Cetirizine T300 26-27

Cetirizine

Zyrtec

Cetirizine Drug Class

Antihistamine

Cetirizine Dosage Forms

Oral Tablet: 5 mg, 10 mg;

Oral Tablet, Chewable:2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg;

Oral Tablet, Disintegrating: 10 mg;

Oral Capsule: 10 mg;

Oral Solution: 1 mg/mL

Cetirizine Dosing By Indication

1. Perennial or seasonal allergic rhinitis: Children 6-23 mo of age, 2.5 mg po daily; Children 2-5 y of age, 2.5-5 mg po daily; Children ≥6 y of age and Adults, 5-10 mg po daily

2. Urticaria, chronic: Children 6-23 mo of age, 2.5 mg po daily; Children 2-5 y of age, 2.5-5 mg po daily; Children ≥6 y of age and Adults, 5-10 mg po daily, may titrate by 10 mg/d every 1-4 wk, max 40 mg/d

Cetirizine Off Label Uses

1. Atopic dermatitis: Children 6-23 mo of age, 2.5 mg po daily; Children 2-5 y of age, 2.5-5 mg po daily; Children ≥6 y of age and Adults, 5-10 mg po daily

2. Infusion reactions: Adults, 10 mg po 30-60 min prior to administration of chemotherapy or biologics

3. Angioedema, acute allergic or recurrent idiopathic: Adults, 10 mg po daily or 10 mg po bid, max, 40 mg d

Cetirizine MOA

This drug is a low-sedating, long-acting H₁-receptor antagonist that is a metabolite of hydroxyzine. It competitively inhibits the interaction of histamine with H₁ receptors, thereby preventing the allergic response.

Cetirizine Common Adverse Effects

Drowsiness

Cetirizine Efficacy Monitoring Parameters

Improvement in rhinitis or urticaria symptoms.

Cetirizine Safety Monitoring Parameters

Seek medical attention for signs of severe CNS toxicity.

Cetirizine Key Counseling Points

Avoid activities requiring mental alertness or coordination until drug effects are known as drug may cause dizziness or sedative effects.

Cetirizine Clinical Pearls

Product is available in several nonprescription dosage forms. Ophthalmic formulation (Zerviate) available by prescription. May suppress the wheal and flare reaction to skin test antigens.