Cetzine Tablet
Cetirizine (10mg)
An antihistamine brand used for allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching and a runny nose.
Reviewed by Sohan Lal Kushwaha - Manufacturer
- GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd
- Pack
- strip of 10 tablets
- Dosage form
- tablet
- Indicative MRP
- ₹25.70
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Published brands with the same composition as Cetzine Tablet. Prices are indicative MRP — never switch brands without asking a doctor or pharmacist.
Cetirizine is a potent, second generation antihistamine used to treat various allergic conditions. Unlike older medications in its class, it is designed to be more selective for peripheral H1 receptors. This selectivity reduces the likelihood of the drug crossing the blood brain barrier, which significantly lowers the risk of sedation. It is widely used in India for managing seasonal allergies and chronic skin conditions due to its long duration of action and high efficacy.
At a glance
Cetirizine is a second generation H1 receptor antagonist.
It reduces allergic symptoms by blocking the action of histamine.
It is primarily used for allergic rhinitis and chronic urticaria.
Uses of Cetzine Tablet
- Relief of seasonal allergic rhinitis symptoms like sneezing and runny nose.
- Management of perennial allergic rhinitis caused by dust or pet dander.
- Treatment of chronic idiopathic urticaria to reduce skin itching and hives.
- Control of allergic conjunctivitis, which causes watery and red eyes.
- Reduction of itching associated with various dermatological allergic reactions.
- Management of hay fever symptoms during peak pollen seasons.
Benefits of Cetzine Tablet
Extended Relief: Cetirizine provides a full 24 hours of symptom control with a single dose. This eliminates the need for multiple daily doses, making it easier for you to maintain your treatment schedule without interruption.
Improved Alertness: Because it does not easily enter the central nervous system, Cetirizine causes far less drowsiness than first generation antihistamines. This allows you to perform daily tasks, work, and study with much greater focus and safety.
Side effects of Cetzine Tablet
The most common side effect is mild drowsiness. While it is a second generation drug, some people still experience sleepiness. Dry mouth is another frequent complaint because the drug can reduce saliva production. You might also feel a general sense of fatigue or tiredness. In some cases, a headache may occur shortly after taking the dose. Rare but serious reactions include swelling of the face or throat, which requires immediate medical help. Some children may actually become excited or restless instead of sleepy. These effects usually fade as your body adjusts to the medication.
| Side effect | How common | How severe | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| Somnolence | Common | Mild | Take the dose in the evening. |
| Dry mouth | Common | Mild | Increase water intake. |
| Fatigue | Uncommon | Mild | Ensure adequate rest. |
How to manage side effects
Somnolence
- Avoid alcohol
- Avoid driving if sleepy
- Consult doctor if severe
Dry mouth
- Sip water frequently
- Use sugarless gum
- Avoid caffeine
Fatigue
- Maintain regular sleep cycle
- Light exercise
- Monitor duration
How to use Cetzine Tablet
- Take one tablet daily at the time suggested by your doctor.
- You can take Cetzine Tablet with or without food, as it does not affect how the drug is absorbed.
- Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew it.
- If you feel sleepy after taking the dose, try taking it in the evening before bed.
Special population advice
Kidney impairment
- Reduce dose to 5mg daily if CrCl is between 30 and 50 mL/min.
- Avoid use if CrCl is less than 10 mL/min.
Liver impairment
- Start with 5mg daily and adjust based on clinical response.
Children
- Use 5mg twice daily or 10mg once daily for children over 6 years.
- Consult a pediatrician for children under 6 years.
Elderly
- Assess renal function before starting.
- Consider a reduced dose of 5mg daily to minimize sedation.
How Cetzine Tablet works
Cetirizine works by selectively blocking H1 receptors in the body. This prevents histamine, a chemical released during allergic reactions, from binding to its receptors. By doing this, it stops the swelling of blood vessels and reduces the leakage of fluid into tissues, which effectively stops itching, sneezing, and runny nose.
What if you miss or exceed a dose?
If you miss a dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular timing. Do not take two doses at once to make up for a missed tablet.
