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Cetirinax
Last reviewed: 03.07.2025

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Cetirax is a systemic antihistamine drug, a derivative of piperazine.
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Indications Cetirinax
It is used for the following diseases:
- allergic form of seasonal rhinitis (hay fever);
- allergic rhinitis of a year-round type;
- idiopathic urticaria in chronic form.
Release form
Available in tablets, 7, 10 or 20 pieces in a separate pack.
Pharmacodynamics
Cetirizine is a selective H1 receptor antagonist with powerful properties. It is capable of suppressing the allergic reaction to the action of histamine even in the immediate phase. In addition, the substance reduces the movement of inflammatory cells and weakens the process of releasing conductors associated with a delayed allergic effect. The effect on other receptors is insignificant, as a result of which the drug does not have antiserotonin and cholinolytic properties.
Pharmacokinetics
The substance is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Resorption does not change in the case of simultaneous food intake, but the rate of the process may be slightly slowed down due to this.
A high level of synthesis with plasma protein is observed. The biological half-life in a healthy person is within 6-7 hours, and in children under 4 years old - 5.5 hours.
Excretion occurs mainly with urine (unchanged substance) - about 70% in 5 days. About 10% is excreted with feces. The biological half-life in moderate or mild renal failure is 19-21 hours.
Dosing and administration
The tablet is taken orally with liquid and without chewing.
The dose for adults and adolescents from 11 years old is 1 tablet (10 mg) per day. For children 6-11 years old – 0.5-1 tablet (5-10 mg) per day.
People with liver or kidney failure (CC values <11-31 ml/minute), as well as those undergoing hemodialysis procedures (CC values <7 ml/minute), need to reduce the daily dosage to 0.5 tablets (5 mg).
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Use Cetirinax during pregnancy
Cetirax should not be taken during pregnancy.
Contraindications
The main contraindications of the drug:
- the presence of hypersensitivity to cetirizine or additional components of the drug;
- since the auxiliary component of the drug is lactose, it is not prescribed to people suffering from glucose-galactose malabsorption or galactosemia;
- prohibited for use in case of lactose deficiency;
- children under 6 years of age;
- It is prohibited to take during lactation, because the medicine penetrates into breast milk.
Side effects Cetirinax
Taking the pills may cause the following side effects:
- CNS reactions – dizziness, feeling of drowsiness or irritability, headaches and fatigue;
- manifestations of the autonomic nervous system – redness on the face, loss of appetite, increased salivation;
- reactions of the digestive system – dry mouth, nausea, feeling of discomfort;
- cardiovascular reactions – development of tachycardia or palpitations;
- mucous membranes and skin - the appearance of rashes.
In case of such disorders, it is necessary to divide the daily dosage (10 mg) into 2 separate doses – 5 mg in the morning and 5 mg in the evening.
Overdose
In case of overdose, adults experience a feeling of drowsiness, while children initially experience a feeling of anxiety along with excitement, and only then drowsiness develops.
Symptoms of the disorder can be eliminated with the help of supportive and symptomatic therapy. If a high dose of the drug was accidentally taken, gastric lavage is required. The drug has no specific antidote. Hemodialysis will be ineffective.
Interactions with other drugs
Storage conditions
Cetirinax should be stored in a place inaccessible to small children. Temperature indicators - maximum 25 o C.
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Shelf life
Cetirax can be used for a period of 3 years from the date of manufacture of the tablets.
Attention!
To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Cetirinax" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.
Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.