Allertin
Generic Name
Cetirizine Hydrochloride
Manufacturer
Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
---|---|---|
allertin 20 mg tablet | ৳ 15.00 | ৳ 150.00 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Allertin 20 mg tablet contains Cetirizine Hydrochloride, an antihistamine used to relieve allergy symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, and itching of the nose or throat. It is also used to treat chronic urticaria.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Typically 10 mg once daily. For 20 mg, usually taken as 1 tablet once daily if symptoms are severe or as directed by physician.
Elderly
Initially 5 mg once daily; dosage should be adjusted based on renal function.
Renal_impairment
Dosage adjustment is necessary. For moderate impairment (CrCl 31-50 mL/min), 5 mg once daily. For severe impairment (CrCl < 30 mL/min), 5 mg every other day.
How to Take
Swallow the tablet whole with water. Can be taken with or without food.
Mechanism of Action
Cetirizine is a potent and selective peripheral H1-receptor antagonist. It inhibits the release of histamine from mast cells and reduces the effects of histamine on target organs.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Within 20-60 minutes.
Excretion
Primarily excreted unchanged in the urine (about two-thirds); a small amount excreted in feces.
Half life
Approximately 8-12 hours in adults.
Absorption
Rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract; peak plasma concentrations reached within 1 hour.
Metabolism
Only a small portion of cetirizine is metabolized, primarily by O-dealkylation to a pharmacologically inactive metabolite.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to cetirizine, hydroxyzine, or any piperazine derivative
- Patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance less than 10 mL/min)
Drug Interactions
Theophylline
May slightly decrease cetirizine clearance.
CNS depressants (e.g., alcohol, sedatives)
May enhance CNS depressant effects.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, below 30°C. Protect from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms may include drowsiness, tachycardia, tremor, and urinary retention. Management is primarily supportive; gastric lavage may be considered soon after ingestion. No specific antidote.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category B. Use only if clearly needed. Excreted in breast milk, caution advised during lactation.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to cetirizine, hydroxyzine, or any piperazine derivative
- Patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance less than 10 mL/min)
Drug Interactions
Theophylline
May slightly decrease cetirizine clearance.
CNS depressants (e.g., alcohol, sedatives)
May enhance CNS depressant effects.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, below 30°C. Protect from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms may include drowsiness, tachycardia, tremor, and urinary retention. Management is primarily supportive; gastric lavage may be considered soon after ingestion. No specific antidote.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category B. Use only if clearly needed. Excreted in breast milk, caution advised during lactation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Typically 2-3 years from manufacturing date.
Availability
Pharmacies, Hospitals
Approval Status
Approved by regulatory authorities
Patent Status
Generic available
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Extensive clinical trials have established cetirizine's efficacy and safety for allergic conditions.
Lab Monitoring
- No routine lab monitoring required for healthy individuals. Renal function monitoring in patients with kidney impairment.
Doctor Notes
- Consider lower dose in elderly or renally impaired patients.
- Counsel patients on potential for drowsiness.
- Review medication list for potential drug interactions, especially CNS depressants.
Patient Guidelines
- Do not exceed the recommended dose.
- Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine as it may increase drowsiness.
- Consult your doctor if symptoms do not improve within a few days or worsen.
Missed Dose Advice
If a dose is missed, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose.
Driving Precautions
May cause drowsiness or dizziness. Patients should be advised to exercise caution when driving or operating machinery until they know how they react to cetirizine.
Lifestyle Advice
- Identify and avoid known allergens.
- Keep well hydrated.
- Maintain good hygiene to reduce exposure to allergens.
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