In case of overdose
Taking too much Cetirizine can lead to extreme sleepiness or agitation, especially in children. In severe cases, it may cause a decrease in heart rate or respiratory depression. Seek medical attention immediately if you suspect an overdose.
Treatment is supportive and symptomatic.
- Symptoms
- CNS depression, drowsiness, or paradoxical agitation in children.
- Gastric Decontamination
- Activated charcoal may be used if the patient presents within 1 hour of ingestion.
- Supportive Care
- Maintain airway and provide intravenous fluids if the patient is hypotensive.
- Monitoring
- Observe for respiratory depression and cardiac stability in severe cases.
Substitutes
Same composition as Cetzine Tablet. Prices are indicative MRP. Never switch medicines on your own — confirm any substitute with your doctor or pharmacist.
See all substitutes →Safety and precautions
When to avoid Cetzine Tablet
- Hypersensitivity
Known allergy to cetirizine or hydroxyzine.
- Severe Renal Failure
Contraindicated in patients with creatinine clearance less than 10 mL/min.
- Glaucoma
May increase intraocular pressure in some patients.
- Prostatic Hypertrophy
Can potentially cause urinary retention.
- Pregnancy
Use only if clearly needed and under medical guidance.
- Elderly
Increased risk of sedation and renal impairment.
Safety at a glance
Avoid alcohol as it can increase the sedative effects of Cetirizine.
Generally considered safe, but always consult your doctor before use.
The drug passes into breast milk; consult a doctor to weigh risks and benefits.
Check how Cetirizine affects your alertness before driving or using machinery.
Dose reduction is necessary for patients with impaired renal function.
Use with caution and consider a lower starting dose in liver disease.
Do not use if you have a known hypersensitivity to cetirizine or hydroxyzine.
Dosing must be adjusted for age and weight; consult a pediatrician.
Elderly patients may have decreased renal function; dose adjustment may be needed.
Interactions
With other medicines
Alcohol
ModerateChanges the medicine’s effect
What can happen: Increased central nervous system depression and drowsiness.
What to do: Advise patient to avoid alcohol during treatment.
Theophylline
MinorChanges how the medicine is processed
What can happen: Reduced clearance of cetirizine from the body.
What to do: Monitor for increased side effects of cetirizine.
Benzodiazepines
ModerateChanges the medicine’s effect
What can happen: Additive sedative effects leading to impaired coordination.
What to do: Adjust dose or monitor patient closely for sedation.
With food and drink
- Grapefruit juiceMinor
May slightly alter the rate of absorption, but usually not clinically significant.
- Alcoholic beveragesModerate
Can increase the sedative effect of Cetirizine, leading to extreme drowsiness and impaired coordination.
If you have another condition
- Renal Impairment
Requires dose reduction as the drug is primarily excreted by the kidneys.
- Hepatic Impairment
Caution is advised; a lower starting dose may be necessary.
Effect on laboratory tests
- None
No effect
Cetirizine does not typically interfere with common laboratory tests.
Quick tips
- Take your dose at the same time every day to keep a steady level in your blood.
- Avoid drinking alcohol while using Cetzine Tablet to prevent excessive drowsiness.
- If you are planning to drive or operate machinery, see how the drug affects you first.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help with dry mouth.
- Do not take more than the prescribed dose, even if your symptoms do not improve immediately.
Counselling points
- SedationImportant
Take your dose at night if you find that Cetzine Tablet makes you feel sleepy.
- AlcoholImportant
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine to prevent extreme drowsiness.
- DrivingGood to know
Do not drive or use heavy machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
- HydrationOptional
Drink plenty of water to help manage the dry mouth side effect.
Pharmacokinetics
- Absorption
- Rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.
- Bioavailability
- High systemic bioavailability.
- Protein binding
- Approximately 45 percent.
- Volume of distribution
- Not widely established in humans.
- Half-life
- Approximately 8 hours.
- Metabolism
- Minimal hepatic metabolism.
- Excretion
- Primarily excreted unchanged in the urine.
- Onset / duration
- Onset within 1 hour; duration of action is 24 hours.
