💊 Cetirizine (Cetirizine Hcl)
Cetirizine is an antihistamine used to temporarily relieve symptoms of hay fever and other upper respiratory allergies. It is taken by mouth. The right dose should be set by your doctor or pharmacist.
In Arabic: سيتيريزين
🏷️ Brand names & manufacturers
Cetirizine Hcl🏭 GLENMARK THERAPEUTICS INC., USADailyMed✅ What it is used for
- Temporarily relieves runny nose
- Relieves sneezing
- Relieves itchy, watery eyes
- Relieves itching of the nose or throat
- All due to hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies
🧪 Active ingredient
The active ingredient is cetirizine hydrochloride (5 mg or 10 mg), an antihistamine that relieves allergy symptoms.
🌿 Benefits
- Relieves hay fever and upper respiratory allergy symptoms
- Taken once daily
📝 How to use
- Taken by mouth once daily
- Your doctor or pharmacist should set the right dose for you; do not change it on your own
- Do not exceed the maximum daily dose stated on the package or set by your doctor
- Children under 6 years, and people with liver or kidney disease: ask a doctor before use
💊 Dosage forms
- 5 mg tablets
- 10 mg tablets
⚠️ Common side effects
- Drowsiness
- In rare cases, itching may occur after stopping cetirizine
🚨 Serious — seek medical help
- Allergic reaction to the product: stop use and seek medical help right away
⛔ Do not use if
- Previous allergic reaction to this product or any of its ingredients
- Previous allergic reaction to an antihistamine containing hydroxyzine
❗ Warnings & precautions
- Ask a doctor before use if you have liver or kidney disease, as a different dose may be needed
- May cause drowsiness; be careful when driving a motor vehicle or operating machinery
- Avoid alcoholic drinks while using this product
- If itching occurs after stopping cetirizine, consult your healthcare provider
- Keep out of reach of children
🔄 Drug interactions
- Tranquilizers or sedatives: ask a doctor or pharmacist before use
- Alcohol, sedatives, and tranquilizers may increase drowsiness
🤰 Pregnancy
If pregnant, ask a health professional before use.
🍼 Breastfeeding
Not recommended if breast-feeding.
🧒 Children
Children under 6 years: ask a doctor before use. For children 6 years and over, the dose should be determined by a doctor or pharmacist.
👴 Older adults
The dose may differ for adults 65 years and over; ask a doctor or pharmacist to determine it.
🆘 Overdose
In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.
💰 Price & brands in your area
🏛️ Official price in Palestine — Ministry of Health price list:
| Product | Company | Pack | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| SETAHIST TAB Cetirizine Hydrochloride | Beit Jala | 20 TAB | 30 ₪ |
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Labeled dosing
5 mg tablets: adults and children 6 years and over: 1 tablet (5 mg) or 2 tablets (10 mg) once daily depending on symptom severity; do not exceed 2 tablets (10 mg) in 24 hours. Adults 65 years and over: 1 tablet (5 mg) once daily; do not exceed 1 tablet (5 mg) in 24 hours. 10 mg tablets: adults and children 6 years and over: one 10 mg tablet once daily; do not exceed one tablet in 24 hours; a 5 mg product may suit less severe symptoms. Adults 65 years and over (10 mg product), children under 6 years, and people with liver or kidney disease: ask a doctor. The final dose is set by the doctor or pharmacist.
- Marketed as an over-the-counter (OTC) human drug
- Classified as an antihistamine
- Advise patients to avoid alcohol and use caution when driving
🎓 Key points for students
- Class: antihistamine
- Route: oral
- Indication: relief of hay fever and upper respiratory allergy symptoms
- Key effect: drowsiness; alcohol and sedatives increase it
- Contraindication: hypersensitivity to the product or to a hydroxyzine-containing antihistamine
- Liver or kidney disease requires a doctor's input on dosing
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What is cetirizine used for?
It temporarily relieves symptoms of hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies, such as runny nose, sneezing, itchy watery eyes, and itching of the nose or throat.
Does cetirizine cause drowsiness?
Yes, drowsiness may occur. Be careful when driving or operating machinery, and avoid alcohol as it may increase drowsiness.
How often is cetirizine taken?
It is generally taken once daily. Your doctor or pharmacist should set the right dose, and the maximum daily limit must not be exceeded.
Can it be used during pregnancy or breast-feeding?
It is not recommended while breast-feeding. If pregnant, ask a health professional before use.
Who should ask a doctor before using it?
People with liver or kidney disease, children under 6 years, those taking tranquilizers or sedatives, and in some cases adults 65 years and over.
⚕️ For education only — not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start or stop any medicine without advice. Source: official FDA drug label via openFDA (2026-08), simplified. Updated: 2026-11-10.