No

Antihistamine

Perennial and seasonal allergic rhinitis and other allergic symptoms including urticaria

B

Hypersensitivity to cetirizine, hydroxyzine, or any component

Cetirizine should be used cautiously in patients with hepatic or renal dysfunction and the elderly. Use in breast-feeding women is not recommended. Doses >10 mg/day may cause significant drowsiness

>10%: Central nervous system: Headache has been reported to occur in 10% to 12% of patients, drowsiness has been reported in as much as 26% of patients on high doses

1% to 10%:

Central nervous system: Somnolence, fatigue, dizziness

Gastrointestinal: Xerostomia

<1%: Depression

Symptoms of overdose include seizures, sedation, hypotension. There is no specific treatment for an antihistamine overdose, however, most of its clinical toxicity is due to anticholinergic effects

Anticholinesterase inhibitors may be useful by reducing acetylcholinesterase. For anticholinergic overdose with severe life-threatening symptoms, physostigmine 1-2 mg (0.5 mg or 0.02 mg/kg for children) I.V., slowly may be given to reverse these effects.

Increased toxicity: CNS depressants, anticholinergics

Competes with histamine for H₁-receptor sites on effector cells in the gastrointestinal tract, blood vessels, and respiratory tract

Onset of effect: Within 15-30 minutes

Absorption: Oral: Rapid

Metabolism: Exact fate is unknown, limited hepatic metabolism

Half-life: 8-11 hours

Time to peak serum concentration: Within 30-60 minutes

Children greater than or equal to 6 years and Adults: Oral: 5-10 mg once daily, depending upon symptom severity

Relief of symptoms, sedation and anticholinergic effects

Drowsiness is common

Concurrent use with psychotropics may produce additive sedation

No information available to require special precautions

No effects or complications reported

Take as directed; do not exceed recommended dose. Avoid use of other depressants, alcohol, or sleep-inducing medications unless approved by prescriber. You may experience drowsiness or dizziness (use caution when driving or engaging in tasks requiring alertness until response to drug is known); or dry mouth, (frequent small meals, frequent mouth care, chewing gum, or sucking hard candy may help). Report persistent sedation, confusion, or agitation; persistent nausea or vomiting; changes in urinary pattern; blurred vision; chest pain or palpitations; or lack of improvement or worsening or condition. Breast-feeding precautions: Breast-feeding is not recommended.

Syrup, as hydrochloride: 5 mg/5 mL (120 mL)

Tablet, as hydrochloride: 5 mg, 10 mg

Allegra L, Paupe J, Wieseman HG, et al, "Cetirizine for Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis in Children Aged 2-6 Years. A Double-Blind Comparison With Placebo," Pediatr Allergy Immunol, 1993; 4:157-61.

Barnes CL, McKenzie CA, Webster KD, et al, "Cetirizine: A New, Nonsedating Antihistamine," Ann Pharmacother, 1993; 27:464-70.

Kaiser HB, "Cetirizine in Allergic Rhinitis," Pediatr Allergy Immunol, 1993; 4(Suppl):44-6.

Ramaekers JG, Uiterwijk MM, and O'Hanlon J, "Effects of Loratadine and Cetirizine on Actual Driving and Psychometric Test Performance, and EEG During Driving," Eur J Clin Pharmacol, 1992; 42:363-9.