cetirizine hydrochloride (redirected from Benadryl Alergy Oral Solution)

ce·tir·i·zine hydrochloride (s-tîr-zn)

n.

A nonsedating antihistamine used to treat allergic rhinitis and other allergic disorders.

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cetirizine hydrochloride

AllerTec (UK), Benadryl Alergy Oral Solution (UK), Benadryl One a Day (UK), Hayfever & Allergy Relief (UK), Hayfever Relief (UK), Piriteze (UK), Reactine (CA), Zirtec (UK), Zyrtec

Pharmacologic class: Histamine₁-receptor antagonist (peripherally selective)

Therapeutic class: Allergy, cold, and cough agent; antihistamine

Pregnancy risk category B

Action

Antagonizes histamine's effects at histamine₁-receptor sites, preventing allergic response. Also has mild bronchodilatory effects and blocks histamine-induced bronchoconstriction in asthma.

Availability

Syrup: 5 mg/5 ml

Tablets: 5 mg, 10 mg

⊘Indications and dosages

➣ Allergic symptoms caused by histamine release

Adults and children older than age 6: 5 to 10 mg P.O. daily

Children ages 2 to 5: 2.5 mg to 5 mg P.O. daily

Dosage adjustment

• Renal impairment
• Hepatic impairment

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to drug or hydroxyzine
• Acute asthma attacks
• Angle-closure glaucoma
• Pyloroduodenal obstruction
• Breastfeeding

Precautions

Use cautiously in:
• renal impairment, significant hepatic dysfunction
• elderly patients
• pregnant patients
• children younger than age 2 (safety not established).

Administration

• Give with or without food.
• Administer at same time each day.

Route	Onset	Peak	Duration
P.O.	30 min	1-4 hr	24 hr

Adverse reactions

CNS: dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue

CV: palpitations, edema

EENT: pharyngitis

GI: nausea, vomiting, abdominal distress, dry mouth

Musculoskeletal: myalgia, joint pain

Respiratory: bronchospasm

Skin: photosensitivity, rash, angioedema

Other: fever

Interactions

Drug-drug. CNS depressants: additive CNS effects

Theophylline: decreased cetirizine clearance

Drug-diagnostic tests. Allergy skin tests: false-negative results

Drug-behaviors. Alcohol use: additive CNS effects

Sun exposure: photosensitivity

Patient monitoring

• Monitor creatinine levels in patients with renal dysfunction.
• Assess hepatic enzyme levels in patients with hepatic disease.

Patient teaching

• Tell patient to take with full glass of water.
• Inform patient that drug may impair alertness and that alcohol may exaggerate this effect.
• Caution patient to avoid driving and other hazardous activities until he knows how drug affects concentration and alertness.
• As appropriate, review all other significant and life-threatening adverse reactions and interactions, especially those related to the drugs, tests, and behaviors mentioned above.