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Non-sedating H1 antihistamine

Cetirizine hydrochloride

Brand names: Zirtek, Piriteze

Adult dose

Dose: 10mg OD
Route: PO
Frequency: OD
Max: 10mg/day

Paediatric dose

Route: PO
Frequency: BD or OD
Age bands
  • 12–24m: 2.5mg BD
  • 24–72m: 2.5mg BD or 5mg OD
  • 72–144m: 5mg BD or 10mg OD
≥6 yrs: 5mg BD or 10mg OD

Dose adjustments

Renal

CrCl 30–50: 5mg OD; CrCl 10–30: 5mg every other day; avoid in severe impairment

Clinical pearls

  • Less sedating than chlorphenamine but still some sedation reported
  • Active enantiomer levocetirizine has slightly cleaner profile

Contraindications

  • Severe renal impairment (CrCl <10)

Side effects

  • Drowsiness (less than sedating antihistamines)
  • Headache
  • Dry mouth

Interactions

  • Additive sedation with CNS depressants/alcohol

Reference: BNFc; BNF; https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/cetirizine-hydrochloride/. Verify against your local formulary and the latest BNF before prescribing.

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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