Medicine Information

Cetrimax

Name: Cetrimax
Brand: Cetrimax
Rating: 4.5 (117 reviews)

Tablet10 mgAntihistaminesATC: R06AE07

Generic Name

Cetirizine Hydrochloride

Manufacturer

Popular Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Country

Bangladesh

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Price Details

Current market pricing information

Variant	Unit Price	Strip Price
cetrimax 10 mg tablet	৳ 2.50	N/A

Description

Overview of the medicine

Cetrimax 10 mg Tablet contains Cetirizine, a potent second-generation antihistamine used to relieve allergy symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, and itching. It provides effective relief with minimal sedative effects.

Uses & Indications

Seasonal allergic rhinitis

Perennial allergic rhinitis

Chronic idiopathic urticaria

Allergic conjunctivitis

Pruritus (itching)

Dosage

Adults

10 mg once daily, preferably in the evening.

Elderly

Usually 5 mg once daily, adjusted based on renal function.

Renal_impairment

Initial dose 5 mg once daily for moderate to severe impairment. Dosage interval adjusted based on creatinine clearance.

How to Take

Administer orally with or without food. Can be taken in the evening to mitigate potential drowsiness.

Mechanism of Action

Cetirizine selectively antagonizes peripheral H1-receptors, thereby inhibiting the effects of histamine which include vasodilation, increased capillary permeability, and itching. This reduces allergic symptoms.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset

20-60 minutes.

Excretion

Primarily excreted unchanged in the urine, approximately two-thirds of the administered dose.

Half life

Approximately 8-10 hours in adults, longer in children and elderly.

Absorption

Rapidly absorbed after oral administration, peak plasma concentrations reached within 1 hour.

Metabolism

Undergoes limited hepatic metabolism; primarily excreted unchanged.

Side Effects

Contraindications

Known hypersensitivity to cetirizine, hydroxyzine, or any piperazine derivatives.
Patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance <10 ml/min).

Drug Interactions

Ritonavir

Increases cetirizine plasma levels, leading to increased risk of side effects.

Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants

Concurrent use may enhance CNS depressant effects, including drowsiness and sedation. Alcohol should be avoided.

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 headache. Treatment is largely symptomatic and supportive. Gastric lavage and activated charcoal may be considered within an hour of ingestion.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy Category B. Use with caution during pregnancy if clearly needed. Excreted in breast milk, so caution is advised for nursing mothers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this medicine

Pack Sizes

10 tablets30 tablets (3x10 blister)

Shelf Life

36 months from manufacturing date.

Availability

Pharmacies, drugstores

Approval Status

Approved by DGDA

Patent Status

Generic available

Clinical Trials

Extensive clinical trials have demonstrated cetirizine's efficacy and safety in various allergic conditions. Post-marketing surveillance continues.

Lab Monitoring

No routine lab monitoring required for healthy individuals. Renal function tests may be considered in elderly or renally impaired patients.

Doctor Notes

Advise patients to avoid alcohol during treatment.
Consider lower doses in elderly and renally impaired patients.
Counsel patients on potential drowsiness and its implications for driving/operating machinery.

Patient Guidelines

Do not exceed the recommended dose.
Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery if drowsiness occurs.
Consult a doctor if symptoms persist or worsen.

Missed Dose Advice

If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with the regular schedule. Do not double the dose.