What is Reactine (Cetirizine) used for?
This medication falls into the second generation antihistamine class, specifically the class referred to as histamine receptor antagonists. It relieves symptoms associated with seasonal allergies and hay fever. These include sneezing, itchy nose and throat, runny nose, watery eyes, and itchy eyes in adults and children over 2 years of age. It may be used by children and adults over the age of 12. It can alleviate symptoms related to year-round allergies. It can also treat allergy symptoms associated with chronic idiopathic urticaria (e.g., itchy skin and hives). Histamine is one of the body's natural chemicals that causes many allergy symptoms. Your dose of Cetirizine works by blocking the effects of this chemical. The effects of cetirizine usually last for 24 hours and begin to alleviate allergy symptoms within 20 minutes.
Reactine (Cetirizine) Information
Depending on the severity of symptoms and circumstances of the individual taking the medication, your dose may vary. Getting your allergy symptoms under control may require more than 10 mg of cetirizine once a day. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if the dose does not work.
The recommended dose of 5 mg per day for adults 65 years and older is 5 mg. The recommended dose for children between 6 and 12 years old is 10 mg once a day. You can slo split the dose into two 5mg doses in the morning and evenings.
The recommended dose of 5 mg (one teaspoon) is given once daily to children between the ages of 2 and 6.
2.5 mg (one half teaspoon) may be given once or twice a day.
Your dose is based on factors such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. Do not change the way you take the medication without medical advice from your doctor.
If you miss a dose you can take it when you remember. You can skip the missed dose if it's almost time for your next one.
Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. This medication may harm an unborn child and pass to breast milk.
Side effects can occur with any medication, whether mild, severe, temporary or permanent. A side effect is a reaction that is not desired after a medication has been taken at a reasonable dose. A minimum of 1% of people taking this medication report the following side effects. Many of these side effects are manageable, and some may disappear without treatment.
It may be necessary to consult your doctor if you experience severe side effects or if you are troubled by them. Your pharmacist may be able to give you advice on how to manage these issues.
- dizziness
- dry mouth
- headache
- loss of taste
- sleepiness
- trouble sleeping
There may be Drug Interactions of Reactine between cetirizine and any of the following:
- oxybutynin
- ipratropium
- metoclopramide
- reserpine
- brimonidine
- zopiclone
- hepatitis C antivirals (e.g., daclatasvir, glecaprevir and pibrentasvir, ledipasvir, velpatasvir)
- quinidine
- thiazide diuretics (water pills; e.g., hydrochlorothiazide, indapamide, metolazone)
- quinine
- domperidone
- rifampin
- flibanserin
- atropine
- solifenacin
- cyclosporine
- betahistine
- nabilone
- St. John's wort
- azelastine
Starting price of Reactine 5mg cost in Canada
- 36 tabs - $50.00 USD ($1.39 per tabs)
Generic Equivalent Starting price of Cetirizine 10mg cost in Canada
- 100 tabs - $70.84 USD ($0.71 per tabs)
Please scroll up and refer to the product area for Reactine (Cetirizine) 5mg, 10mg, 20mg costs in Canada.
Reactine 5mg and 10mg and OTC products and Reactine 20mg requires the valid prescription.
DISCLAIMER: The information provided here is intended as supplementary information to that provided by your doctor. The guidance provided by your doctor supersedes any information provided on the website. Do not avoid or disregard any counseling from your licensed medical professional based on this information. If you have any medical questions that are not answered here, we do offer counseling from a pharmacist.
