1. Introduction
Cetcip is a brand name for cetirizine, a second-generation antihistamine widely used for allergic conditions. Unlike older antihistamines, it causes minimal sedation while effectively controlling allergy symptoms.
2. Key Specifications
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Generic Name:Â Cetirizine hydrochloride
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Brand Names:Â Cetcip (India), Zyrtec (international)
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Dosage Forms:
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Tablets (10 mg)
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Syrup (5 mg/5 mL)
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Chewable tablets (5 mg, 10 mg)
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Manufacturer:Â Cipla (Cetcip brand)
3. Therapeutic Advantages
✔ Rapid onset (within 1 hour)
✔ 24-hour duration with single daily dose
✔ Minimal sedation at recommended doses
✔ Additional anti-inflammatory properties
4. Mechanism of Action
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Selective peripheral H1-receptor antagonist
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Inhibits:
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Histamine-induced wheal and flare
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Eosinophil migration
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ICAM-1 expression
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Minimal anticholinergic effects
5. Approved Indications
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Allergic rhinitis (seasonal/perennial)
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Chronic urticaria
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Atopic dermatitis (adjunct therapy)
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Allergic conjunctivitis (off-label)
6. Dosage & Administration
Standard Dosing:
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Adults/Children ≥12 yrs: 10 mg once daily
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Children 6-11 yrs:Â 5-10 mg once daily
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Children 2-5 yrs:Â 2.5-5 mg once daily
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Renal impairment:Â 5 mg daily (CrCl 11-31 mL/min)
Special Notes:
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May take with/without food
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Evening dosing may help with nighttime symptoms
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Not recommended for children <2 years
7. Safety Profile
Common ADRs (≤5%):
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Somnolence (11-14%)
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Dry mouth (2-5%)
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Fatigue (1-4%)
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Headache (5-7%)
Rare Serious Effects:
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QT prolongation (with overdose)
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Severe hypersensitivity
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Seizures (in predisposed patients)
8. Pharmacokinetic Highlights
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Bioavailability:Â ~70%
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Protein binding:Â 93%
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Half-life:Â 8-9 hours (permits once-daily dosing)
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Metabolism:Â Minimal hepatic metabolism
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Excretion:Â Renal (70% unchanged)
9. Comparative Advantages
Parameter | Cetirizine | Loratadine |
---|---|---|
Onset | Faster | Slower |
Sedation | Moderate | Minimal |
Cost | Lower | Moderate |
Renal excretion | Higher | Lower |
10. Important Precautions
âš Â Contraindications:
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Hypersensitivity to hydroxyzine/cetirizine
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End-stage renal disease
âš Â Special Populations:
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Pregnancy: Category B (generally safe)
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Lactation: Small amounts excreted in milk
âš Â Drug Interactions:
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CNS depressants: Additive sedation
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Theophylline: May decrease cetirizine clearance
11. Storage Requirements
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Store at 15-30°C
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Protect from moisture
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Syrup: Stable for 6 months after opening
12. Clinical Pearls
• Preferred choice for:
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Patients with hepatic impairment
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Those needing rapid relief
• Best taken in evening if sedation occurs
• Cost-effective alternative to newer antihistamines
13. Conclusion
Cetcip offers effective allergy control with minimal side effects, making it a first-line choice for allergic conditions. Its predictable pharmacokinetics and safety profile support widespread use in both adults and children.
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