Cetirizine 10mg Chewable Tablets
It is used to ease allergy signs.It is used to treat hives.
Drug Class
Antihistamine
Pharmacologic Class
Selective peripheral H1-receptor antagonist
Pregnancy Category
Category B
FDA Approved
Jan 1970
DEA Schedule
Not Controlled
Overview
What is this medicine?
Cetirizine is an antihistamine that helps relieve allergy symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and hives. It works by blocking a natural substance (histamine) that your body makes during an allergic reaction. It is a 'non-drowsy' antihistamine for most people, but some may still experience drowsiness.
How to Use This Medicine
Taking Your Medication
To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. You can take this medication with or without food. If it causes stomach upset, take it with food to help minimize discomfort. It's essential to chew or crush the medication well before swallowing. Do not swallow it whole, as this may affect its absorption.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
Store your medication at room temperature in a dry place, avoiding bathrooms and areas prone to moisture. Keep all medications in a safe location, out of the reach of children and pets. When disposing of unused or expired medications, do not flush them down the toilet or pour them down the drain unless instructed to do so by your pharmacist. Instead, check with your pharmacist for guidance on the best disposal method or explore local drug take-back programs.
Missing a Dose
If you take this medication regularly and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's close to the time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Avoid taking two doses at the same time or taking extra doses. If you take this medication as needed, follow your doctor's instructions and do not take it more frequently than recommended.
To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. You can take this medication with or without food. If it causes stomach upset, take it with food to help minimize discomfort. It's essential to chew or crush the medication well before swallowing. Do not swallow it whole, as this may affect its absorption.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
Store your medication at room temperature in a dry place, avoiding bathrooms and areas prone to moisture. Keep all medications in a safe location, out of the reach of children and pets. When disposing of unused or expired medications, do not flush them down the toilet or pour them down the drain unless instructed to do so by your pharmacist. Instead, check with your pharmacist for guidance on the best disposal method or explore local drug take-back programs.
Missing a Dose
If you take this medication regularly and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's close to the time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Avoid taking two doses at the same time or taking extra doses. If you take this medication as needed, follow your doctor's instructions and do not take it more frequently than recommended.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Avoid alcohol and other CNS depressants while taking cetirizine, as this may increase drowsiness.
- Take with or without food.
- If drowsiness occurs, consider taking the dose in the evening.
- Do not exceed the recommended dose.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Standard Dose:
10 mg once daily
Dose Range:
5 - 10 mg
Condition-Specific Dosing:
initial_dose:
Some patients may be adequately controlled with 5 mg once daily.
Pediatric Dosing
Neonatal:
Not established
Infant:
Not established (generally not recommended for children under 2 years without physician consultation)
Child:
6 to under 12 years: 5 mg or 10 mg once daily. 2 to under 6 years: 2.5 mg once daily; may be increased to a maximum of 5 mg per day given as 2.5 mg every 12 hours or 5 mg once daily.
Adolescent:
12 years and older: 10 mg once daily
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Mild:
No adjustment needed for CrCl >50 mL/min
Moderate:
CrCl 31-50 mL/min: 5 mg once daily
Severe:
CrCl 11-30 mL/min: 5 mg every other day
Dialysis:
CrCl <10 mL/min: Contraindicated. Cetirizine is poorly removed by dialysis.
Hepatic Impairment:
Mild:
No adjustment needed
Moderate:
5 mg once daily
Severe:
5 mg once daily
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Cetirizine, a human metabolite of hydroxyzine, is a potent and selective peripheral H1-receptor antagonist. It inhibits the early phase of the allergic reaction by binding to H1 receptors, and also inhibits the migration of inflammatory cells (e.g., eosinophils) and the release of mediators associated with the late phase of the allergic response.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Bioavailability:
High (well-absorbed)
Tmax:
Approximately 1 hour
FoodEffect:
Food delays Tmax by 1.7 hours and decreases peak plasma concentration by 23%, but does not affect the extent of absorption (AUC).
Distribution:
Vd:
Approximately 0.5 L/kg
ProteinBinding:
Approximately 93%
CnssPenetration:
Limited
Elimination:
HalfLife:
Approximately 8-10 hours (adults), 6 hours (children 6-12 years), 5 hours (children 2-5 years)
Clearance:
Approximately 0.53 mL/min/kg
ExcretionRoute:
Primarily renal (approximately 60% unchanged)
Unchanged:
Approximately 60%
Pharmacodynamics
OnsetOfAction:
Within 20-60 minutes
PeakEffect:
Approximately 1 hour
DurationOfAction:
24 hours
Safety & Warnings
Side Effects
Important Side Effects to Report to Your Doctor Immediately
Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. Seek medical attention right away if you notice any of the following symptoms, which could be signs of a serious allergic reaction:
Rash
Hives
Itching
Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
Wheezing
Tightness in the chest or throat
Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
Unusual hoarseness
Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. While many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. If you experience any of the following side effects or any other unusual symptoms that bother you or do not go away, contact your doctor for guidance:
For all patients taking this medication:
+ Drowsiness
+ Feeling tired or weak
+ Dry mouth
+ Trouble sleeping
* For children:
+ Headache
+ Stomach pain
Note: This list is not exhaustive, and you may experience other side effects not mentioned here. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. Seek medical attention right away if you notice any of the following symptoms, which could be signs of a serious allergic reaction:
Rash
Hives
Itching
Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
Wheezing
Tightness in the chest or throat
Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
Unusual hoarseness
Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. While many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. If you experience any of the following side effects or any other unusual symptoms that bother you or do not go away, contact your doctor for guidance:
For all patients taking this medication:
+ Drowsiness
+ Feeling tired or weak
+ Dry mouth
+ Trouble sleeping
* For children:
+ Headache
+ Stomach pain
Note: This list is not exhaustive, and you may experience other side effects not mentioned here. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Severe drowsiness or dizziness
- Difficulty urinating
- Rapid or pounding heartbeat
- Signs of an allergic reaction (rash, itching/swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing)
Before Using This Medicine
Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, any of its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the symptoms you experienced as a result of the allergy.