Fact box
- Chemical class
- Piperazine derivative
- Habit forming
- No
- Therapeutic class
- Antihistamine
- Action class
- H1 receptor antagonist
- Storage
- Store Cetzine Tablet in a cool, dry place below 25 degrees Celsius. Keep the tablets in their original blister pack to protect them from moisture and light.
- ATC code
- R06AA07
- Pregnancy category
- B
More information
Why a clinician picks Cetirizine first
Clinicians often choose Cetirizine as a first line therapy because it offers a superior balance of potency and tolerability. Compared to older antihistamines, it has a much higher affinity for the H1 receptor and a lower tendency to cross the blood brain barrier. This makes it an ideal choice for patients who need to remain functional during the day. In the Indian clinical setting, it is frequently prescribed for chronic urticaria because it provides consistent 24 hour relief. Its rapid onset of action also makes it preferable for patients seeking quick relief from acute allergic flares. The predictability of its pharmacokinetics allows doctors to prescribe it with confidence across various age groups.
Comparison with alternatives
When compared to first generation drugs like diphenhydramine, Cetirizine is far less sedating and lacks significant anticholinergic effects. This means you are less likely to experience severe dry eyes or urinary retention. When compared to other second generation drugs like loratadine or fexofenadine, Cetirizine is often perceived as slightly more potent in treating skin-related allergies. While fexofenadine is considered the least sedating of all, Cetirizine is often chosen for its slightly faster onset of action in some patients. The choice usually depends on the patient's sensitivity to sedation and the specific nature of their allergic symptoms.
Lifestyle and diet while taking the drug
Managing allergies requires more than just medication. You should focus on identifying and avoiding your specific triggers, such as dust mites, pet dander, or certain pollens. Using air purifiers and keeping windows closed during high pollen counts can reduce the load on your immune system. Regarding diet, staying well hydrated is essential to combat the dry mouth caused by Cetirizine. While there are no major food restrictions, avoiding alcohol is the most critical lifestyle adjustment to prevent excessive sedation. Some patients find that avoiding highly processed sugars helps reduce the overall inflammatory response in chronic hives.
What to expect over a course of treatment
For seasonal allergies, you can expect a rapid reduction in sneezing and itching within the first few hours of the first dose. For chronic conditions like urticaria, it may take a few days of consistent dosing to achieve full control of the hives. You should notice a steady improvement in your quality of life as the symptoms become manageable. If you are using the drug long term, your doctor will occasionally check your kidney function to ensure the dose remains appropriate. It is common to feel a slight dip in energy during the first week, but this usually resolves as your body adapts to the medication.
References
- Tripathi KD. Essentials of Medical Pharmacology. 8th ed. Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers, 2019. p. 179, 182.Accessed
- Electronic Medicines Compendium. Cetirizine hydrochloride, Summary of Product Characteristics.View sourceAccessed
- Medical Products Agency. Zyrlex film-coated tablet SmPC.View sourceAccessed
- DailyMed, US National Library of Medicine. Cetirizine label.View sourceAccessed
- Bristol Laboratories. Cetirizine HCL 10mg FC Tablets SmPC.View sourceAccessed
Frequently asked questions
Can I take cetirizine every day?
Yes, it can be used daily for chronic conditions like hives or perennial allergies, but only under medical supervision.
Does cetirizine cause sleepiness?
It is less sedating than older antihistamines, but some people still feel drowsy. Taking it at night can help.
Can I take this medication with food?
Yes, Cetirizine can be taken with or without food without affecting its absorption.
How long does it take for cetirizine to work?
Most people feel the effects within 1 hour, and the relief lasts for 24 hours.
Is it safe for children?
It is safe for children over 6 years at the correct dose, but younger children need specific formulations and doctor approval.
Active ingredients
Second-generation H1-antihistamine
cetirizine-10mg-tablet
Cetirizine is a potent, second generation antihistamine used to treat various allergic conditions. Unlike older medications in its class, it is designed to be more selective for peripheral H1…
Read moreRegistered pharmacist and regulatory affairs professional with 7+ years of experience in healthcare and medical content writing. Dedicated to translating complex pharmaceutical regulations and clinical insights into clear, evidence-based knowledge
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