Allersan

Allersan Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Allersan is a brand name. Its generic name is Cetirizine Hydrochloride.

Introduction

Cetirizine hydrochloride (HCl) is an antihistamine used to treat seasonal allergy symptoms and other allergic conditions. Cetirizine HCl is available as a tablet, syrup, or an oral suspension. Cetirizine HCl is also used to reduce symptoms of hives and itching caused by certain medical conditions.

Uses for Allersan

Cetirizine HCl is used for the relief of seasonal allergy symptoms such as hay fever, runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, and itching of the nose or throat. Cetirizine HCl is also used to treat chronic idiopathic urticaria in adults and children six months of age and older.

Mechanism of Action

Cetirizine HCl is an H1 receptor antagonist that prevents activation of histamine-1 receptors by blocking the binding of histamine to the receptor. By blocking the action of histamine, Cetirizine HCl reduces the redness, swelling, itching, and runny nose associated with allergy symptoms.

How Long Does it Take to Work?

Cetirizine HCl begins to work within 30 minutes after administration. Usually the maximum benefit seen is within 1-2 hours.

Absorption

Cetirizine HCl is readily and completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract after oral administration.

Route of Elimination

Cetirizine HCl is eliminated mainly through the kidneys primarily as unchanged drug and urinary metabolites.

Dosage

The usual dosage of Cetirizine HCl for adults and children 12 years of age or older is 10 mg once daily. For children 6 to 12 years old, the usual recommended dosage is 5 mg once daily. The dose should not exceed 10 mg in a 24-hour period. Cetirizine HCl should be taken with a full glass of water and may be taken with or without food.

Administration

Cetirizine HCl is administered orally as a tablet, syrup, or suspension. For children younger than 6 years of age, it is preferred to give the medication in liquid form.

Side Effect

Possible side effects of Cetirizine HCl include drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, headaches, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Toxicity

The toxicity of Cetirizine HCl is low. A single oral dose of up to 500 mg did not result in clinical symptoms or signs of toxicity in healthy subjects.

Precaution

Patients should be advised to avoid driving or operating machinery until they know how this medication affects them.

Interaction

Drug interaction with other medications can increase the risk of side effects. Patients should always tell their healthcare provider about any other medications they are taking.

Disease Interaction

Patients with kidney disease should be monitored closely when taking Cetirizine HCl as it can be eliminated more slowly. Patients with liver diseases may experience more severe side effects.

Drug Interaction

Cetirizine HCl may interact with other medications such as antifungal drugs, antidepressants, diuretics, opioid painkillers, antibiotics, or antihistamines.

Food Interactions

Cetirizine HCl should not be taken with food as it may decrease the effectiveness of this medication.

Pregnancy Use

Cetirizine HCl should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.

Lactation Use

Cetirizine HCl is not recommended during breastfeeding since it can be excreted in breast milk.

Acute Overdose

Patients experiencing an overdosage should seek immediate medical attention. Common signs of an overdose include confusion, drowsiness, agitation, slowed heart rate, rapid blood pressure changes, dizziness, flushing, drooling, shortness of breath, and coma.

Contraindication

Cetirizine HCl should not be used in patients with known or suspected hypersensitivity to this medication or other ingredients in the preparation.

Use Direction

Cetirizine HCl should be taken as directed by a healthcare provider, usually once daily. The medication must be taken regularly to achieve the maximum benefit. Patients should not stop taking Cetirizine HCl without first consulting their healthcare provider.

Storage Condition

Cetirizine HCl should be stored at room temperature, out of direct light, and in a tightly closed container.

Volume of Distribution

Cetirizine HCl has a large volume of distribution with an average of 2.1 L/kg.

Half Life

The elimination half-life of Cetirizine HCl is 10-11 hours.

Clearance

Cetirizine HCl is mainly excreted by the kidneys and has an average clearance of 10 L/hr/1.73m2.

Here you find in details version of Allersan

Some Frequently Asked Questions About Allersan

What is Allersan?

Cetirizine hydrochloride is an antihistamine drug used to treat allergy symptoms like hay fever, nasal congestion, watery eyes, itchy eyes, skin rashes, and sneezing.

How does Allersan work?

Allersan works by blocking the action of histamine, a neurotransmitter, which helps to reduce inflammation and reduce symptoms of allergies like hay fever and rhinitis.

What is Allersan used for?

Cetirizine hydrochloride is used to treat allergies like hay fever, nasal congestion, watery eyes, itchy eyes, skin rashes, and sneezing.

What are the side effects of Allersan?

Common side effects of cetirizine hydrochloride include drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, nausea, constipation, and difficulty concentrating.

Can I take Allersan if I have high blood pressure?

It is important to talk to your doctor before taking any medication, including cetirizine hydrochloride, if you have high blood pressure or any other conditions.

Can Allersan be used for itching?

Yes, cetirizine hydrochloride is often used to relieve symptoms of itching associated with allergies.

Is Allersan safe for children?

Yes, cetirizine hydrochloride can be safely used by children over 6 years of age, but it is important to talk to your doctor before giving cetirizine hydrochloride to a child.

Is Allersan safe during pregnancy?

