Cetirizine hydrochloride

Cetirizine hydrochloride is an antihistamine. It is prescribed to treat the sneezing; itchy, runny nose; and itchy, red, watery eyes caused by seasonal allergies such as hay fever. Cetirizine hydrochloride also relieves the symptoms of year-round allergies due to dust, mold, and animal dander. This medication is also used in the treatment of chronic itchy skin and hives.


Take Cetirizine hydrochloride once a day, exactly as prescribed. This medication can be taken with or without food.
Cetirizine hydrochloride may make your mouth dry. Sucking hard candy, chewing a stick of gum, or melting bits of ice in your mouth can provide relief.

• If you miss a dose...
If you are taking Cetirizine hydrochloride on a regular schedule, take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

You should avoid drinking alcohol or taking sedatives, tranquilizers, sleeping pills, or muscle relaxants while using Cetirizine hydrochloride. They can lead to increased drowsiness and reduced mental alertness. Among the products to avoid are the following:

Antidepressants
Muscle relaxants
Pain-relieving narcotics
Sedatives such as phenobarbital
Sleeping pills
High doses of theophylline

Recommended dosage for Cetirizine hydrochloride

ADULTS AND CHILDREN 12 YEARS AND OLDER

The usual starting dose is 5 or 10 milligrams once a day, depending on the severity of your symptoms. If you have a kidney or liver condition, the doctor will probably prescribe 5 milligrams daily.

CHILDREN 6 TO 11 YEARS
The usual starting dose is 5 or 10 milligrams (1 or 2 teaspoonfuls of syrup) once a day. If your child has a kidney or liver condition, the doctor will probably prescribe the lower dose.

CHILDREN 2 TO 5 YEARS
The usual starting dose is 2.5 milligrams (one-half teaspoonful) once a day. Dosage may be increased to a maximum of 5 milligrams (1 teaspoonful) once daily or 2.5 milligrams (one-half teaspoonful) every 12 hours. If the child has a kidney or liver condition, Cetirizine hydrochloride should not be given.

CHILDREN 6 TO 23 MONTHS
The usual starting dose is 2.5 milligrams (one-half teaspoonful) once a day. In children 12 to 23 months old, the dose can be increased to a maximum of 5 milligrams a day, given as 2.5 milligrams (one-half teaspoonful) every 12 hours.Cetirizine hydrochloride should not be used if your child has kidney or liver problems.