Alerid: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Price, Composition & 20 FAQs

Alerid belongs to a group of drugs called as “antihistamines” which contains “Cetirizine” as its active ingredient that is primarily used in the prevention and treatment of allergic disorders. Alerid is most commonly used for the treatment of seasonal allergy, hay fever, itching caused by hives, sneezing, running nose etc. It is always better to use Alerid under medical supervision as it may lead to adverse effects like dizziness and sleepiness.

Alerid Composition: Cetirizine – 10mg
Manufactured By – Cipla Ltd.
Prescription– Prescription needed
Form – Tablet
Price – Rs. 17.33
Type of Drug – Anti-allergic 

Alerid can be used in treatment or prevention of following symptoms:

• Itching of skin
• Hives
• Running nose
• Watery eyes
• Sneezing
• Allergic rhinitis (inflammation of inside of nose)
• Other allergic reactions

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Cetirizine is an antihistamine which works by blocking the release of chemical messenger (histamine) involved in allergic reactions in your body. This brings about relieve in symptoms of allergy such as sneezing, running nose, watery eyes etc.

• Alerid is extensively absorbed after oral administration and food has no effect on its absorption thus it can be taken with or without food or as advised. For patients with gastric problems, it is better to take it after food.
• For ideal results, it should always be taken at a fixed time preferably bed time as it can cause sedation.
• The tablet should be swallowed as a whole without crushing, chewing or breaking it along with plenty of fluids.
• The medicine should not be stopped on your own without doctor’s advice or before the stipulated course of the therapy is completed.
• If it is taken as over the counter product, check the label for directions before use.

The drug dosage is decided by the physician based upon:

• Health status/medical condition of the patient
• Severity of symptoms
• Reaction to the first dose
• History of allergy/drug reactions
• The recommended therapeutic dosage for Alerid in adults is 10mg (one tablet) once daily in evening/night time.
• For patients above 65years of age and children, 5 mg (half tablet) once daily dose of Alerid is recommended.
• In patients suffering from kidney diseases, Alerid should be administered with caution and with altered dose as advised.

Q. What happens if I overdose on Alerid?

Alerid should not be administered in more than prescribed dose. Taking increased dose will not improve your symptoms earlier; rather it may cause serious side-effects like drowsiness in adults and initial restlessness followed by drowsiness in children. In case of over dosage, consult your doctor immediately.

Q. What happens if I miss a dose of Alerid?

The potency of the medicine may decrease because for effective working of the drug, a certain amount of drug must be present in your body at all times. Always consume the missed dose as soon as you remember. But, if it’s already time for the next dose – do not double the dose.

Q. What happens if I eat expired Alerid?

The medicine may not work as well as the potency of the medicine gets affected. Please inform your physician regarding the same. To be on the safer side, always check and never use an expired medicine.

Q. What is the onset time of Alerid?

Alerid starts showing its effects within few hours after its administration. However, even if symptoms disappear, therapy with Cetirizine should always be continued until advised.

Q. Till When Does the Effect of Alerid Stay?

The effect of Alerid lasts up to almost 24 hours.

Alerid should not be used in the following conditions:

• Allergy – if the patient is allergic to any of the components present in Alerid.
• Patients with severe kidney disease
• Patients undergoing haemodialysis

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• Alerid may cause dizziness and sleepiness. Avoid doing things which require constant mental attention.
• Avoid consuming alcohol while on this medication as it might increase the severity of adverse effects.

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Majority of the patients do not show any side effects. Few patients might show side effects which include:

• Drowsiness (common)
• Dizziness (common)
• Nausea (common)
• Dry mouth (less common)
• Stomach ache (less common)
• Irritability or excitability (less common)
• Diarrhoea (less common)
• Confusion (rare)
• Hallucination (rare)
• Blurred vision (rare)

Are There Any Reported Allergic Reactions to Alerid?

Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any of its ingredients.

Signs and symptoms include:

• Rash (common)
• Itching (common)
• Shortness of breath (less common)
• Swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat (rare)
• Loss of consciousness (rare)

What are the effects of Alerid on organs?

