Cetirizine: Price, Dosage & Where to Buy

Cetirizine is an antihistamine medicine used to relieve symptoms of hay fever and other upper respiratory allergies. It has been available as a generic medicine since December 2007. In the United Kingdom, cetirizine can be purchased from a pharmacy without a prescription for adults and children over two years of age.

Cetirizine temporarily relieves symptoms caused by hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies. These symptoms include a runny nose, sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, and itching of the nose or throat.

The medicine works on the effects of allergens such as pollen, dust mites, and pet dander. It does not treat the underlying cause of allergies but provides relief from the discomfort they bring.

The label lists capsules, liquid-filled capsules, oral solution, syrup, tablets, chewable tablets, coated tablets, film-coated tablets, and orally disintegrating tablets for oral use. The label lists strengths of 1 mg/mL and 5 mg/5 mL solution, 5 mg/5 mL syrup, 2.5 mg, 5 mg, and 10 mg chewable tablets, 5 mg and 10 mg tablets, 10 mg and 25 mg coated tablets, and 10 mg capsules and orally disintegrating tablets. For adults and children six years and over, the usual dose is 5 mL or 10 mL once daily depending on the severity of symptoms, with a maximum of 10 mL in twenty-four hours.

For adults sixty-five years and over, the usual dose is 5 mL once daily, not exceeding 5 mL in twenty-four hours. For children two to under six years of age, the usual dose is 2.5 mL once daily, which can be increased to a maximum of 5 mL once daily or 2.5 mL every twelve hours if needed.

Cetirizine belongs to a group of medicines called antihistamines. When the body encounters an allergen, it releases a chemical called histamine. Histamine binds to receptors in the nose, eyes, and throat, causing the familiar allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and watery eyes.

Cetirizine blocks these histamine receptors, preventing histamine from attaching and triggering symptoms. It is a second-generation antihistamine, which means it is less likely to cause drowsiness than older antihistamines, though drowsiness can still occur in some people. The medicine starts to work within about an hour and its effect lasts for around twenty-four hours.

The label states that cetirizine is not recommended if breast-feeding. If pregnant, the label advises asking a health professional before use. No specific pregnancy risk category is listed on the label.

Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should discuss the use of cetirizine with their doctor or pharmacist, who can weigh the potential benefits and risks. Similarly, women who are breast-feeding should seek advice before using this medicine.

Cetirizine is usually taken once daily. If a dose is missed, it can be taken as soon as remembered on the same day. However, if it is nearly time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with the regular schedule.

Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one. The label states that no more than the maximum daily amount should be taken in twenty-four hours, regardless of whether a dose was missed earlier.

The label lists storage between twenty degrees and twenty-five degrees Celsius, which is sixty-eight to seventy-seven degrees Fahrenheit. The product should not be used if the carton is opened or if the printed neckband is broken or missing.

Check the bottom panel for the lot number and expiration date. Store the medicine in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and moisture, to maintain quality.