Cetirizine hydrochloride is considered safe to use by pregnant women, but it is important to speak to your doctor before taking any medication when pregnant.

Can I take Allersan while breastfeeding?

Yes, cetirizine hydrochloride is generally considered safe to use while breastfeeding, however, you should talk to your doctor before taking any medication while breastfeeding.

Can I take Allersan with alcohol?

Drinking alcohol while taking cetirizine hydrochloride can increase the risk of side effects, including drowsiness. It is best to avoid drinking alcohol while taking cetirizine hydrochloride.

What is the recommended dosage of Allersan?

The recommended adult dose of cetirizine hydrochloride is 10 mg to 20 mg per day. It is important to always follow your doctor’s instructions when taking any medication.

Can I take Allersan with other medications?

It is important to talk to your doctor before taking cetirizine hydrochloride with other medications, as some medications may interact with each other.

Is Allersan a narcotic?

No, cetirizine hydrochloride is not a narcotic. It is an antihistamine that is used to treat allergies.

What are the long-term effects of Allersan?

Long-term use of cetirizine hydrochloride may cause side effects such as drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, nausea, constipation, and difficulty concentrating.

What is the onset of action of Allersan?

The onset of action for cetirizine hydrochloride occurs within 1-2 hours after taking the medication.

Are there any interactions with food and Allersan?

Using cetirizine hydrochloride with food does not appear to affect its effectiveness. However, it is best to take cetirizine hydrochloride with a full glass of water.

Is Allersan addictive?

Cetirizine hydrochloride is not a controlled substance and is not considered to be an addictive medication.

Can Allersan be taken with ibuprofen?

It is important to talk to your healthcare provider before taking any medication with ibuprofen, including cetirizine hydrochloride, as some medications can interact with each other.

Can Allersan be taken for hives?

Yes, cetirizine hydrochloride is often used to treat symptoms of hives associated with allergies.

Does Allersan cause drowsiness?

Yes, cetirizine hydrochloride can cause drowsiness in some people. It is important to talk to your doctor if you experience drowsiness while taking cetirizine hydrochloride.

Is Allersan habit forming?

No, cetirizine hydrochloride is not considered habit forming.

What is the peak effect of Allersan?

The peak effect of cetirizine hydrochloride occurs within 4-5 hours after taking the medication.

Can I take Allersan every day?

Yes, you can take cetirizine hydrochloride every day, however, it is important to always follow your doctor’s instructions when taking any medication.

Can Allersan cause weight gain?

No, cetirizine hydrochloride is not known to cause weight gain.

Does Allersan treat colds?

No, cetirizine hydrochloride is not effective in treating cold symptoms.

Can I take Allersan while taking other medications?

It is important to talk to your doctor before taking cetirizine hydrochloride with other medications, as some medications may interact with each other.

Can I take Allersan with Benadryl?

It is important to talk to your doctor before taking cetirizine hydrochloride with Benadryl, as some medications can interact with each other.

Can Allersan be used for sinus congestion?

Yes, cetirizine hydrochloride can be used to relieve symptoms of sinus congestion associated with allergies.

Can Allersan be taken with anti-inflammatory medications?

It is important to talk to your doctor before taking cetirizine hydrochloride with anti-inflammatory medications, as some medications may interact with each other.

Does Allersan treat allergies?

Yes, cetirizine hydrochloride is used to treat allergies like hay fever, nasal congestion, watery eyes, itchy eyes, skin rashes, and sneezing.

Can I take Allersan and Claritin together?

It is important to talk to your doctor before taking cetirizine hydrochloride and Claritin together, as some medications may interact with each other.

Does Allersan help with asthma?

No, cetirizine hydrochloride is not effective in treating symptoms of asthma.

Should Allersan be taken on an empty stomach?

No, cetirizine hydrochloride should not be taken on an empty stomach. It is best to take cetirizine hydrochloride with a full glass of water.

Are there any alternatives to Allersan?

Yes, there are several alternatives to cetirizine hydrochloride, such as diphenhydramine or loratadine. It is important to talk to your doctor before taking any medications.

What can I do if I experience side effects from Allersan?

If you experience side effects from cetirizine hydrochloride, it is important to talk to your doctor as soon as possible. They may be able to suggest alternate medications or dosages that may be more suitable for you.

Can Allersan be used for insect bite allergies?

Yes, cetirizine hydrochloride can be used to treat symptoms of insect bite allergies such as itching, redness, and swelling.

How long should I take Allersan?

It is important to follow your doctor's instructions when taking any medications, including cetirizine hydrochloride. Your doctor may suggest taking cetirizine hydrochloride for a few weeks depending on the severity of your allergy symptoms.

Are there any warnings associated with taking Allersan?

Yes, there are a few warnings associated with taking cetirizine hydrochloride. It is important to talk to your doctor before taking cetirizine hydrochloride if you have high blood pressure or any other conditions.

What if I forget to take my dose of Allersan?

If you forget to take your dose of cetirizine hydrochloride, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

Can Allersan be taken with other antihistamines?

It is important to talk to your doctor before taking cetirizine hydrochloride with other antihistamines, as some medications may interact with each other.