Cetirizine for allergies: instructions, analogues, reviews

Cetirizine is a histamine antagonist that blocks the action of H1 receptors and prevents the development of allergies. The latest generation antihistamine has antipruritic and antiexudative effects.

In addition, the drug stops the disease at an early stage, limiting the action of inflammatory mediators, reducing eosinophilic, neutrophilic and basophilic movement in the blood. Cetirizine is able to reduce capillary permeability, effectively neutralize edema and smooth muscle spasms.

The therapeutic dose of the drug rarely causes sedation. The maximum effectiveness of the drug is achieved after 20 minutes and lasts throughout the day. In addition, cetirizine is not addictive and, after the termination of treatment, retains its properties for another three days.

Indications for use

The latest generation antihistamine is prescribed for the following symptoms:

• the appearance of allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis, manifested by frequent sneezing, rhinorrhea, lacrimation, itching and redness of the conjunctiva;
• manifestation of urticaria, including in a chronic idiopathic form;
• hay fever of various etiology;

• development of angioedema.

In addition, cetirizine is prescribed in case of atopic dermatitis, neurodermatitis, dermatoses, accompanied by rash and itching.

Contraindications

It is forbidden to use the drug with the following manifestations:

• individual sensitivity to the drug and its components;
• lactation and pregnancy;
• very carefully prescribed to patients over 60 years of age. In this age group, decreased filtration of the nerve glomeruli is often observed;
• caution is observed when using Cetirizine in urological patients with severe and moderate disease.

You can not take pills, drops and syrups, with medications and ethanol, which depress the nervous system. This can lead to serious complications.

Instructions

The drug to neutralize allergy symptoms is available in three forms:

Pills

White tablets, elongated. Each tablet contains 10 mg of the active substance (cetirizine). Tablets are packed in blisters of 7-10 pieces.

To relieve allergy symptoms with cetirizine, the following dosages are prescribed:

• Adults and adolescents from 12 years old - 1 tablet (10 mg) once, preferably in the afternoon;
• Children 6 - 12 years old, weighing less than 30 kilograms - 1/2 tablet (5 mg) in the afternoon;
• Children weighing more than 30 kilograms - 1 tablet is prescribed at night or 1/2 tablet 2 times a day.

The tablets must be taken without chewing, regardless of food intake, with plenty of liquid.

Syrup

Transparent and colorless, with a banana taste and smell, it is prescribed for internal use. 1 ml contains 1 mg of active substance. The syrup is poured into 150 ml dark glass bottles. or 75. The set includes a dosage spoon.

Recommended doses:

• Adults and adolescents from 12 years old - 10 ml-10 mg (2 metered doses) at night;
• Children 2 - 12 years old, whose weight is less than 30 kilograms - 5 ml (1 dose);
• Children weighing more than 30 kilograms - 10 ml (2 doses) at night. Possible two-fold use -1 dosage spoon (5 ml).

Drops

1 ml of transparent colorless drops contains 10 mg of cetirizine. Available in a dropper bottle of 20 and 10 ml.

• Children from 1 to 2 years old - 5 drops (2.5 mg) 2 times a day;
• From two years to 6 - 5 drops (2.5 mg) in the morning and evening. A single dose of 10 drops (5 mg) at night is possible;
• From 6 to 12 years old - 10 drops (5 mg) in the morning and evening or 20 drops (10 mg) in the evening;
• Adult patients, as well as adolescents over 12 years old, can take cetirizine at a dosage of 20 drops (10 mg) in the evening;
• For patients with renal insufficiency, the recommended dosage is reduced by half. It is especially important to choose the correct dose of the drug in case of malfunctioning of the liver and kidneys.

Seasonal manifestations of allergic rhinitis require three to six weeks of therapeutic treatment. For short-term allergy symptoms, treatment may be shortened to one week. The therapeutic course for children from 6 years old is designed for 2-4 weeks. A lighter course of allergies allows you to reduce the intake of the drug to one week.

Cetirizine should be stored in a dry room at a temperature not exceeding 18-20 degrees for no more than 3 years.

Drops, after opening the bottle, are not recommended for use for more than 6 months.

The syrup, after opening the package, must not be stored for more than 3 months.

Analogs

Cetirizine tablets, drops and syrup can be replaced with the following antihistamines:

• Alercetin, Zodak;
• Tsetrin, Anallergin;
• Cetirinax.

These medications are similarly effective as cetirizine.

Side effect

Like many other antihistamines, cetirizine can cause side effects:

Allergic symptoms

• development of urticaria and hyperemic rash may be noted;
• the patient experiences itching of the skin;
• swelling may appear on various parts of the body.

From the side of the central nervous system

• dizziness is most common;
• increased sleepiness;
• migraine pain;
• fatigue, hyperexcitability.

Digestive system

• increased dryness of the mucous membranes, accompanied by intense thirst;
• attacks of nausea, accompanied by vomiting;
• sometimes constipation or, conversely, loose stools can be observed.

Overdose

Violation of the dosage of the drug by the patient can cause the following symptoms:

• tachycardia, loss of concentration;
• fatigue, drowsiness, urinary disorders;
• increased irritability.

In the event of such symptoms, first of all, an ambulance team should be called. Before the arrival of doctors, it is necessary to remove toxic substances from the body. To do this, you can take enterosorbents (activated carbon tablets, polysorb, enterosgel, etc.).

In addition, gastric lavage with plenty of clean water is recommended to induce vomiting.

Reviews

Most patients respond positively to the action of cetirizine. They note that it is quite easily tolerated and convenient for taking with the development of allergies, both by adults and children. After 2 hours after taking the pill, relief comes in the condition of the patients.

The drug has a prolonged (long-term) effect. It is enough to take one tablet a day. For some patients, a therapeutic dose of 1 tablet every 2 days or twice a week is enough, which indicates the effectiveness of the latest generation antihistamine. The use of the recommended dosage usually does not cause side effects. In addition, the drug does not have a sedative, antiserotonin and anticholinergic effect, actively relieving allergy symptoms and preventing its complications.

Many parents prefer cetirizine for their children. This preparation, sweet in taste and with a pleasant smell, is taken with pleasure by children. It is especially convenient to use it for babies in case of complications when using the inhalation method for relieving allergies.

In addition, this drug in rare cases causes drowsiness, which is its undoubted advantage. Many patients are afraid to take antihistamines for this very reason, they have to give up their usual lifestyle, driving, attending events, etc. When using cetirizine, negative manifestations minimal.

Numerous reviews indicate that Cetirizine relieves itching and swelling well, timely stopping the active phase of allergies.

In patients who are sick with bronchial asthma, cetirizine tablets effectively reduce the increased activity of the bronchi, which occurs due to the increased release of histamine into the blood. An antihistamine relieves an asthmatic attack within 15-20 minutes and keeps this condition for a long time.

The maximum therapeutic effect after using the drug in any form occurs one hour after taking it. In rare cases, side effects may occur, which are of a short-term nature, disappearing after the drug is discontinued.