Question 1

What is Cetirizine used for?

Accepted Answer

Cetirizine is indicated for: Allergic pruritus.

Question 2

What routes can Cetirizine be administered by?

Accepted Answer

Available routes: PO.

Question 3

Which species have cited Cetirizine dosing data?

Accepted Answer

Cetirizine dosing in the ExoticRx formulary covers 2 species: Cat (Domestic), Dog (Domestic).

Question 4

Is Cetirizine a controlled substance?

Accepted Answer

Cetirizine is not federally scheduled as a controlled substance, but is veterinary prescription only in most jurisdictions.

Question 5

What are the warnings or contraindications for Cetirizine?

Accepted Answer

Less sedating than first-generation antihistamines. Ensure human product does not contain pseudoephedrine (Zyrtec-D). Used for allergic pruritus. Limited efficacy as sole anti-pruritic agent.

Question 6

What are the side effects of Cetirizine?

Accepted Answer

Less sedating than first-generation antihistamines. Ensure human product does not contain pseudoephedrine (Zyrtec-D). Used for allergic pruritus. Limited efficacy as sole anti-pruritic agent.

Question 7

How does Cetirizine work?

Accepted Answer

Active metabolite of hydroxyzine. Selective peripheral H1 receptor antagonist with minimal CNS penetration and minimal anticholinergic activity.

Species	Route	Dose	Frequency	Evidence	Source
Dog (Domestic)	PO	1–2 mg/kg	q24h	Weak	Papich Handbook of Veterinary Drugs, 5th Ed
Cat (Domestic)	PO	5 mg per cat	q24h	Weak	Papich Handbook of Veterinary Drugs, 5th Ed

Cetirizine

Drug Class

Routes

Indications

Mechanism of Action

Side effects & warnings

Species with Cetirizine dosing data (2 dose rules)

Evidence levels across 2 dose rules

Backed by a published primary source

Sample dosing (2 of 2 cited rules)

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