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Introduction About OKACET TABLET
Okacet Tablet is used to manage symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis (such as nasal congestion, itchy nose, repeated sneezing, and red, watery, and/or itchy eyes) and urticaria (an allergic skin condition causing reddish raised patches on the skin with severe itching) in both adults and in children (aged 6 years or above).
It contains a medicine called Cetirizine, which belongs to the group of medicines called Anti-allergic medicines. It works by blocking histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms like sneezing, itching, and runny nose.
Take Okacet tablet as directed by your physician. It is preferably taken during the evenings or at bedtime with or without meals. Before taking this medicine, inform your doctor if you have any liver or kidney problems. You must also inform your doctor if you have epilepsy or difficulty passing urine.
Okacet is not recommended for use in patients with severe kidney impairment. It should be used in pregnant or breastfeeding women only if it is considered necessary by the physician.
Okacet Tablet may cause excessive drowsiness and tiredness. Therefore, restrict yourself from engaging in activities that require complete concentration (such as driving or handling heavy tools or machines) as a precaution.
The most common side effects of taking this medicine are dryness of mouth, headache, tiredness, weakness, and sore throat. Consult your doctor if they trouble you.
Uses Of OKACET TABLET
It is used in adults and in children (aged 6 years or above) to manage symptoms associated with:
- Allergic rhinitis (such as nasal congestion, itchy nose, repeated sneezing, and red, watery, and itchy eyes)
- Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria (severe skin rash with reddish raised patches and itching)
How OKACET TABLET Works
Okacet is an anti-allergic medicine. It reduces allergic reactions by blocking the release of certain chemicals (histamines) in the body that trigger the allergic response. As a result, it provides relief from the symptoms of allergic rhinitis and urticaria.
How to use OKACET TABLET
- Take this medicine as advised by your physician.
- It can be taken with or without meals.
- Swallow the medicine with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine.
- Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration of therapy for you depending upon your age, body weight, and disease condition.
- Continue to take this medicine for the stipulated duration prescribed by your doctor to achieve better results.
Side Effects Of OKACET TABLET
Common Side Effects of Okacet Tablet:
- sleepiness/drowsiness
- headache, dizziness
- dry mouth, nausea, diarrhea
- tiredness
- sore throat, inflammation of the nasal tract
Stop taking this medicine and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects, such as:
- signs of allergic reaction (such as skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and/or throat, which can lead to difficulty breathing or swallowing, sudden fall in blood pressure, feeling faint, shock)
- fits (seizures)
- suicidal thoughts or behavior
Warning & Precautions

Pregnancy
Consult your doctorAnimal studies have not indicated any harm to the growing fetus when cetirizine is given during gestation. However, there are no well controlled studies regarding the usage of cetirizine tablets during pregnancy. Therefore, Okacet should be used in pregnant women only if it is considered necessary by the physician.

Breastfeeding
Monitoring requiredOkacet may pass through breast milk. Therefore, it should be used in breastfeeding women only if it is considered necessary by the physician.

Driving and Using Machines
Use with CautionOkacet may cause excessive sleepiness or tiredness. Therefore, do not drive or operate any heavy tools or machines if your ability is affected by this medicine.

Alcohol
Consult your doctorAvoid consumption of alcohol while taking this medicine, as it might make you feel dizzier and drowsier.

Kidney
Consult your doctorOkacet Tablet is not recommended for use in patients with severe kidney disease (such as kidney failure). It should be used with caution in patients with other kidney problems.

Liver
Use with CautionOkacet Tablet should be used with caution in patients with liver problems.

Allergy
ContraindicatedDo not take Okacet Tablet if you are allergic to Cetirizine or to any other anti-allergic medicines (such as hydroxyzine, levocetirizine, meclizine, cyclizine, or buclizine).

Use In Pediatrics
Consult your doctorOkacet Tablet should be used in children and adolescents (aged 6 years or above) only if prescribed by the physician. It is not recommended for use in children aged below 6 years.

