Is your little one sneezing all morning? Does the runny nose not stop? Or is their body red and itchy? Cetirizine is a medicine we often get when we go to the doctor at times like these. Today, we will learn exactly what to watch out for when using this medicine, which is often given in the form of a syrup.
What is Cetirizine? How does it work?
Simply put, Cetirizine is an allergy medicine. When something we are allergic to, such as dust, pollen, or food, enters our body, our immune system responds to it. As part of this response, our body produces a chemical called histamine .
Think of this histamine as a little "bully" that starts problems. It's what causes many of the symptoms of an allergy, such as red, itchy eyes, sneezing, runny nose, and itchy skin (we also call it a runny nose).
Cetirizine belongs to a group of drugs called antihistamines . This means that this medicine works by stopping the action of that annoying chemical called histamine. To be precise, this medicine stops histamine from binding to the cells in the body and causing problems. Then the discomfort of allergies gradually decreases.
You can buy this medicine as a syrup from pharmacies under various brand names, such as Zyrtec.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Although cetirizine is generally a safe medication, it may interact with some of your or your child's health conditions. Therefore, be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions before using this medication.
- Kidney disease: If you have any kidney disease, you should tell your doctor about it. This medicine is eliminated from the body through the kidneys. The doctor may need to change the dosage of the medicine for someone with kidney problems.
- Liver disease: Similarly, if you have any problems with your liver, please inform us about that as well.
- Other allergies: Be sure to tell your doctor if you have had a previous allergic reaction to Cetirizine, other allergy medications, or any food or coloring in medications.
- Pregnancy and lactation: If you are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding, it is essential to talk to your doctor before using this medicine.
The correct way to use the medicine
To get the most out of a medication, it is very important to use it correctly.
- Use exactly as your doctor tells you: Use the dose, frequency, and time intervals prescribed by your doctor.
- Use an accurate measuring device: Syrups usually come with a special spoon, cup, or dropper marked in milliliters (ml). Be sure to use it. Do not use the teaspoons or rice spoons you have at home for this. Because their measurements are not accurate. You may end up with too much or too little medicine.
- Before or after meals: This medicine can be taken before or after meals. It does not cause any problems.
- It may take a few days: Sometimes, symptoms may not completely go away until a few days after you start using the medicine. So don't worry.
Be careful when giving to small children.
Doctors prescribe this medicine even to babies as young as 6 months. But always under the supervision of a doctor, and only in the prescribed dosage. Never give this medicine to young children as you feel like it. The doctor will determine the appropriate dosage for the child's weight and age.
What to do if you give too much medicine? (Overdosage)
If you have any suspicion that you have taken too much medicine, do not ignore it. Immediately take your child to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU). Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Important: This medicine has been prescribed for you or your child. Do not give it to others, even if they have the same symptoms you have.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to give a dose of medicine, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is very close to the time of your next dose (for example, it is less than two or three hours away), skip the missed dose and give the next dose at the scheduled time. Do not give two doses of medicine at once for any reason.
Other things that may interact with Cetirizine
Cetirizine can increase drowsiness and dizziness when taken with certain other medications and substances. Therefore, you should be careful if you are using the following:
| Type of medicine/substance | Why should you care? |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | It greatly increases drowsiness and decreased attention. |
| Sedatives, sleeping pills | These medications also cause drowsiness, so taking them with Cetirizine may increase the drowsiness. |
| Some strong painkillers (Opioids) | Since these also increase drowsiness, taking them with Cetirizine increases the risk. |
| Other cold and allergy medications | Some cold medicines may also contain antihistamines. There is a risk of overdose. |
This list is not complete, so it's best to tell your doctor about all the medications you're taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies).
Side effects that may occur due to medication
Like all medicines, Cetirizine can cause side effects. However, not everyone gets them. Some are serious, while others are mild.
| Type of side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
| Serious Allergic Reaction | Redness of the skin, hives, severe itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. This is an emergency because swelling of the throat can cause difficulty breathing. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Drowsiness | This is a common occurrence. Therefore, avoid driving or doing anything that requires attention while taking this medicine. |
| Dry Mouth | This can be controlled by things like chewing sugar-free gum and drinking plenty of water. |
| Dizziness | Get some rest. |
| Fatigue | Feeling tired in the body. |
| Itching that occurs after stopping the medication | Some people may experience severe itching for a few days after stopping this medication suddenly after using it daily for a long time. If this happens, talk to your doctor. |
Take-Home Message
- Cetirizine is a medicine for allergies. Always use it only if prescribed by a doctor, and in the dosage he or she recommends.
- Use the special measuring device that comes with the medicine to measure it. Do not use the spoons you have at home.
- This medicine may cause drowsiness . Therefore, avoid driving or performing tasks that require alertness after taking the medicine.
- Tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you have (especially kidney and liver disease) and all other medications you are taking.
- If you experience serious allergic symptoms such as swelling of the face or throat after taking the medicine, or if you suspect that you have taken/ingested too much medicine, go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
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