Drug reference
Symptomatic relief of allergy such as hay fever, chronic idiopathic urticaria, atopic dermatitis ▶BY MOUTH ▶Child 2–5 years: 2.5 mg twice daily ▶Child 6–11 years: 5 mg twice daily ▶Child 12–17 years: 10 mg once daily ▶Adult: 10 mg once daily
PDF page 316
Epilepsy
PDF page 316
→Appendix 1: antihistamines, non- sedating
PDF page 316
▶Uncommon Agitation. asthenia. diarrhoea. malaise. paraesthesia. skin reactions ▶Rare or very rare Aggression. angioedema. confusion. depression. hallucination. hepatic function abnormal. insomnia. movement disorders. oculogyration. oedema. seizure. syncope. tachycardia. taste altered. thrombocytopenia. tic. tremor. urinary disorders. vision disorders. weight increased ▶Frequency not known Abdominal pain. appetite increased. dizziness. drowsiness. dry mouth. headache. memory loss. nausea. pharyngitis. suicidal ideation. vertigo SIDE-EFFECTS, FURTHER INFORMATION Non-sedating antihistamines such as certirizine hydrochloride cause less sedation and psychomotor impairment than the older antihistamines, but can still occur; sedation is generally minimal. This is because non-sedating antihistamines penetrate the blood brain barrier to a much lesser extent.
PDF page 316
Most manufacturers of antihistamines advise avoiding their use during pregnancy; however, there is no evidence of teratogenicity.
PDF page 316
Most antihistamines are present in breast milk in varying amounts; although not known to be harmful, most manufacturers advise avoiding their use in mothers who are breast-feeding.
PDF page 316
▶In adults Avoid if eGFR less than 10 mL/minute/1.73 m2. ▶In children Avoid if estimated glomerular filtration rate less than 10 mL/minute/1.73 m2. Dose adjustments ▶In adults Use half normal dose if eGFR 30–50 mL/minute/1.73 m2. Use half normal dose and reduce dose frequency to alternate days if eGFR 10–30 mL/minute/1.73 m2. ▶In children Use half normal dose if estimated glomerular filtration rate 30–50 mL/minute/1.73 m2. Use half normal dose and reduce dose frequency to alternate days if estimated glomerular filtration rate 10–30 mL/minute/1.73 m2.
PDF page 316
There can be variation in the licensing of different medicines containing the same drug. Oral solution EXCIPIENTS: May contain Propylene glycol ▶Cetirizine hydrochloride (Non-proprietary) Cetirizine hydrochloride 1 mg per 1 ml Cetirizine 1mg/ml oral solution sugar-free | 200 ml P £1.55 DT = £1.55 Tablet ▶Cetirizine hydrochloride (Non-proprietary) Cetirizine hydrochloride 10 mg Cetirizine 10mg tablets | 30 tablet P £0.79–£1.01 DT = £0.98 Capsule ▶Benadryl Allergy (McNeil Products Ltd) Cetirizine hydrochloride 10 mg Benadryl Allergy Liquid Release 10mg capsules | 7 capsule G £3.09 DT = £3.09
PDF page 316
Medicines for Children leaflet: Cetirizine for hay fever www.medicinesforchildren.org.uk/cetirizine-hay-fever-0 Driving and skilled tasks Although drowsiness is rare, nevertheless patients should be advised that it can occur and may affect performance of skilled tasks (e.g. cycling or driving); alcohol should be avoided. l PROFESSION SPECIFIC INFORMATION Dental practitioners’ formulary Cetirizine Tablets 10 mg may be prescribed. Cetirizine Oral Solution 5 mg/5 mL may be prescribed.
PDF page 316
2.5 mg twice daily
First-line fragment. Read the complete Indications and Dose section above.
PDF page 316
5 mg twice daily
First-line fragment. Read the complete Indications and Dose section above.
PDF page 316
10 mg once daily
First-line fragment. Read the complete Indications and Dose section above.
PDF page 316
10 mg once daily
First-line fragment. Read the complete Indications and Dose section above.
PDF page 316
