What is the active ingredient in Cetirizine?
Each tablet contains 10mg of cetirizine hydrochloride, the active ingredient responsible for relieving allergy symptoms. Cetirizine hydrochloride is an antihistamine that works by blocking histamine, a chemical in the body that triggers allergic reactions.
This ingredient helps reduce symptoms like sneezing, itching, a runny nose, and watery eyes, making it effective for conditions such as hay fever, pet allergies, and skin rashes.
What is Cetirizine used for?
Cetirizine is an antihistamine that helps relieve symptoms caused by allergic reactions. It is commonly used for:
- Hay Fever (Allergic Rhinitis) – Treats sneezing, a runny or itchy nose, and watery, itchy eyes.
- Skin Allergies (Urticaria) – Helps reduce itchy rashes, hives, and swelling caused by chronic idiopathic urticaria.
- Other Allergic Reactions – Provides relief from allergies triggered by pet dander, dust mites, and certain foods.
Cetirizine is a non-drowsy antihistamine, meaning it can be taken during the day without causing significant sleepiness, allowing you to carry on with your routine comfortably.
Who Should Not Take Cetirizine?
Do Not Take Cetirizine If:
- You are allergic to cetirizine hydrochloride, hydroxyzine, piperazine derivatives (a group of medicines related to cetirizine), or any other ingredients listed in the patient information leaflet.
- You have severe kidney disease (end-stage renal failure requiring dialysis).
Warnings and Precautions:
- If you have kidney problems, consult your doctor before taking cetirizine, as your dose may need to be adjusted.
- If you have difficulty urinating due to conditions such as spinal cord issues, prostate problems, or bladder disorders, seek medical advice before using cetirizine.
- If you have epilepsy or a history of seizures, speak to your doctor before taking this medicine.
- If you are due for an allergy test, stop taking cetirizine a few days before the test, as it may affect the results.
Can Children Take Cetirizine?
- Cetirizine tablets are not recommended for children under 6 years old because this formulation does not allow for proper dose adjustment.
Can Cetirizine Interact with Other Medications?
- Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are currently taking, have recently taken, or plan to take any other medications, including over-the-counter medicines.
Cetirizine and Food, Drinks, or Alcohol:
- Food does not impact the effectiveness of cetirizine.
- Alcohol should generally be avoided while taking cetirizine. Although clinical studies have not shown significant interactions at normal doses, higher amounts of alcohol combined with cetirizine may lead to increased drowsiness or impaired alertness.
Cetirizine During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:
- If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to conceive, consult your doctor before using cetirizine.
- Cetirizine is not generally recommended during pregnancy. However, accidental use is unlikely to harm the baby.
- This medication passes into breast milk, so it should not be taken while breastfeeding unless advised by a doctor.
Can You Drive While Taking Cetirizine?
- Most people taking cetirizine do not experience drowsiness, but some may feel tired or less alert.
- If you plan to drive, use machinery, or engage in any activity requiring focus, monitor how cetirizine affects you before proceeding.
Cetirizine Contains Lactose:
- If you have been diagnosed with lactose intolerance, consult your doctor before taking cetirizine tablets.
For more details or to purchase Cetirizine online, complete a quick consultation at courierpharmacy.co.uk.
Does Cetirizine Interact with Other Medicines?
Before taking Cetirizine, it’s important to check for possible interactions with other medications. Some drugs may reduce its effectiveness or increase the risk of side effects. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other medicines, including over-the-counter products and herbal supplements.
Medications That May Interact with Cetirizine:
-
Betahistine
- Cetirizine may reduce the effectiveness of betahistine, a medication used for vertigo and Ménière’s disease.
- Severity: Moderate
- Evidence: Theoretical
-
Isocarboxazid (a type of MAOI antidepressant)
- When combined with cetirizine, this medication may increase the risk of antimuscarinic side effects, such as dry mouth, blurred vision, or difficulty urinating.
- Severity: Severe
- Evidence: Theoretical
- Recommendation: Avoid using these medications together.
-
Phenelzine (another MAOI antidepressant)
- Taking phenelzine with cetirizine may increase antimuscarinic side effects, leading to symptoms like drowsiness, dry mouth, and urinary retention.
- Severity: Severe
- Evidence: Theoretical
- Recommendation: Avoid this combination.
-
Tranylcypromine (a third MAOI antidepressant)
- When used with cetirizine, this drug may also heighten antimuscarinic side effects, making certain allergy symptoms worse or causing new issues such as dizziness or dry eyes.
- Severity: Severe
- Evidence: Theoretical
- Recommendation: Avoid using these medications together.
Other Considerations When Taking Cetirizine:
- Cetirizine may increase drowsiness when taken with alcohol or sedative medications.
- If you are taking other antihistamines, avoid taking cetirizine at the same time.
- Always read the Patient Information Leaflet and check with a pharmacist if you are unsure about combining medications.
Where to Buy Cetirizine Online
You can purchase Cetirizine 10mg tablets online at courierpharmacy.co.uk after completing a short consultation form.
Cetirizine FAQs
What is Cetirizine?
