephrine).
Stop and seek medical help if allergic reaction occurs.
Overdose: Seek emergency care (symptoms include extreme drowsiness, restlessness, tachycardia).
Pregnancy & Lactation:
Pregnancy: Generally considered low risk (former FDA Category B); animal studies show no teratogenicity at high doses; limited human data but widely used without clear evidence of harm—use only if benefit outweighs potential risk; consult doctor.
Lactation: Excreted in breast milk (low amounts); generally compatible, but monitor infant for drowsiness or irritability—consult provider; not recommended by some labels if breastfeeding.
Lactation: Excreted in breast milk (low amounts); generally compatible, but monitor infant for drowsiness or irritability—consult provider; not recommended by some labels if breastfeeding.
Drug Interactions:
Minimal significant interactions due to low metabolism.
CNS depressants (e.g., alcohol, sedatives, tranquilizers, opioids): May increase drowsiness.
Theophylline: Minor decrease in cetirizine clearance (rarely clinically significant).
No major interactions with CYP450 inhibitors/inducers, pseudoephedrine, or common allergy meds.
CNS depressants (e.g., alcohol, sedatives, tranquilizers, opioids): May increase drowsiness.
Theophylline: Minor decrease in cetirizine clearance (rarely clinically significant).
No major interactions with CYP450 inhibitors/inducers, pseudoephedrine, or common allergy meds.
Contraindications:
Known hypersensitivity to cetirizine, hydroxyzine, or any component.
Severe renal impairment (CrCl <10 mL/min) without appropriate adjustment (per some labels).
Severe renal impairment (CrCl <10 mL/min) without appropriate adjustment (per some labels).
Price: Ksh 500/-
Notes:
Pack Size: 100s