Cetirizine Dihydrochloride

Cetirizine Dihydrochloride is a second-generation antihistamine medicine available in Bangladesh under many brand names. Below are its uses, side effects and precautions — and every brand with its current price.

Cetirizine Dihydrochloride 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.

Cetirizine Dihydrochloride 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 Cetirizine Dihydrochloride:

• 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

Cetirizine Dihydrochloride 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 Cetirizine Dihydrochloride 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 Cetirizine Dihydrochloride below 30°C in a cool, dry place, protected from light and moisture. Keep tablets in the original blister pack until use; keep syrup and drops tightly closed and use within the period stated on the label after opening. Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children. Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack.