Alatrol Tablet 10mg

Description

Introduction

Alatrol 10 belongs to a group of medicines called antihistamines. It is used to treat various allergic conditions such as hay fever, conjunctivitis and some skin reactions, and reactions to bites and stings. It relieves watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, and itching. Alatrol 10 can be taken with or without food. The dose required for you may vary depending on what you are taking it for. This medicine is usually taken in the evening but follow the advice of your doctor on how to take it. You may need this medicine only on days you have symptoms, but if you are taking it to prevent symptoms you should take it regularly. If you miss doses or stop taking it earlier than advised, your symptoms may come back. This medicine is generally very safe. The most common side effects include feeling sleepy or dizzy. These are usually mild and go away after a couple of days as your body adjusts. Consult your doctor if any of the side effects persist or worry you. You should avoid alcohol while taking this medicine. Before taking it, tell your doctor if you have any kidney problems or epilepsy. Your dose may need to be modified or this medicine may not be suitable. Some other medicines can interact with this medicine so let your healthcare team know what else you are taking. You should also talk to your doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, although it is not thought to be harmful.

Uses of Alatrol 10

• Allergic conditions

Side effects of Alatrol 10

Common

• Sleepiness

How to use Alatrol 10

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Alatrol 10 may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

How Alatrol 10 works

Alatrol 10 is an antihistaminic medication. It treats allergy symptoms such as itching, swelling, and rashes by blocking the effects of a chemical messenger (histamine) in the body.

Quick Tips

• Your doctor has prescribed Alatrol 10 to help relieve allergy symptoms such as itching, swelling, and rashes.

• It’s much less likely to make you feel sleepy than other similar medications.

• It is okay to take Alatrol 10 with most other medications as it has few drug interactions.

• Use caution while driving or doing anything that requires concentration as Alatrol 10 can cause dizziness and sleepiness.

• Do not drink alcohol while taking Alatrol 10 as it may cause increased sleepiness.

• Stop taking Alatrol 10 at least three days before taking an allergy test as it can affect the test results.

Brief Description

Indication

Allergic rhinitis, Hay fever, Allergies, Urticaria

Administration

May be taken with or without food.

Adult Dose

Oral Allergic conditions Adult: 10 mg once daily or 5 mg bid. Elderly: Initially, 5 mg once daily. Hepatic impairment: Initially, 5 mg once daily. Syrup: Adults: 2 teaspoon once daily or 1 teaspoon twice daily.

Child Dose

Oral Allergic conditions Child: 6-23 mth 2.5 mg once daily increased to max of 2.5 mg bid in childn >12 mth; 2-5 yr 5 mg once daily or in 2 divided doses; >6 yr 10 mg once daily or in 2 divided doses. Syrup: Children over 6 years: 2 teaspoon once daily or 1 teaspoon twice daily. Children 2-6 years: 1 teaspoonful once daily or 1/2 teaspoon twice daily. <2 years: Safety and efficacy not established

Renal Dose

Renal impairment GFR >50 mL/min: Dose adjustment not necessary GFR ? 50 mL/min: 5 mg PO qDay Peritoneal dialysis: 5 mg PO qDay Intermittent hemodialysis: 5 mg PO qDay; may also administer 3 times weekly

Contraindication

Hypersensitivity; lactation.

Mode of Action

Cetirizine is a potent and highly selective antagonist of the peripheral histamine H1-receptor on effector cells in the GI tract, blood vessels and resp tract.

Precaution

Hepatic or renal impairment; elderly; tasks requiring mental alertness eg, driving or operating heavy machinery; pregnancy. Lactation: Excreted in breast milk; use not recommended

Side Effect

>10% Somnolence (2-14%),Headache (11-14%) 1-10% Fatigue (5.9%),Dry mouth (5%),Dizziness (2%),Diarrhea (2-3%),Malaise (4%),Bronchospasm (2-3%),Vomiting (2-3%),Epistaxis (2-4%) <1% Stomach pain,Drowsiness,Angioedema,Fussiness,Hallucinations,Hypotension,Tremor,Tongue discoloration

Pregnancy Category Note

Pregnancy There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women Lactation Cetirizine has been reported to be present in human breast milk In mice and beagle dogs, studies indicated that cetirizine was excreted in milk When a drug is present in animal milk, it is likely it will be present in human milk

Interaction

Additive CNS depression when administered concomitantly w/ other CNS depressants (e.g. sedatives, tranquilisers).