Atrol 10 mg Tablet

Atrol is a 10 mg cetirizine dihydrochloride tablet, a second-generation antihistamine that relieves allergy symptoms. It is used to treat allergic rhinitis such as sneezing and a runny nose, as well as itching and hives caused by allergic reactions.

Atrol 10 mg tablet is manufactured and marketed by Ziska Pharmaceuticals Ltd. in Bangladesh. It contains Cetirizine Dihydrochloride, one of the most commonly used antihistamines in the country for sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and skin allergies such as hives. As a second-generation antihistamine it causes far less drowsiness than older medicines, though mild sleepiness is still possible in some people, so many prefer taking it at night.

Cetirizine works by blocking histamine H1 receptors. During an allergic reaction, the body releases histamine, the chemical that produces sneezing, itching, watery discharge and raised, itchy skin wheals. By preventing histamine from binding to its receptors, cetirizine calms these symptoms — usually starting within 20 to 60 minutes and lasting about 24 hours per dose.

Atrol is used for:

• Allergic rhinitis — seasonal and perennial: sneezing, runny or blocked itchy nose
• Allergic conjunctivitis — itchy, watery, red eyes
• Urticaria (hives) — acute and chronic itchy wheals
• Itching from insect bites, prickly heat and other allergic skin irritation, as a doctor advises
• Allergy symptoms during dust and pollen seasons, and house-dust-mite allergy
• Often combined with other treatments for cold-related runny nose when allergy plays a part

It relieves symptoms; recurring allergy needs trigger identification and a doctor's care.

ChamberBD shows dosing only from the approved product label, with its source named, and no label is on file for Atrol 10 mg Tablet. Use the dose your doctor prescribed and the instructions in the pack leaflet.

Atrol is well tolerated by most people. Possible side effects:

• Mild drowsiness or tiredness — the most noticeable one; affects roughly one in ten users
• Headache or dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Nausea or mild stomach discomfort
• Restlessness or irritability in some children

Rare effects include palpitations, difficulty passing urine, allergic rash and — after long continuous use — intense itching for a while if the medicine is stopped suddenly. Serious reactions are very rare; seek urgent help for facial swelling or breathing difficulty.

Precautions with Atrol:

• See how it affects you before driving or operating machinery — mild drowsiness is possible, especially with the first few doses
• Avoid alcohol — it increases any sleepiness
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease — the dose usually needs lowering
• Use with caution in epilepsy and in elderly patients prone to confusion
• Caution if you have urinary retention or prostate problems
• After months of continuous daily use, do not stop suddenly — tapering reduces rebound itching
• Stop it 3 days before allergy skin tests, as it can mask the results

Atrol has few significant drug interactions, but keep these in mind:

• Alcohol — increases drowsiness and impairs alertness; avoid while on this medicine
• Sedatives and sleeping pills (benzodiazepines, zolpidem) — additive sleepiness
• Other sedating antihistamines (chlorpheniramine, promethazine) — do not double up; excess sedation without extra benefit
• Theophylline — may slightly reduce cetirizine clearance
• Ritonavir — can raise cetirizine levels

Unlike fexofenadine, cetirizine is not significantly affected by fruit juice or antacids. Still, tell your doctor everything you take, including cough syrups that may already contain an antihistamine.

Do not take Atrol if you have:

• Known allergy to cetirizine, levocetirizine, hydroxyzine or any ingredient of the product
• End-stage kidney disease (severe renal failure on dialysis) — unless a specialist specifically advises

Use only with a doctor's guidance in significant kidney or liver impairment, epilepsy, pregnancy and in children under 2 years. Galactose-intolerant patients should note that tablets may contain lactose.

Pregnancy: Available data on cetirizine in pregnancy are reassuring, and doctors often consider it one of the acceptable antihistamines when treatment is clearly needed. Even so, take it in pregnancy only on your doctor's advice, at the lowest effective dose.

Breastfeeding: Cetirizine passes into breast milk in small amounts and may occasionally make the baby drowsy or irritable, or slightly reduce milk supply with prolonged high doses. Occasional low doses are generally regarded as compatible with breastfeeding — confirm with your doctor and watch the baby for unusual sleepiness.

Store as printed on the pack and keep out of the reach of children.