Description
Pharmacology
Cetirizine Hydrochloride is a potent H1 receptor antagonist without any significant anticholinergic and antiserotonic effects. At pharmacologically active dose levels, it has almost no drowsiness effect and does not cause behavioral changes. It inhibits the histamine-mediated early phase of the allergic reaction and also reduces the migration of inflammatory cells and the release of mediators associated with the late phase of the allergic reaction.
Indications
Alatrol is indicated for the relief of symptoms associated with seasonal & perennial allergic rhinitis. It is also indicated for the treatment of the uncomplicated skin manifestations of chronic idiopathic urticaria and allergen induced asthma.
Dosage & Administration
Cetirizine oral dosage form:
- Adults and Children 6 years and older: 1 tablet or 2 teaspoonfuls daily (or 1 teaspoonful twice daily).
- Children 2-6 years: 1 teaspoonful once daily or 1/2 teaspoonful twice daily.
- Children 6 months to 2 years : 1/2 teaspoonful once daily. The dose in children 12-23 months of age can be increased to a maximum dose as 1/2 teaspoonful every 12 hours.
Cetirizine injectable dosage form: Cetirizine is a single use injectable product for intravenous administration only. The recommended dosage regimen is once every 24 hours as needed for treatment of acute urticaria. Administer Cetirizine as an intravenous push over a period of 1 to 2 minutes. Cetirizine is not recommended in pediatric patients less than 6 years of age with impaired renal or hepatic function.
- Adults and adolescents 12 years of age and older: The recommended dosage is 10 mg administered by intravenous injection.
- Children 6 to 11 years of age: The recommended dosage is 5 mg or 10 mg depending on symptom severity administered by intravenous injection.
- Children 6 months to 5 years of age: The recommended dosage is 2.5 mg administered by intravenous injection.
