Cetirizine brands and prices in Pakistan

About Cetirizine

Cetirizine is an antihistamine, a medicine that eases allergy symptoms. It blocks histamine, a chemical the body lets out during an allergic reaction. It is called a non-drowsy antihistamine because it is much less likely to make you sleepy than older antihistamines, although some people still feel sleepy on it. It comes as tablets and as a liquid you swallow. It can be prescribed by a doctor or bought from pharmacies and shops.

Who should not take it, or should take care

• Do not take it if you have ever had an allergic reaction to cetirizine, to hydroxyzine or similar medicines (piperazine medicines), or to any ingredient in the product.
• Do not take it if you have severe kidney disease, including if you need dialysis. If you have milder kidney problems, ask your doctor first.
• Tell your doctor or pharmacist first if you have epilepsy or anything else that makes fits (seizures) more likely.
• Tell your doctor first if you find it hard to pass urine, for example because of a prostate, bladder or spinal cord problem.
• Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have ever had an allergy to any medicine or to food additives.
• If you are due to have an allergy skin test, cetirizine can affect the result. Ask the doctor doing the test whether you need to stop it beforehand.
• Children: from age 1 the liquid can be used, but only if a doctor prescribes it. Children aged 2 to 5 can have the liquid from a pharmacy or on prescription. Children aged 6 and over can have tablets or liquid.
• Some tablets contain lactose. Some liquids contain sorbitol (a source of fructose) and preservatives called parabens, which can cause delayed allergic reactions. Check the leaflet if you have a sugar intolerance.
• Pregnancy: advice differs. NHS and Allergy UK say cetirizine can be taken in pregnancy and is a first-choice antihistamine, but the UK and Irish product leaflets say to avoid it in pregnancy unless a doctor says it is needed. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
• Breastfeeding: advice differs. NHS and Allergy UK say only small amounts pass into breast milk and it is one of the better choices, while the product leaflets say not to breastfeed while taking it unless a doctor advises. Ask your doctor. If your baby feeds less well or seems unusually sleepy, get medical advice.
• Fertility: there is no evidence that it lowers fertility in men or women. If you are trying for a baby, ask a pharmacist or doctor first.

Medicines and drinks that can interact

• Other medicines that make you drowsy, as cetirizine may add to the sleepiness
• Medicines that cause a dry mouth or make it hard to pass urine, as these side effects may get worse
• Herbal remedies and supplements that cause sleepiness, a dry mouth or trouble passing urine. There is not enough information to show herbal remedies are safe with cetirizine.
• Alcohol: best avoided, as it can make you sleepier
• Paracetamol or ibuprofen can be taken with cetirizine
• Steroid nose sprays and eye drops for hay fever can be used with cetirizine
• It does not affect any type of contraception. But severe diarrhoea can stop the contraceptive pill working, so check the pill leaflet if this happens.
• Always tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines, vitamins and herbal products you take

Always tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, supplement and herbal product you take.

Using it safely

• You can take it with or without food. Food does not change how well it works.
• Follow the instructions on the label or leaflet, or from your doctor or pharmacist.
• If you forget a dose, do not take two doses together to make up for it.
• If it makes you sleepy or dizzy, do not drive, ride a bike or use tools or machines until this passes. If you are not sure, do not drive.
• For a dry mouth, try sugar-free gum or sugar-free sweets.
• If it makes you feel sick, try taking it with food and keep to simple meals.
• For hay fever, it also helps to keep windows shut, wear wraparound sunglasses outdoors, and shower and change your clothes after being outside.
• If it makes you too sleepy, ask a pharmacist about a different non-drowsy antihistamine.
• Keep it out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use it after the expiry date. Ask a pharmacist how to get rid of unused medicine.

Common questions

How quickly does cetirizine work?
Most people start to feel better soon after taking it. If your symptoms do not improve, speak to a pharmacist or doctor.

Will cetirizine make me sleepy?
It is a non-drowsy antihistamine, so it is less likely to cause sleepiness than older ones. But it is more likely to make you sleepy than some other non-drowsy antihistamines, such as loratadine or fexofenadine. If it makes you sleepy, avoid alcohol and do not drive or use machines.

Can I drink alcohol while taking cetirizine?
It is best to avoid alcohol, because it can make you more sleepy.

Is it safe to take cetirizine for a long time?
Using it for a long time is unlikely to cause harm, but it is best to take it only for as long as you need it. Rarely, strong itching or hives can come back when people stop after taking it regularly for a long time. Talk to your doctor before stopping if this applies to you.

Can I take cetirizine with other hay fever treatments?
Yes. It can be used with steroid nose sprays or allergy eye drops. Do not take a second antihistamine as well unless your doctor tells you to.

Prepared from the sources listed by the MedInfoBase team. General information, not medical advice: it gives no doses. Your doctor or pharmacist decides the medicine and dose for you.