Cetrigen
Generic Name
Cetirizine
Manufacturer
Leading Pharmaceutical Company
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| cetrigen 10 mg tablet | ৳ 2.50 | ৳ 25.00 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Cetirizine is a non-sedating antihistamine used to relieve symptoms of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
10 mg once daily. Some patients may respond to 5 mg once daily.
Elderly
Start with 5 mg once daily. Adjust dose based on renal function.
Renal_impairment
Creatinine clearance 31-50 mL/min: 5 mg once daily. Creatinine clearance 11-30 mL/min: 5 mg every other day. Creatinine clearance < 10 mL/min: Contraindicated.
How to Take
Administer orally, with or without food. Can be taken at any time of day.
Mechanism of Action
Cetirizine is a potent and selective peripheral H1-receptor antagonist. It inhibits histamine-mediated allergic reactions by blocking H1 receptors on effector cells.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Onset of action is typically within 20-60 minutes.
Excretion
Approximately two-thirds of the dose is excreted unchanged in the urine, with a small portion excreted in feces.
Half life
The plasma elimination half-life is approximately 8-10 hours in adults, varying with age and renal function.
Absorption
Rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract following oral administration. Peak plasma concentrations are reached within 1 hour.
Metabolism
Undergoes minimal hepatic metabolism, primarily excreted unchanged.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to cetirizine, hydroxyzine, or any piperazine derivative.
- Patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance less than 10 mL/min).
Drug Interactions
Ritonavir
May increase plasma concentrations of cetirizine, potentially leading to increased side effects.
Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants (e.g., alcohol, sedatives)
Concurrent use may increase CNS depression and impair alertness. Caution advised.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place. Protect from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose may include drowsiness, agitation, headache, tachycardia, tremor, urinary retention, and fatigue. Management involves symptomatic and supportive treatment. There is no specific antidote.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category B. Studies in animals have shown no evidence of harm to the fetus. However, use in pregnancy should be with caution and only if clearly needed. Cetirizine is excreted into human breast milk; therefore, use in lactating women should be avoided or breast-feeding discontinued.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Typically 2-3 years from the date of manufacture, when stored under recommended conditions.
Availability
Pharmacies, hospitals
Approval Status
Approved
Patent Status
Generic available
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Extensive clinical trials have confirmed the efficacy and safety of cetirizine in the treatment of various allergic conditions, demonstrating its role as a well-established second-generation antihistamine.
Lab Monitoring
- No specific routine lab monitoring is required for patients taking cetirizine.
Doctor Notes
- Counsel patients regarding potential for drowsiness, especially when initiating treatment or increasing dosage.
- Advise elderly patients and those with renal impairment on appropriate dosage adjustments.
- Consider alternative treatments if severe sedation or other significant adverse effects occur.
Patient Guidelines
- Do not exceed the recommended dose as this may increase the risk of drowsiness.
- Avoid or limit alcohol consumption as it may enhance the sedative effect.
- Inform your doctor or pharmacist about all other medications you are taking.
- If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before use.
Missed Dose Advice
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Driving Precautions
Cetirizine may cause drowsiness in some individuals. Patients should be advised to exercise caution when driving or operating machinery until they know how Cetrigen affects them.
Lifestyle Advice
- Identify and avoid known allergens that trigger your symptoms.
- Maintain good indoor air quality and hygiene to reduce exposure to allergens like dust mites and pet dander.
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Global Brand Names
International brand names for this medicine. Click a brand to search for detailed information.