Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.
Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Cetirizine is a non-sedating antihistamine
that works by blocking histamine (H-1) receptors on cells. It is similar to the
other second generation antihistamines loratadine (Claritin), fexofenadine
(Allegra) and azelastine (Astelin). Histamine is a chemical that is responsible
for many of the signs and symptoms of allergic reactions, for example, swelling
of the lining of the nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes. Histamine is released from
histamine-storing cells (mast cells) and then attaches to other cells that have
receptors for histamine. The attachment of the histamine to the receptors causes
the cells to be "activated," releasing other chemicals that produce the effects
that we associate with allergy,
for example, sneezing. Certirizine blocks one type of
receptor for histamine (the H1 receptor) and thus prevents activation of H1
receptor-containing cells by histamine. Unlike the first generation
antihistamines, cetirizine and other second-generation antihistamines do not
readily enter the brain from the blood, and, therefore, they cause less
drowsiness. Cetirizine may cause more drowsiness than other second generation
antihistamines. The FDA approved cetirizine in September 1996.
PRESCRIPTION: Yes, OTC (yes)
GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes
PREPARATIONS: Tablets: 5 and 10 mg. Tablets (Chewable or orally
disintegrating): 10 mg. Syrup: 5 mg/5 ml.
STORAGE: Cetirizine should be stored
in a dry place at 15-30 C (59- 86 F).
PRESCRIBED FOR: Cetirizine is used for treating seasonal or perennial
allergies (allergic rhinitis) and chronic urticaria (hives).
DOSING: The recommended dose is 5 to 10 mg daily depending on the
severity of symptoms.
DRUG INTERACTIONS:Theophylline
(Theo-Dur, Respbid, Slo-Bid, Theo-24, Theolair, Uniphyl, Slo-Phyllin)reduces the breakdown of cetirizine by
16% and can increase blood levels of cetirizine. Drugs that cause drowsiness may
add to drowsiness resulting from cetirizine.
PREGNANCY: Cetirizine has not been adequately evaluated in
pregnant
women. Available evidence suggests that risk to the developing fetus is low.
NURSING MOTHERS: Cetirizine is excreted in human
breast milk.
Hives, also called urticaria, is a raised, itchy area of skin that is usually a sign of an
allergic reaction. The allergy may be to food or medications, but usually the
cause of the allergy (the allergen) is unknown.
Eye allergy (or allergic eye disease) are typically associated with hay fever and atopic dermatitis. Medications and cosmetics may cause eye allergies. Allergic eye conditions include allergic conjunctivitis, conjunctivitis with atopic dermatitis, vernal keratoconjunctivitis, and giant papillary conjunctivitis. Dry eye, tear-duct obstruction, and conjunctivitis due to infection are frequently confused with eye allergies. Eye allergies may be treated with topical antihistamines, decongestants, topical mast-cell stabilizers, topical antiinflammatory drugs, systemic medications, and allergy shots.
Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) is an irritation of the nose caused by pollen and is associated with the following allergic symptoms: nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, eye and nose itching, and tearing eyes. Avoidance of known allergens is the recommended treatment, but if this is not possible, antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays may help alleviate symptoms.
Urinary retention (inability to urinate) may be caused by nerve disease, spinal cord injury, prostate enlargement, infection, surgery, medication, bladder stone, constipation, cystocele, rectocele, or urethral stricture. Symptoms include discomfort and pain. Treatment depends upon the cause of urinary retention.
Most allergic eye conditions are more irritating than
dangerous.
Allergic or vernal keratoconjunctivitis may
result in
scarring of the cornea and visual problems.
Itchy eyes are probably allergic eyes.
Topical antihistamine/decongestant preparations are
effective and safe for mildly itchy, red eyes.
Patanol, a topical mast-cell stabilizer, is a safe,
highly effective, long-acting treatment.
Topical steroids should be used with caution and under
the supervision of an ophthalmologist.
If in doubt, seek medical advice sooner rather than later.
Eye allergy introduction
The eyes are the windows to the soul because they reflect our state of mind. This certainly can't be true if our eyes are red, swollen, watery, and itchy from an allergic reaction. Severe aller...
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