Perennial and seasonal allergic rhinitis and other allergic symptoms including urticaria; chronic idiopathic urticaria

Cetirizine, a metabolite of hydroxyzine, is H1-receptor antagonist with minimal anticholinergic or central nervous system activity

Onset of action: 15-30 minutes; plasma protein binding: 93%; Elimination Half-life: 8 hours; Excretion: Urine (70%); feces (10%)

Hypersensitivity to cetirizine or hydroxyzine; Avoid concurrent use of central nervous system depressants or patient with renal insufficiency or hepatic dysfunction.

B

Enters breast milk/not recommended

Headache, somnolence, fatigue, and dry mouth are the common side effects. Doses greater than 10 mg may be associated with a higher frequency of side effects, especially sedation.

Adults and Pediatrics(≧ 6 yrs): 5~10 mg once daily; 2~5 yrs: 2.5~5 mg once daily.
Children 6-11 years: <2.5 mg once daily; Children <6 years: Cetirizine use not recommended.

Dosing in renal impairment: Adults and children ≧12 years: ClCr: 11-31 ml/min or hemodialysis: 5 mg once daily; ClCr <11 ml/min, not on dialysis: Cetirizine use not recommended.

Dosing in hepatic impairment: Adults and children ≧12 years: 5 mg once daily. Children 6-11 years: <2.5 mg once daily; Children <6 years: Cetirizine use not recommended.