Cetirizine is an anti-allergy medicine used for relieving symptoms related to allergy such as itching, watery eyes, and running nose. It works by blocking histamine that your body makes during an allergic reaction.RxIt is administered in the form of an oral tablet and suspension. There is no intravenous preparation.AdvantagesIn comparison to older common antihistaminics, cetirizine has the least sedative effect i.e. less sleep and drowsiness. Also it's a once a day dose and can be safely given in any age group. It has the least drug to drug interaction and can be given safely along with other drugs.Side-effectsDrowsiness, tiredness, and dry mouth may occur. In children, it may cause stomach pain.Who should take cetirizine?You will be advised to take cetirizine if you suffer from:. allergic rhinitis (a type of inflammation in the nose, which occurs when the immune system overreacts to allergens in the air). chronic urticarial (an itchy rash that persists on and off for six weeks or more). itching - as a symptomatic relief, associated with any other diseaseCautionCetirizine should be avoided in:. Children less than 6 months of age. Lactating mothers. Patients with known hypersensitivity to cetirizineNote: Dose adjustments may be required for patients with liver and kidney diseases. In patients above 65 years of age, cetirizine should be used with caution. Activities like driving should be avoided by patients who are taking cetirizine.Dr Sudeep Jain is a consulting Diabetologist
