Cetirizine

Brand Names: Zyrtec

Generic Name: Cetirizine

Drug Class: Antihistamines

What Is Cetirizine and How Does It Work?

Cetirizine is a prescription approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and over-the-counter antihistamine medication. This drug may be used as a treatment for annual or seasonal allergic and vasomotor rhinitis (inflammation of the membranes of the nose not caused by an allergy). This medication is also used as a treatment to provide relief of cold symptoms and other conditions such as urticaria (hives), angioedema, anaphylactic reactions, pruritus, and allergic conjunctivitis.

Cetirizine works by blocking a certain natural substance (called histamine) that your body makes during an allergic reaction. It works against the production of histamine, and belongs to as class of medications called antihistamines.

Cetirizine is available under the following different brand names: Zyrtec, Zyrtec Allergy, Children's Zyrtec Allergy, Children's Zyrtec Hives Relief, PediaCare Children's 24 Hour Allergy, Aller-Tec, and Wal-Zyr.

Dosages of Cetirizine:

Adult and pediatric dosages

Tablet

• 5 mg
• 10 mg

Tablet, oral-disintegrating

• 10 mg

Tablet, chewable

• 5 mg
• 10 mg

Syrup

• 5 mg/5 ml

Solution

• 5 mg/5 ml

Geriatric

• 5 mg orally once per day, may increase to 10 mg per day maximum, depending on the severity of the symptoms, not to exceed 5 mg per day in patients over 77 years old

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows:

Allergic Conditions, Including Hay Fever and Hives

Perennial and seasonal allergic rhinitis and vasomotor rhinitis; relief of symptoms from colds, hives, rapid swelling, acute allergic reactions, pruritus, and allergic conjunctivitis

Adults

• 5 mg to 10 mg orally each day, depending on severity of symptoms; not to exceed 10 mg each day.

Children

• Children under 2 years: Safety and efficacy not established

Children 2-6 years old

• 2.5 mg (0.5 teaspoon) oral solution orally once daily; can increase to 5 mg orally once per day or 2.5 mg orally twice daily; not to exceed 5 mg per day

Children over 6 years:

• 5-10 mg orally each day, depending on severity of symptoms; not to exceed 10 mg per day

Dosing Modifications

Renal impairment, adult

• GFR greater than 50 mL/min: Dose adjustment not necessary
• GFR less than 50 mL/min: 5 mg orally each day

Renal impairment, pediatric

• GFR equal to 30 mL/min/1.73 mē: Dose adjustment not necessary
• GFR 10-29 mL/min/1.73 mē: Decrease dose by 50%
• GFR lower than 10 mL/min/1.73 mē: Not recommended

Peritoneal dialysis: 5 mg orally each day

Adult

• Intermittent hemodialysis: 5 mg orally each day; may also administer 3 times weekly

Pediatric

• Intermittent hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis: Decrease dose by 50%

Hepatic impairment

• Dose adjustment not provided by manufacturer's label

Administration

• May be taken with or without food