Cetril Syrup is given to children to treat various symptoms such as watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, and itching associated with allergic conditions like hay fever, urticaria (hives), conjunctivitis (red, itchy eye), and common cold.
Give this medicine to your child orally with or without food in the dose, time, and way prescribed by your child’s doctor. It could either be prescribed alone or in combination with other medicines. The allergic symptoms may subside after your child has taken the initial few doses of Cetril Syrup. In case of serious allergic conditions, your child may have to continue taking the medicine for a week or two. If your child vomits within 30 minutes of taking this medicine, repeat the same dose after your child feels better. But, refrain from doing so if it is already time for the next dose.
Your child may experience mild side effects like nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, dizziness, sleepiness, sore throat, runny nose, and headache after taking this medicine. These symptoms are usually non-serious and disappear on their own. However, in case of prolonged or bothersome events, it would be best to consult your child’s doctor without any delay.
Inform your child’s doctor if your child is on any medicines or is allergic to any medicine, product, or food. Do inform the doctor if your child has or had any heart, liver, kidney problems or was born prematurely. Share any history regarding bowel obstruction, malnutrition, weight-related issues, and thyroid problems with the doctor. Knowledge of your child’s medical history will help avoid any complications in the treatment and guide your child’s doctor to plan your child’s overall treatment better.
Cetril Syrup does not pose serious side effects and is well-tolerated by children. In case the side effects do occur, they’re likely to subside once the body adapts to the medicine. Consult your child’s doctor if these side effects persist or bother your child. The most common side effects include-
Common side effects of Cetril
Fatigue
Vomiting
Sleepiness
Nausea
Muscle pain
Edema (swelling)
Headache
Constipation
Dryness in mouth
Dizziness
Sore throat
Runny nose
How can I give Cetril Syrup to my child?
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Check the label for directions before use. Measure it with a measuring cup and take it by mouth. Shake well before use. Cetril Syrup may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
How Cetril Syrup works
Cetril Syrup belongs to a class of medicines called antihistamines. It blocks the natural chemical substance (histamine) produced in the body during an allergic state and subsides (lowers) your child’s immune system’s response to these conditions. As a result, the symptoms are relieved, and eventually, the condition is cured.
Safety advice
Kidney
CAUTION
Cetril Syrup should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Cetril Syrup may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Liver
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Cetril Syrup is safe to use in patients with liver disease. No dose adjustment of Cetril Syrup is recommended. However, dose adjustments are required in severe liver disease. Consult your doctor before giving Cetirizine to your child in case of severe liver disease.
What if I forget to give Cetril Syrup to my child?
Do not panic. Unless your child’s doctor has advised a specific regime for your child, administer the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for the next dose. Do not give a double dose to catch up on any missed dose, follow the prescribed dosing schedule strictly.
All substitutes
For informational purposes only. Consult a doctor before taking any medicines.
Try giving the medicines at the same time each day, to help you remember.
Your child may feel sleepy or dizzy after each dose of Cetril Syrup. If this happens, make your child sit or lie down and ask them to be careful while performing tasks that require mental focus.
Avoid giving Cetril Syrup with fatty meals and fruit juice as both can reduce the absorption of the medicine.
Dry mouth can occur as a side effect of taking Cetril Syrup. Taking sips of water may help.
Cetril Syrup can trigger constipation in your child. Give plenty of fluids and a fiber-rich diet to your child.
Cetril Syrup should be avoided in children who are less than 4 years of age as there is a risk of respiratory distress.
Your doctor has prescribed Cetril Syrup to help relieve allergy symptoms such as itching, swelling, and rashes.
It is okay to take Cetril Syrup with most other medications as it has few drug interactions.
Compared to other similar medications, Cetril Syrup is less likely to cause sleepiness.
Stop taking Cetril Syrup at least three days before taking an allergy test as it can affect the test results.
Fact Box
Chemical Class
Phenylmethyl Piperazinyl Derivative
Habit Forming
No
Therapeutic Class
RESPIRATORY
Action Class
Second-Generation H1 Antihistamines
Interaction with drugs
Taking Cetril with any of the following medicines can modify the effect of either of them and cause some undesirable side effects
Concurrent use may cause increased sleepiness.