Use In Geriatrics
Use with CautionThis medicine should be used with caution in elderly patients (aged 65 years or above).
Others
Before taking this medicine, inform your doctor if you:
- suffer from epilepsy (fits) or are at risk of developing convulsions
- are unable to pass urine (due to spinal cord injury or due to enlarged prostate)
- are scheduled for any allergic testing
Interactions
A. Drug-Drug interactions:
Before taking Okacet Tablet, inform your doctor if you are taking any other prescription, non-prescription, or over-the-counter medicines as a precaution.
Overdosage:
If you or anyone else accidentally took more of this medicine, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital. Symptoms of overdose may include confusion, diarrhea, dizziness, tiredness, headache, pupil dilation, itching, restlessness, sleepiness, shaking, being unable to pass urine, and an abnormal heart rate.
Synopsis
Drug | : | Cetirizine |
Pharmacological Category | : | H1-Receptor Blocker |
Therapeutic Indication | : | Allergic Rhinitis, Urticaria |
Dosage Forms | : | Syrup, Tablet, Capsule, Suspension, Drops |
More Information
Allergic Rhinitis:
Allergic rhinitis is a common condition where allergens like pollen, dust, or animal fur cause nasal congestion, an itchy nose, sneezing, and red, watery, itchy eyes. It is usually triggered by allergens.
Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria
Chronic idiopathic urticaria is a long-lasting skin condition marked by severe itching, red raised patches, and swelling without a known cause. It often occurs suddenly and can last for months or years.
Some Natural Antihistamines to Prevent Allergic reactions:
FAQs About OKACET TABLET
Q: Can I take Okacet for a cold?
A: Okacet (Cetirizine) is not specifically for colds but may help with symptoms like runny nose and sneezing due to allergies. For colds, other treatments may be more effective.
Q: Is Okacet and Cetzine the same?
A: Yes, both Okacet and Cetzine contain the same active ingredient, Cetirizine, and are used to manage allergy symptoms.
Q: Can I take Okacet tablet daily?
A: You can take Okacet daily if prescribed by your doctor, especially if you have persistent allergy symptoms. Follow your doctor's advice on the duration of use.
Q: Who should not take Okacet?
A: Okacet should not be taken by people with severe kidney problems or those allergic to Cetirizine or related medications. Consult a doctor if you have liver disease or other medical conditions.
Q: Is Cetirizine bad for a cold?
A: Cetirizine is not harmful, but it is primarily used for allergies, not for managing colds. It may help alleviate some cold symptoms like runny nose.
Q: Do Okacet tablets make you sleepy?
A: Yes, Okacet may cause drowsiness in some people. It is advised to avoid driving or operating machinery if you feel sleepy.
Q: Is Okacet a paracetamol?
A: No, Okacet is an antihistamine (Cetirizine), not a pain reliever like paracetamol.
Q: Is Okacet good for sinus?
A: Okacet may help reduce sinus-related symptoms caused by allergies, such as a runny or itchy nose. However, it is not a primary treatment for sinus infections.
Q: What is the difference between Okacet L and Okacet Cold?
A: Okacet L contains Levocetirizine, a more active form of Cetirizine. Okacet Cold combines Cetirizine with other ingredients to relieve cold symptoms like congestion.
Q: Does Okacet cause weight gain?
A: Weight gain is not a common side effect of Okacet. However, if you experience unusual weight changes, consult your doctor.
Q: Is Okacet a steroid?
A: No, Okacet is an antihistamine, not a steroid.
Q: Is Okacet good for throat infection?
A: Okacet is not used for managing throat infections. It may help relieve allergy-related throat irritation but not bacterial or viral infections.
Q: Is Okacet good for allergies?
A: Yes, Okacet is effective in managing symptoms of allergies, such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes.
Q: What is the age limit for Okacet L?
A: Okacet L is typically prescribed for children aged 6 years and above. Consult a doctor for younger children.
Q: What is the difference between Cetcip and Okacet?
A: Cetcip and Okacet both contain Cetirizine as the active ingredient and work similarly to manage allergy symptoms.
Q: Which is better for allergies, Avil or Okacet?
A: Both Avil and Okacet are antihistamines, but Avil (Pheniramine) is known for causing more drowsiness. The choice depends on individual tolerance and the doctor's recommendation.
Q: Is Okacet a painkiller?
A: No, Okacet is not a painkiller. It is an antihistamine used to manage allergies.
Q: Does Okacet cause weight gain?
A: Weight gain is not commonly associated with Okacet but consult your doctor if you notice any changes.
Q: Is Okacet good for fever?
A: No, Okacet is not used for managing fever. You may need a fever-reducing medication like paracetamol for that.
References
1. KD Tripathi. Histamines and Antihistamines. Autocoids and related drugs. Essentials of Medical Pharmacology. seventh edition. 2013. Page – 164,166.
2. Aasim Naqvi; Valerie Gerriets. Cetirizine. Stat Pearls. NIH. National Library of Medicine. National Center for Biotechnology Information (PMC) PubMed Central. November 2022. [Accessed on 30th September 2024]. click here
3. Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories (UK) Ltd. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in January 2024]. [Accessed on 30th September 2024]. click here
4. McNeil Consumer Healthcare. REACTINE® 20 mg Tablet (Cetirizine hydrochloride tablets). [Revised in April 2020]. [Accessed on 30th September 2024]. click here
5. Cetirizine. NHS.UK. [Revised in October 2021]. [Accessed on 30th September 2024]. click here