UK Clinical Pharmacy Association

Cetirizine

Issues for surgery

Loss of symptomatic relief of allergic rhinitis, hay fever and urticaria if omitted.

Advice in the perioperative period

Elective and emergency surgery

Continue. 

Post-operative advice

If taken regularly, restart post-operatively as soon as next dose is due; otherwise restart when symptoms develop.

Interactions with common anaesthetic agents

In sensitive patients the concurrent administration cetirizine and other CNS depressants may cause additional reductions in alertness and impairment of performance.

Interactions with other common medicines used in the perioperative period

In sensitive patients the concurrent administration cetirizine and other CNS depressants may cause additional reductions in alertness and impairment of performance.

Further information

None relevant. 

References

Baxter K, Preston CL (eds), Stockley’s Drug Interactions (online) London: Pharmaceutical Press. http://www.medicinescomplete.com [Accessed on 2nd February 2021] 

Joint Formulary Committee. British National Frmulary (online) London: BMJ Group and Pharmaceutical Press. http://www.medicinescomplete.com [Accessed on 2nd February 2021]

Summary of Product Characteristics – Levocetirizine 5mg film-coated tablets. Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Europe Ltd. Accessed via www.medicines.org.uk 2/2/2021 [date of revision of the text December 2019]