What is cetirizine hydrochloride used for?

• Relieve allergy symptoms, but it does not prevent them. 
• Relieve perennial allergic rhinitis due to allergens such as sneezing, runny/ itchy nose, postnasal drip, watery/itchy eyes.
• Treatment of chronic idiopathic urticaria (hives), which manifests as red or skin-colored welts. 

How does cetirizine hydrochloride work?

When you come in contact with allergens (substances that your body may be allergic to), a natural body chemical called histamine is released. Histamine is responsible for allergic symptoms such as sneezing, itching, watery eyes, or runny nose. 

Cetirizine is an antihistamine, meaning it blocks the effects of histamine. As a result, cetirizine provides relief of allergy symptoms. Cetirizine reaches peak plasma concentration after approximately one hour. 

What is the suggested dosing for cetirizine hydrochloride?

Typical adult dosage:
Older adults 65 years and older are recommended to start with 5 mg by mouth once daily.

Allergic rhinitis:

• 5 mg to 10 mg by mouth once daily, depending on the severity of the symptoms.
• The maximum dose is 10 mg within 24 hours.

Urticaria:

• 5 mg to 10 mg by mouth once daily, depending on the severity of the symptoms.
• The maximum dose is 10 mg within 24 hours.

Typical pediatric dose:

Allergic rhinitis:

• 6 months to 2 years:
  • Initial dose: 2.5 mg by mouth once daily
  • Maintenance dose: 2.5 mg by mouth every 12 hours
  • The maximum dose is 5 mg within 24 hours
• 2 to 5 years
  • Initial dose: 2.5 mg by mouth once daily
  • Maintenance dose: 2.5 mg by mouth every 12 hours OR 5 mg by mouth once daily
  • The maximum dose is 5 mg within 24 hours
• 6 years and older:
  • 5 to 10 mg by mouth once daily 
  • The maximum dose is 10 mg within 24 hours

Urticaria:

• 6 months to 2 years:
  • Initial dose: 2.5 mg by mouth once daily
  • Maintenance dose: 2.5 mg by mouth once OR 2.5 mg by mouth every 12 hours, depending on the severity of the symptoms
  • The maximum dose is 5 mg within 24 hours
• 2 to 5 years:
  • Initial dose: 2.5 mg by mouth once daily
  • Maintenance dose: 2.5 mg by mouth every 12 hours OR 5 mg by mouth once daily
  • The maximum dose is 5 mg within 24 hours
• 6 years and older:
  • 5 to 10 mg by mouth once daily 
  • The maximum dose is 10 mg within 24 hours