Citin® Tablet: Each film-coated tablet contains Cetirizine Hydrochloride BP 10 mg.
Citin® Syrup: Each 5 ml syrup contains Cetirizine Hydrochloride BP 5 mg.
Cetirizine Hydrochloride (Citin®) is a piperazine derivative, which is potent H₁ receptor antagonist used in the treatment of allergy.
Mode of Action:
Cetirizine Hydrochloride (Citin®) is competitive H₁ receptor antagonist that is considerably more polar and therefore, less likely to cross the so-called blood-brain barrier and causes less sedation than its parent compound.
Pharmacokinetics:
Cetirizine Hydrochloride (Citin®) is rapidly absorbed and is eliminated mainly by renal excretion as unchanged drug, although there is a small amount of metabolism in the liver. Approximately 70% of the dose is excreted in the urine over 5 days, 60% over the first 24 hrs, with only 10% in the faeces over 5 days.
Seasonal allergic rhinitis, Perennial allergic rhinitis, Chronic idiopathic urticaria, Atopic dermatitis.
The maximum recommended dose is 20 mg daily.
No clinically important interactions have been reported.
Overdose:
In patients taking a massive intentional overdose (150 - 300 mg), sedation has been the only adverse effect and complete recovery has been ensured.
There is inadequate information about the safety of cetirizine during pregnancy. It should be used only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk of the foetus.
Nursing mothers are advised not to take cetirizine hydrochloride.
Caution should be exercised when driving a car or operating potentially dangerous machinery. Concurrent use of cetirizine hydrochloride with alcohol or other CNS depressants should be avoided.
Store in a cool and dry place, protected from light.