Cetirizine Drug in the Philippines: How It Works in Allergies

Cetirizine is a drug that is commonly used to treat allergies such as hay fever, eczema, and hives. It belongs to a class of drugs called antihistamines, which work by blocking the effects of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergy symptoms. This article will look at the science behind cetirizine, how it works and what to know before taking this medication.

Generic Name: Cetirizine

Where to buy Cetirizine in the Philippines?

You can buy Famotidine online at Watsons Philippines, click here.

Common brand names for Cetirizine generic drug

• ALDUET Montelukast
• Allacan
• Allerkid
• ALNIX Cetirizine dihydrochloride
• Benadryl Allergy
• Claritin
• Piriteze Allergy
• Quzyttir
• Ritemed
• TEMPRAZIN
• VIRLIX
• Zirtek Allergy
• Zyrtec

What Is Cetirizine Drug?

Cetirizine is a medication used to treat allergies.

Cetirizine usually referred to as Zyrtec, is a second-generation histamine antagonist that can be taken orally and has been shown to be helpful in treating a variety of allergic symptoms, including sneezing, coughing, nasal congestion, hives, and other symptoms. It is one of the first second-generation antihistamines (SGAHs) designed to specifically inhibit the H1 receptor without having sedative effects.

What is Antihistamine?

Antihistamines are medications used to treat allergies and hay fever. They work by blocking the body’s natural histamine response, which is responsible for many of the symptoms associated with allergies. One of the most common antihistamines is cetirizine, a drug that has been used safely for over 20 years to treat symptoms such as sneezing, itching, runny nose, watery eyes, and hives.

Cetirizine works by preventing histamine from binding to its receptors in the body. This reduces inflammation and swelling throughout the body, which helps relieve allergy symptoms. It can be taken orally or topically in a cream or ointment form to provide relief from skin irritations caused by allergies. Additionally, cetirizine can also be used to prevent certain types of allergic reactions, such as asthma attacks or anaphylactic shock.

What is an Allergy?

Allergy is a condition that affects many people around the world and is caused by an abnormal response of the immune system to certain substances. Allergies can cause reactions such as rashes, coughing, sneezing, and other physical symptoms. Cetirizine is a drug commonly used to treat allergies that work by blocking the action of histamine in the body. Histamine plays an important role in allergic reactions, and cetirizine helps to reduce inflammation caused by these reactions.

In the Philippines, cetirizine is available both over-the-counter (OTC) or with a prescription from your doctor. It comes in tablet or syrup form and should be taken as directed on the packaging or prescribed by your doctor.

How Does Cetirizine Work In the Body?

Hay fever, which is an allergy to pollen, dust, or other airborne chemicals and associated allergy symptoms such as dust mites, animal dander, cockroaches, and molds, is temporarily relieved with cetirizine. It is also used to treat hives-related irritation and redness. It does not, however, guard against hives or other allergic skin reactions. The drug cetirizine belongs to the antihistamine drug class. It functions by preventing the body’s natural histamine from producing the symptoms of allergies.

Also offered is cetirizine combined with pseudoephedrine. Consider reading the package label or asking your doctor for more information if you’re using a cetirizine and pseudoephedrine combination medicine.

What Are The Indications Of Cetirizine?

It contains anti-inflammatory qualities that could aid in the treatment of asthma. There is proof that cetirizine reduces urticaria symptoms. Within 20 minutes of one oral dose, there is a marked clinical inhibition of a wheal and flare reaction in infants, children, and adults that lasts for 24 hours. The length and dosage of topical anti-inflammatory treatments used to treat atopic dermatitis are decreased when cetirizine is taken concurrently.

Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis

Indicated for the alleviation of seasonal allergic rhinitis symptoms in adults and children two years of age and older brought on by allergens such as ragweed, grass, and tree pollens. Sneezing, rhinorrhea, nasal pruritus, ocular pruritus, tears, and redness of the eyes are symptoms that can be efficiently treated.

Chronic Urticaria 

Cetirizine is recommended for the treatment of adults and children six months of age and older with simple cutaneous symptoms of chronic idiopathic urticaria. It greatly lessens pruritus as well as the frequency, severity, and length of hives.

Perennial Allergic Rhinitis

This medication is recommended for the alleviation of permanent allergic rhinitis symptoms in adults and children six months of age and older caused by allergens like dust mites, animal dander, and molds. Sneezing, rhinorrhea, postnasal discharge, nasal pruritus, ocular pruritus, and tears are symptoms that can be efficiently treated.

What Are The Common Allergens Treated with Cetirizine?