All medications you are currently taking, including prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications, natural products, and vitamins. This information will help your doctor identify potential interactions between this medication and other substances you are taking.
* Any existing health problems, as this medication may interact with certain conditions.
To ensure your safety, it is crucial to verify that it is safe to take this medication with all of your current medications and health conditions. Never start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without first consulting your doctor. By sharing this information with your doctor and pharmacist, you can help prevent potential interactions and ensure the safe use of this medication.
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, any of its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the symptoms you experienced as a result of the allergy.
All medications you are currently taking, including prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications, natural products, and vitamins. This information will help your doctor identify potential interactions between this medication and other substances you are taking.
* Any existing health problems, as this medication may interact with certain conditions.
To ensure your safety, it is crucial to verify that it is safe to take this medication with all of your current medications and health conditions. Never start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without first consulting your doctor. By sharing this information with your doctor and pharmacist, you can help prevent potential interactions and ensure the safe use of this medication.
Precautions & Cautions
It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. Before engaging in activities that require your full attention, such as driving, wait until you understand how this drug affects you.
This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests, so it is crucial to notify all your healthcare providers and laboratory personnel that you are taking this drug.
To minimize potential risks, avoid consuming alcohol while taking this medication. Additionally, consult with your doctor before using marijuana, cannabis, or any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medications that may cause drowsiness or slow your reactions.
If you are 65 years or older, exercise caution when using this medication, as you may be more susceptible to side effects.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, discuss the potential benefits and risks of this medication with your doctor to ensure the best outcome for you and your baby.
This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests, so it is crucial to notify all your healthcare providers and laboratory personnel that you are taking this drug.
To minimize potential risks, avoid consuming alcohol while taking this medication. Additionally, consult with your doctor before using marijuana, cannabis, or any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medications that may cause drowsiness or slow your reactions.
If you are 65 years or older, exercise caution when using this medication, as you may be more susceptible to side effects.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, discuss the potential benefits and risks of this medication with your doctor to ensure the best outcome for you and your baby.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Drowsiness (in adults)
- Agitation and restlessness (in children), followed by drowsiness
- Confusion
- Fast heartbeat
- Tremor
- Urinary retention
What to Do:
Seek immediate medical attention or call a poison control center (1-800-222-1222). Treatment is symptomatic and supportive. There is no specific antidote.
Drug Interactions
Monitoring
Routine Monitoring
Symptom relief (e.g., reduction in sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, hives)
Frequency: Daily
Target: Significant improvement or resolution of symptoms
Action Threshold: Lack of symptom improvement after 3-5 days, or worsening symptoms
Adverse effects (e.g., drowsiness, dry mouth, fatigue)
Frequency: Daily, especially during initial therapy
Target: Minimal to no adverse effects
Action Threshold: Intolerable drowsiness or other side effects requiring dose adjustment or discontinuation
Symptom Monitoring
- Allergy symptoms (sneezing, rhinorrhea, nasal pruritus, ocular pruritus, urticaria)
- Drowsiness/sedation
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue
- Headache
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Cetirizine is generally considered low risk during pregnancy (Pregnancy Category B). Studies in animals have not shown harm to the fetus, and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Use only if clearly needed.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
First Trimester:
Generally considered low risk, but use with caution and only if benefits outweigh risks.
Second Trimester:
Generally considered low risk.
Third Trimester:
Generally considered low risk.
Lactation
Cetirizine is excreted into breast milk. While the amount is small, there is a potential for drowsiness or irritability in the nursing infant. Use with caution, especially in newborns or premature infants. Consider alternative antihistamines or monitor the infant for adverse effects.
Infant Risk:
Low to moderate (L3)
Pediatric Use
Dosing varies by age group; careful adherence to age-specific dosing is crucial. Not recommended for children under 2 years without physician consultation. Children may experience paradoxical excitation rather than drowsiness.
Geriatric Use
Start with a lower dose (e.g., 5 mg once daily) due to potential for decreased renal function and increased sensitivity to adverse effects, particularly drowsiness and urinary retention. Monitor for CNS effects.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Cetirizine is a second-generation antihistamine, generally less sedating than first-generation agents (e.g., diphenhydramine) but can still cause drowsiness in some individuals.
- Taking the dose in the evening may help mitigate potential drowsiness.
- Chewable tablets are convenient for pediatric and adult patients who have difficulty swallowing pills.
- Onset of action is relatively quick, providing rapid relief for acute allergy symptoms.
Alternative Therapies
- Loratadine (Claritin)
- Fexofenadine (Allegra)
- Levocetirizine (Xyzal)
- Desloratadine (Clarinex)
- Diphenhydramine (Benadryl - more sedating)
Cost & Coverage
Average Cost:
$10 - $30 per 30 tablets (generic)
Generic Available:
Yes
Insurance Coverage:
Tier 1 (Generic)
General Drug Facts
If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it is essential to contact your doctor for further guidance. To ensure your safety, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so it's a good idea to check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, don't hesitate to discuss them with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek medical attention. When reporting the incident, be prepared to provide details about the medication taken, the amount, and the time it occurred.