Cetirizine hydrochloride is an antihistamine used to relieve allergy symptoms. It helps manage reactions caused by pollen, pet dander, dust mites, insect bites, and other allergens. This medication is suitable for adults and children over 2 years old and is a non-drowsy option, meaning it is less likely to cause sleepiness compared to older antihistamines.
What is Cetirizine used for?
Cetirizine is effective in reducing symptoms associated with allergies, including:
- Nasal and eye inflammation
- Sneezing and watery eyes
- Itchy skin rashes (hives or urticaria)
How does Cetirizine work?
Cetirizine blocks histamine, a chemical your body produces during an allergic reaction. By preventing histamine from binding to its receptors, cetirizine reduces swelling, itching, sneezing, and other allergy symptoms. Unlike older antihistamines, cetirizine is less likely to cause drowsiness, allowing you to carry on with daily activities. Its effects typically last up to 24 hours.
Loratadine vs. Cetirizine
Both loratadine and cetirizine are second-generation antihistamines that relieve allergy symptoms with minimal drowsiness. However, loratadine may cause restlessness or disturbed sleep in some individuals, while cetirizine is more likely to cause mild drowsiness.
Can you take Cetirizine and Loratadine together?
It is not recommended to take two antihistamines within 24 hours unless advised by a doctor. If cetirizine alone does not relieve your symptoms, speak to a pharmacist or doctor for alternative options.
Fexofenadine vs. Cetirizine
Fexofenadine is another non-drowsy antihistamine, typically prescribed for severe allergy symptoms when cetirizine or loratadine are not effective. Unlike cetirizine, fexofenadine is only available by prescription.
Cetirizine and alcohol
Drinking alcohol while taking cetirizine can increase drowsiness. It is advisable to limit or avoid alcohol consumption while using this medication.
Does Cetirizine make you drowsy?
Cetirizine is considered a non-drowsy antihistamine, but it can still cause mild drowsiness in some individuals. If you are unsure how cetirizine affects you, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you are confident it does not make you sleepy.
Can children take Cetirizine?
Cetirizine is available in tablet form for children over six years old and as an oral solution for children over two years old. Always follow the recommended dosage instructions or consult a healthcare professional.
Cetirizine Dosage
Cetirizine is taken orally to treat mild to moderate allergies.
10mg Tablets:
- Children (6-12 years): Half a tablet twice a day
- Children and adults (12+ years): One tablet once a day
5mg/5ml Oral Solution:
- Children (2-5 years): One 5ml spoonful once a day or one 2.5ml spoonful twice a day
- Children (6-11 years): Two 5ml spoonfuls once a day or one 5ml spoonful twice a day
- Children and adults (12+ years): Two 5ml spoonfuls once a day
If you take more than the recommended dose, seek medical advice immediately.
Cetirizine Ingredients
10mg Tablets:
- Active ingredient: Cetirizine hydrochloride
- Inactive ingredients: Magnesium, povidone, maize starch, lactose, polymethacrylate basic, macrogol 6000, stearate
5mg/5ml Oral Solution:
- Active ingredient: Cetirizine hydrochloride
- Inactive ingredients: Sorbitol (E420), glycerol, propylene glycol, sodium acetate, acetic acid, saccharin sodium, methyl parahydroxybenzoate (E218), propyl parahydroxybenzoate (E216), banana flavour
Who should not take Cetirizine?
Do not take Cetirizine if:
- You are allergic to cetirizine hydrochloride, hydroxyzine, or piperazine derivatives
- You have severe kidney disease requiring dialysis
Warnings and Precautions
Speak to your doctor before taking cetirizine if you:
- Have kidney disease (you may need a lower dose)
- Have difficulty passing urine due to bladder or prostate problems
- Have epilepsy or are prone to seizures
- Are scheduled for allergy testing (you may need to stop taking cetirizine beforehand)
Cetirizine Side Effects
While cetirizine is generally well tolerated, some people may experience side effects.
Common side effects (affects up to 1 in 10 people):
- Fatigue or dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Nausea or abdominal discomfort
- Diarrhoea
- Sore throat (in children)
Rare but serious side effects:
- Allergic reactions (including severe swelling of the face, lips, or throat)
- Hallucinations, confusion, or aggression
- Rapid heartbeat
- Severe dizziness or fainting
If you experience any severe side effects, stop taking cetirizine and seek immediate medical attention.
Can Cetirizine Interact with Other Medications?
Certain medicines can interact with cetirizine. Speak to your doctor if you take:
- Betahistine – Cetirizine may reduce its effectiveness
- Isocarboxazid, Phenelzine, or Tranylcypromine (MAOI antidepressants) – May increase side effects such as dry mouth, blurred vision, or difficulty urinating
Can You Take Cetirizine During Pregnancy or Breastfeeding?
- Cetirizine should not be taken during pregnancy unless advised by a doctor.
- Cetirizine passes into breast milk, so it should be avoided while breastfeeding unless medically necessary.
Driving and Using Machines
Most people do not experience drowsiness with cetirizine. However, if you feel sleepy after taking it, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery.
Where to Buy Cetirizine Online
You can purchase Cetirizine 10mg tablets or 5mg/5ml oral solution online at courierpharmacy.co.uk after completing a quick online consultation.