The following are the common allergens encountered and used with Cetirizine:

• Grass 
• Tree Pollens
• Animal dander
• Mold
• Cat dander
• Fish/Seafood
• Egg
• Mites
• Dog dander
• Wheat

Cetirizine can also be used to treat other allergic conditions, such as eczema and asthma.

What Are The Side Effects Of Cetirizine?

The side effects of cetirizine can vary depending on the person but may include the following:

• Drowsiness 
• Agitation
• Anxiety
• Nausea and vomiting
• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Stomach cramps
• Dry mouth
• Flushing
• Insomnia may also occur.

If these side effects are severe, or if they continue for more than a few days, you should see a doctor.

What Are The Precautions To Be Taken When Taking Cetirizine?

Before taking cetirizine, it is important to know the precautions to be taken. These include:

• avoid drinking alcohol while taking the drug
• avoid driving or operating heavy machinery while taking the drug
• be aware of your surroundings and avoid crowds or other situations where you might be exposed to allergens
• avoid sun exposure while taking the drug, especially during peak allergy season (spring and fall)
• take the medication with food if possible to avoid stomach upset.

Cetirizine should not be used to treat hives that are swollen or blistering, have an unusual color, or don’t itch. If you get these hives, contact your physician.

In the event that your hives do not subside during the first three days of treatment or if they persist for more than six weeks, stop using cetirizine and contact your physician. Call your doctor if you are unsure of what is causing your hives.

Get emergency medical treatment immediately away if you are using cetirizine to treat hives and experience any of the following symptoms: trouble breathing, swallowing, speaking, or tongue-swelling; wheezing; drooling; dizziness; or loss of consciousness. These could be signs of anaphylaxis, a potentially fatal allergic reaction. Your doctor might recommend an epinephrine injector if he thinks you might develop anaphylaxis along with your hives. Cetirizine should not be used in place of an epinephrine injector.

How Many Times A Day Should Cetirizine Be Taken?

The recommended dose of cetirizine for adults and children six years and older is 10 mg once daily. For children younger than six years, the recommended dose is 5 mg once daily. You should take cetirizine with water and not chew the tablet. You can take it with or without food. If you take cetirizine more than once a day, do not take more than 10 mg in 24 hours. If you have liver or kidney disease, however, your doctor may start you on a lower dose of cetirizine or may tell you to take it less often.

How Can I Best Use Cetirizine?

Usually, physicians recommend taking Cetirizine before bedtime as some may have drowsiness as its side effect.

Tablets, chewable tablets, extended-release tablets, and syrup (liquid) for oral use are all available forms of cetirizine. With or without food, it is typically taken once daily. Cetirizine should be taken each day at roughly the same time. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any instructions you do not understand, and make sure you carefully follow all guidelines on the label of your box. Follow the prescription for cetirizine exactly. As instructed on the package label or as advised by your doctor, do not take more, less, or more frequently.

Why would I NOT want to take cetirizine?

There are a few reasons why you might not want to take cetirizine. First, if you are allergic to cetirizine or any of its ingredients, you should not take it. Second, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should talk to your doctor before taking cetirizine. Finally, if you have liver or kidney disease, your doctor may start you on a lower dose of cetirizine or may tell you to take it less often.

Storage and Disposal

Keep this medication out of the reach of children and tightly closed in the original container. Keep it at normal temperature, away from sources of extreme heat and moisture.

All medications should be kept out of sight and reach of children, as many of the containers are not child-resistant and are simple for toddlers to open. Always lock safety caps and put the medication in a secure spot right away, up high and out of young children’s sight and reach, to prevent poisoning.

Unused prescriptions must be disposed of carefully to prevent pets, kids, and other people from ingesting them. You should not, however, dispose of this medication in the toilet. Instead, utilizing a medicine take-back program is the easiest approach to getting rid of your medication. To find out about take-back programs in your area, speak with your pharmacist or the garbage/recycling department in your city.

Final Thoughts

Cetirizine is a medication used to relieve symptoms of hay fever, such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. It is also prescribed for other conditions, such as seasonal allergies, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This medication can cause side effects, including drowsiness and dizziness. Be sure to take it exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

Sources

• Cetirizine: antihistamine that relieves allergy symptoms – NHS 
• Cetirizine: MedlinePlus Drug Information 
• Cetirizine: Uses, Interactions, Mechanism of Action – DrugBank 
• Cetirizine – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf 
• Cetirizine | C21H25ClN2O3 – PubChem – NIH 
• What is Cetirizine Hydrochloride & What is it Used For? – Zyrtec 

Disclaimer

This website is intended to educate both members of the general public and those working in the medical field on the prevalence, causes, and methods for preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases that affect people throughout their lives. This website’s content is provided solely for informational reasons and is not meant to serve as a substitute for the advice of a qualified medical practitioner.