Alatrol 10 mg

Description

Indications
Alatrol is used to relieve symptoms associated with both seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis. Additionally, it is effective in treating chronic idiopathic urticaria and allergen-induced asthma.

Take this medication only as prescribed by a registered physician.

Pharmacology
Cetirizine Hydrochloride is a powerful H1 receptor antagonist that does not exhibit significant anticholinergic or antiserotonin effects. At standard therapeutic doses, it has minimal sedative effects and does not cause noticeable behavioral changes. It works by blocking histamine activity in the early phase of an allergic reaction and also helps to reduce inflammatory cell migration and mediator release during the late-phase response.

Pharmacokinetics
After administration of 10 mg of Cetirizine, peak plasma concentration of approximately 257 mcg/L is reached within one hour in adults, while in children, this can be as high as 980 mcg/L. Although food intake does not significantly alter absorption, it may slightly slow the rate. The highest blood concentration of 0.3 micrograms/mL is typically observed between 30 to 60 minutes post-dose.

• Plasma half-life: ~11 hours
• Renal clearance: ~30 mL/min
• Excretion half-life: ~9 hours
• Absorption consistency is high among individuals

Dosage & Administration

Oral Dosage (Tablets or Syrup):

• Adults & children (6 years and older): 1 tablet or 2 teaspoons once daily (or 1 teaspoon twice daily).
• Children (2 to 6 years): 1 teaspoon once daily or ½ teaspoon twice daily.
• Children (6 months to 2 years): ½ teaspoon once daily. For children 12 to 23 months, the dose may be increased to ½ teaspoon every 12 hours as needed.

Injectable Dosage (IV Use Only):
Cetirizine injection is intended for single-use intravenous administration to manage acute urticaria. It should be administered over 1 to 2 minutes and is not recommended for pediatric patients under 6 years with hepatic or renal impairment.

• Adults & adolescents (12+ years): 10 mg IV injection once every 24 hours as needed.
• Children (6 to 11 years): 5 mg or 10 mg IV injection, depending on symptom severity.
• Children (6 months to 5 years): 2.5 mg IV injection.

Take this medication only as prescribed by a registered physician.

Drug Interactions
No significant interactions have been reported between Cetirizine and Theophylline, Azithromycin, Pseudoephedrine, Ketoconazole, or Erythromycin.

Contraindications
Alatrol should not be used in individuals with known hypersensitivity to Cetirizine or Hydroxyzine.

Side Effects
The most commonly observed side effect is drowsiness (somnolence).

Use During Pregnancy & Lactation

• Cetirizine Hydrochloride is classified as US FDA Pregnancy Category B. While animal studies have not indicated harm, adequate human studies are lacking. It should be used during pregnancy only if absolutely necessary.
• Cetirizine is excreted in human breast milk, so caution should be exercised when given to breastfeeding mothers.

Precautions & Warnings

• Caution is advised when driving or operating heavy machinery, as drowsiness may occur in some individuals.

Use in Special Populations

Hepatic or Renal Impairment:

• In patients with mild to moderate liver or kidney impairment, the clearance of Cetirizine is reduced, leading to an increased AUC and half-life by approximately 2 to 3 times.
• In dialysis patients, the plasma elimination half-life is extended to ~20 hours, and AUC is tripled.

Pediatric Use:

• Cetirizine has been shown to be safe for children aged 6 months to 5 years.

Elderly Use:

• The clearance of Cetirizine is lower in elderly patients, primarily due to reduced creatinine clearance.

Therapeutic Class
Sedating Antihistamine

Storage Conditions
Store in a dry place, away from direct light and heat. Keep out of the reach of children.