Ceticit contains cetirizine 10 mg, a non-sedating antihistamine. It is used for hay fever and allergic rhinitis — sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes — and for hives and itchy allergic skin reactions. It comes as tablets and a syrup, and is taken once daily.
What is Ceticit?
Ceticit is Schedule 2 in South Africa, available from a pharmacist:
| Product | Contains |
|---|---|
| Ceticit tablet | Cetirizine dihydrochloride 10 mg |
| Ceticit syrup | Cetirizine |
Cetirizine is widely available in South Africa under many names, including Austell Cetirizine, Cetirizine 10 Biotech, Zyrtec and Texa. Being dispensed one rather than another is ordinary generic substitution.
Cetirizine is a second-generation antihistamine. When you are exposed to something you are allergic to, mast cells release histamine, which acts on H1 receptors to produce sneezing, itching, a runny nose, watery eyes and raised itchy weals. Cetirizine blocks those receptors.
The key difference from older antihistamines is where it acts. First-generation antihistamines such as chlorphenamine and promethazine cross readily into the brain, where blocking histamine causes marked drowsiness. Cetirizine largely stays out, so it treats allergy with far less sedation.
A qualification worth stating honestly: cetirizine is classed as non-sedating, but among the modern antihistamines it is the one most likely to cause some drowsiness — a meaningful minority of people do feel sleepy on it. Fexofenadine sedates least; loratadine sits between. See how it affects you before driving.
Cetirizine’s practical strength is speed. It typically works within about an hour, generally faster than loratadine or fexofenadine, which is why many people prefer it when symptoms come on suddenly. It is long-acting, so once daily is enough.
The syrup matters more than it might seem. Children’s doses depend on age and weight, and a syrup allows accurate small doses. Splitting adult tablets is not a reliable substitute, since tablets cannot be divided accurately and the dose matters in a small child.
What is Ceticit commonly used for?
- Seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever) — sneezing, runny nose, itchy nose and throat, watery itchy eyes.
- Perennial allergic rhinitis, from dust mites, pets or mould.
- Hives (urticaria) and itchy allergic skin reactions.
- Chronic urticaria, sometimes at higher doses under medical supervision.
- Itching from insect bites, and mild allergic skin irritation.
- Allergic conjunctivitis.
- Itching in eczema, as an adjunct — though it does not treat the eczema itself.
- Allergy symptoms in children, using the syrup.
Antihistamines work better taken before or early in an exposure than once symptoms are established.
What it does not do:
- It does not clear a blocked nose well, since congestion comes largely from leukotrienes rather than histamine.
- It does not treat colds or flu, which are viral.
- It does not treat asthma.
For persistent allergic rhinitis, a steroid nasal spray remains the most effective treatment — better than any antihistamine tablet, particularly for congestion. Tablets are often used alongside a spray.
How Ceticit fits into this medicine category
| Group | Examples | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Non-sedating antihistamines | Cetirizine (Ceticit), loratadine, fexofenadine, desloratadine | Allergy without significant sedation |
| Sedating antihistamines | Chlorphenamine, promethazine, cyproheptadine | Allergy and itch; marked drowsiness |
| Steroid nasal sprays | Fluticasone, budesonide | Most effective for persistent allergic rhinitis |
| Leukotriene antagonists | Montelukast (Glemolev) | Congestion, and allergy with asthma |
| Decongestants | Pseudoephedrine (Decofed) | Blocked nose; short-term only |
| Mast cell stabilisers | Sodium cromoglicate | Preventive, eye and nasal |
Among the non-sedating options: cetirizine tends to act fastest, fexofenadine sedates least, and loratadine sits between. People genuinely respond differently. See the allergy, cold, flu and respiratory medicines hub.
What to check before using Ceticit
Take it once daily, at around the same time. Evening dosing suits many people, since any drowsiness then falls overnight.
Do not take more than one antihistamine at a time without advice, including combination cold and flu products.
Speak to a pharmacist or doctor first if you:
- Have kidney disease. Cetirizine is largely cleared by the kidneys, and the dose usually needs reducing — the most important check with this medicine.
- Have liver disease.
- Have epilepsy, or a history of seizures.
- Have difficulty passing urine, or an enlarged prostate.
- Are elderly.
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Are giving it to a child. Use the syrup at the dose set for age and weight — ask a pharmacist rather than splitting adult tablets.
- Are due to have allergy skin testing. Antihistamines suppress the reaction and must usually be stopped several days beforehand — mention it in advance, or the test may need repeating.
Alcohol can add to any drowsiness — see how the combination affects you.
Shake the syrup well before each dose and use the measuring device supplied.
Possible cautions and when to ask a pharmacist or doctor
Cetirizine is generally very well tolerated. Common effects are drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, tiredness, dizziness and occasionally nausea.
Seek medical attention urgently if you develop:
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing or swallowing — signs of a serious allergic reaction. Call emergency services.
- A widespread rash with feeling unwell, or blistering or peeling skin.
- A fast or irregular heartbeat, or fainting.
- Yellowing of the eyes or skin.
- Difficulty passing urine.
- A seizure.
See a doctor rather than continuing self-treatment if:
- Symptoms persist despite regular treatment, or you need it every day for months.
- Hives are persistent, recurrent, or last more than six weeks — chronic urticaria needs assessment.
- Hives come with swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, or breathing difficulty — this is an emergency.
- You have wheezing, chest tightness or breathlessness.
- Symptoms follow a food, medicine or insect sting. An antihistamine tablet is not adequate treatment for anaphylaxis.
- You have facial pain, thick discoloured discharge or fever, suggesting sinus infection.
- One-sided nasal blockage or nosebleeds, which need examination.
- A child’s symptoms are not settling, or they have breathing difficulty.
A note on stopping. Some people who have taken cetirizine daily for a long time experience intense itching for a period after stopping. It is uncommon, recognised, and settles — but if it happens, mention it rather than assuming your allergy has worsened.
If you have been prescribed an adrenaline auto-injector, carry it.
Related medicine guides
- Browse Allergy, Cold, Flu & Respiratory Medicines guides
- Read: Austell Cetirizine used for
- Read: Rhineton used for
Frequently asked questions
What is Ceticit used for? Hay fever and allergic rhinitis, hives, and itchy allergic skin reactions. Each tablet contains cetirizine 10 mg.
What is Ceticit syrup used for? The same symptoms in liquid form, mainly for children, dosed by age and weight.
Does it make you drowsy? It is classed as non-sedating, but among the modern antihistamines it is the most likely to cause some drowsiness. Taking it in the evening helps.
How quickly does it work? Usually within about an hour — generally the fastest of the non-sedating antihistamines.
Is it the same as other cetirizine brands? Yes in active ingredient and strength. Generics must be shown to behave equivalently in the body.
Will it clear a blocked nose? Not well. Congestion comes largely from leukotrienes rather than histamine. A steroid nasal spray is more effective.
Can I give it to my child? Use the syrup at the dose for their age and weight. Ask a pharmacist rather than splitting adult tablets.
Can I take it every day? Many people do through an allergy season. Needing it continuously for months is worth discussing with a doctor.