Cetirizine

Cetirizine is a second-generation H1-antihistamine that blocks peripheral H1 receptors, preventing histamine from triggering allergy symptoms like runny nose, itchy eyes, and skin rashes.

• Second-generation antihistamine — minimal blood-brain barrier penetration, far less drowsy than first-generation alternatives
• On the WHO Essential Medicines List since 1995, used worldwide for decades
• Ideal for people who need effective allergy relief while staying alert throughout the day

Cetirizine treats a wide range of allergic conditions, with onset within 1 hour and 24-hour coverage:

• Allergic Rhinitis — runny nose, sneezing, congestion, nasal itching, itchy eyes — see Hay Fever
• Urticaria (hives) — itchy raised rashes across the body
• Itchy skin & dermatitis — see Dermatitis
• Common allergens — dust, dust mites, pollen, pet dander, mould
• Insect bite reactions — reduces itching and swelling

Take Cetirizine 10 mg by age group with water — with or without food, absorption is unaffected:

• Adults & children 12+ — one 10 mg tablet once daily
• Children 6–11 — 5 mg once or twice daily (consult a pharmacist first)
• Children 2–5 — 2.5 mg once or twice daily, syrup form only
• Kidney impairment — dose reduction needed; consult a pharmacist

Swallow film-coated tablets whole — do not crush or chew. Store at room temperature, away from sunlight and moisture.

Cetirizine 10 mg works equally well morning or night — onset within 1 hour, 24-hour coverage:

• Morning — best if daytime symptoms dominate (sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes from pollen)
• Bedtime — best if you feel mild drowsiness, or if night-time allergies disrupt sleep; coverage extends through the next day
• Same time daily — maintains steady blood levels for the best response

If you miss a dose, take it when you remember; never double up.

Cetirizine is sold under brand and generic names — all contain the same active ingredient: cetirizine dihydrochloride 10 mg. The differences are excipients, tablet appearance, and price:

• Zyrtec — originator brand by UCB Pharma, white film-coated tablet
• Cetrizin — quality generic, same active ingredient as Zyrtec, more affordable

Thailand's FDA (อย.) regulates all versions to the same bioequivalence standard — choose based on preference and budget, with no difference in clinical outcome.

Cetirizine has a strong safety record built over decades of global use. Most side effects are mild and resolve as the body adjusts:

• Common & mild — mild drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, fatigue
• Rare — palpitations, urinary retention, allergic skin reaction
• Stop and seek immediate care — severe rash, swelling of face/tongue/throat, breathing difficulty

Precautions: people with kidney or liver disease should consult a pharmacist first. Avoid alcohol while taking cetirizine, and avoid driving or operating machinery on the first dose until you know how it affects you.

Three second-generation antihistamines dominate the Thai market — same drug class with subtle differences:

• Cetirizine — fastest onset (within 1 hour), excellent for itching and urticaria, small risk of mild drowsiness
• Loratadine — slightly less sedating, but slower onset and may underperform with severe symptoms
• Fexofenadine — least sedating, barely crosses the blood-brain barrier, ideal for maximum alertness — see Telfast

Choose by need: fast onset → Cetirizine, maximum alertness → Fexofenadine. Chat with our pharmacist anytime for guidance.

Intimo Life stocks Cetirizine ready for nationwide delivery — choose Zyrtec or Cetrizin, same active ingredient, different brand and price.

• 💊 Standard pharmacy quality — every brand sold is FDA-approved in Thailand
• 👨‍⚕️ Online pharmacist consultation — instant advice before purchase, no travel, no queues
• 🚚 Fast confidential delivery — plain packaging with no product names, delivered nationwide

Ideal for buyers who value convenience, privacy, and trusted medication quality. Chat with our pharmacist on LINE for personalized guidance.