No adverse effects observed on any organ while taking Alerid. Patients with pre-existing liver and kidney disease should use it with caution.

Drug interaction refers to effect of drugs on each other and on human body after ingestion. Large numbers of medicines have shown to interact with each other. Interactions are not just limited to drugs, but certain food items and some laboratory tests which should not be taken right after consuming Alerid. We explore these in details below.

1. Food Interactions with Alerid

No particular food item to be avoided apart from alcohol as it may increase the incidence of dizziness.

2. Medicines Interactions with Alerid

It is always advised that the patient must inform the physician about all the drugs/over the counter products/vitamin supplements used.It may interact with the following drugs and products:

• Theophylline (moderate)
• Ritonavir (moderate)
• Alprazolam (moderate)
• Codeine (moderate)

3. Effects of Alerid on Lab Tests

No effect on any lab tests noted while taking Alerid.

4. Interactions with Pre-existing Conditions/Diseases

Patients suffering from pre-existing liver and kidney diseases must consult their physician before consuming Alerid.

Q. Can I have Alerid with alcohol?

Consumption of alcohol is not recommended when on Alerid as it might increase the risk of side effects and may cause excessive drowsiness & calmness.

Q. Any particular food item to be avoided?

No alteration in its action seen with any food product.

Q. Can I have Alerid when pregnant?

Alerid should only be taken in pregnancy if the benefits outweigh the potential risks as there are no evident and well controlled studies in pregnant females. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant for case specific recommendations.

Q. Can I have Alerid when feeding a baby?

Cetirizine is excreted in human breast milk therefore it is not recommended for use while you are breast feeding. Consult your doctor for case specific recommendations if you are breastfeeding.

Q. Can I drive after taking Alerid?

If one experiences side effects like drowsiness, headache, dizziness or alteration in blood pressure, then it may not be advisable to drive a vehicle and operate heavy machinery while on this medication.

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The following are alternative drugs for Alerid:

• Okacet
  • Manufactured by – Cipla Ltd
  • Price – Rs. 17.34
• Allercet
  • Manufactured by – Micro Labs Ltd
  • Price – Rs. 17.36
• CTZ
  • Manufactured by – Psychotropics India Ltd
  • Price – Rs. 25

Read more: Dimetapp Price

Storage requirements for Alerid

• Storage at room temperature away from direct light and heat unless mentioned in the package insert.
• Keep medicines away from children and pets.

Q. What is Alerid?

Alerid belongs to a group of drugs called as “antihistamines” which contains “Cetirizine” as its active ingredient that is primarily used in the prevention and treatment of allergic disorders. Alerid is most commonly used for the treatment of seasonal allergy, hay fever, itching caused by hives, sneezing, running nose etc. It is always better to use Alerid under medical supervision as it may lead to adverse effects like dizziness and sleepiness.

Q. What are the uses of Alerid?

Alerid is most commonly used for the treatment of seasonal allergy, hay fever, itching caused by hives, sneezing, running nose etc.

Q. What are the side effects of Alerid?

Ans. The most common side effects of Alerid are Drowsiness, Dizziness, Nausea, Dry mouth, Stomach ache, Irritability or excitability

Q. Should Alerid be taken on an empty stomach?

Alerid can be taken empty stomach as well as after food.

Q. Does Alerid make you drowsy?

Yes. It does make you drowsy and less oriented.

Q. What should be the time gap between the intakes of two Alerid doses?

There should be a time gap of at least 8-12 hours between two doses of Alerid.

Q. Should I complete the whole cycle of the medicine even if cured?

A complete course prescribed by your doctor must be taken for complete cessation of symptoms from your body.

Q. Does Alerid effect my menstrual cycle?

No, Alerid does not affect your menstrual cycle.

Q. Is Alerid safe for children?

Alerid is safe for consumption in children above 6 years of age. Children below 6 years should use it with caution.

Q. Are there any symptoms that I should consider before taking Alerid?

Patients with history of allergy to Alerid and its ingredients should not use it.

Q. Is Alerid legal in India?

Yes, it is legal.

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Disclaimer – The information provided above is to the best of our research and knowledge. However, you are recommended to consult a physician before consuming the drug.