If concurrent use is essential, watch out for symptoms of Thalidomide side effects such as drowsiness, excessive sedation, tiredness... More
Mostly u are suffering from allergic rhinitis. Either u have to take long term steroid nasal spray or permanent cure can be done with allergy skin prick testing and immunotherapy can be given
When do I need to call my child’s doctor right away?
Always consult your child’s doctor at every step in case of any confusion. However, immediate assistance may be required if your child develops serious side effects. These may include allergic reactions (such as facial swelling, trouble breathing), signs of liver problem (such as dark-colored urine, yellow eyes or skin), excessive sleepiness, rapid heartbeat, hallucinations, feeling confused or hyperactive, trouble passing urine, irritability, and vision changes.
My child is restless and unable to sleep properly at night. Can I give Cetril Syrup?
No, although this medicine causes drowsiness as a side effect, it should not be given to induce sleep in children. Consult your child’s doctor if your child has trouble sleeping as it could be due to some other underlying condition.
Can other medicines be given at the same time as Cetril Syrup?
Cetril Syrup can sometimes interact with other medicines or substances. Tell your doctor about any other medicines your child is taking before starting Cetril Syrup. Also, check with your child’s doctor before giving any medicine to your child.
How much Cetril Syrup should I give to my child?
Cetril Syrup should be given strictly as prescribed by your child’s doctor. The dose of the medicine is calculated according to your child’s body weight and age. Do not increase or decrease the dose on your own as it may cause unwanted effects and can worsen your child’s condition.
What if I give too much of Cetril Syrup by mistake?
Although Cetril Syrup is relatively safe to use in children yet an excessive amount may cause some serious side effects such as seizures, hallucinations, rapid heart rate, irritability, slow breathing, and coma.
How should Cetril Syrup be stored?
Store Cetril Syrup at room temperature, in a dry place, away from direct heat and light. Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children to avoid any accidental intake.
Does Cetril Syrup make you tired and drowsy?
Yes, Cetril Syrup can make you feel tired, sleepy, and weak.
Is Cetril Syrup a steroid? What is it used for?
Cetril Syrup is an anti-allergic medication, not a steroid. It relieves the symptoms of allergy. It is used to relieve runny nose, sneezing and redness, itching, and watering of the eyes caused by hay fever or seasonal allergies. It also relieves similar symptoms caused due to allergies to substances, such as dust mites, animal dander, and mold. It is also used to treat symptoms of hives, including itching and rash.
How long does it take for Cetril Syrup to work?
You will notice an improvement within an hour of taking Cetril Syrup. However, it may take a little longer to notice the full benefits.
Can I take Cetril Syrup and Fexofenadine together?
Sometimes the doctor may advise you to take two different antihistamines together if you are being treated for a severe itchy rash. If you are taking Cetril Syrup during the daytime, your doctor may prescribe another antihistamine for the night which causes sleepiness, especially if the itch makes it difficult for you to sleep. Do not take two antihistamines together unless recommended by your doctor.
For how long should I continue Cetril Syrup?
The duration for which the medicine needs to be taken depends on the problem being treated. If you are taking it for an insect bite, you may need it for a day or two. Similarly, if you are taking it to prevent symptoms of chronic allergic rhinitis (inflammation of the nose) or chronic urticaria, you may need to take Cetril Syrup for a longer time. Talk to your doctor if you are unsure about the duration of using Cetril Syrup.
Is it safe to take Cetril Syrup daily for a long time?
Cetril Syrup is safe if used as prescribed by your doctor. Moreover, it is unlikely to harm you if you take it for a long time. But, it is best to take Cetril Syrup for only as long as you need it.
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Parisi GF, Leonardi S, Ciprandi G, et al. Cetirizine use in childhood: an update of a friendly 30-year drug. Clin Mol Allergy. 2020;18:2. [Accessed 22 Jan. 2021] (online) Available from:
Cetirizine [Patient Information Leaflet]. Gangtok. Sikkim: Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd.; 2017. [Accessed 25 Jul. 2024] (online) Available from:
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