Alerid Oral Syrup 30 mL is a trusted, over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine syrup containing cetirizine hydrochloride as the active ingredient. Formulated as a pleasant-tasting oral liquid, Alerid is designed to provide fast, effective relief from a wide range of allergic conditions in both children and adults who may find tablets difficult to swallow. Each 5 mL of syrup contains cetirizine hydrochloride 5 mg, making accurate weight- and age-based dosing straightforward and convenient.
Cetirizine hydrochloride is a second-generation antihistamine widely recognised for its effectiveness, once-daily dosing convenience, and relatively non-sedating profile compared to older first-generation antihistamines. If you are looking to buy Alerid Syrup in Kenya, this product is widely available at registered pharmacies nationwide and is one of the most recommended antihistamine syrups for allergy treatment in Kenya across all age groups. The price of Alerid Cetirizine Syrup in Kenya is accessible, making it a practical and affordable choice for managing allergic conditions in children and adults alike.
Key Benefits
- Fast, effective relief from a broad range of allergic symptoms — sneezing, runny nose, itchy and watery eyes, nasal congestion, and skin itching
- Liquid syrup format — ideal for children, elderly patients, and adults who cannot swallow tablets
- Second-generation antihistamine — significantly less sedating than older antihistamines such as chlorphenamine or promethazine at recommended doses
- Once-daily dosing in most age groups — supports consistent symptom control and treatment adherence
- Effective for both seasonal allergies (hay fever) and year-round (perennial) allergic conditions
- Suitable for children from 2 years of age and adults
- Relieves allergic skin conditions — urticaria (hives), itching, and rash
- Accurate dosing facilitated by the liquid format — allows precise weight-based and age-based dosing in paediatric patients
- Well-established global safety and efficacy profile with decades of widespread clinical use
What It Is & How It Works
Active Ingredient
Each 5 mL of syrup contains:
| Active Ingredient | Strength per 5 mL | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Cetirizine Hydrochloride | 5 mg | Second-generation H1 antihistamine — selectively blocks histamine H1 receptors to relieve allergic symptoms |
How It Works
When the body is exposed to an allergen — such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, mould spores, insect venom, or certain foods — mast cells and basophils release histamine into the surrounding tissue. Histamine binds to H1 receptors located throughout the body — in the nasal mucosa, conjunctiva, skin, and airways — triggering the characteristic symptoms of an allergic reaction including sneezing, itching, runny nose, watery eyes, and skin rashes.
Cetirizine hydrochloride is a potent, selective, and long-acting H1 receptor antagonist that works by competitively occupying H1 receptors before histamine can bind to them. By blocking histamine attachment at these receptor sites, cetirizine effectively prevents and relieves the full cascade of histamine-driven allergy symptoms.
Key pharmacological advantages of cetirizine over first-generation antihistamines include:
- Selective H1 receptor antagonism — cetirizine has high affinity for peripheral H1 receptors with minimal affinity for muscarinic, dopaminergic, or serotonergic receptors, resulting in fewer anticholinergic side effects such as dry mouth, urinary retention, and constipation
- Limited blood-brain barrier penetration — cetirizine’s zwitterionic chemical structure at physiological pH significantly reduces its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, substantially lowering — though not entirely eliminating — the risk of central nervous system sedation compared to older antihistamines
- Long duration of action — a single dose provides up to 24 hours of antihistamine activity, supporting once-daily dosing and consistent symptom coverage
Classification
This product is classified as an Over-the-Counter (OTC) medicine in Kenya. It can be purchased without a prescription for standard use in children aged 2 years and above and in adults. Consult a pharmacist or doctor if you are unsure whether this product is suitable for your child or for any specific medical condition.
Formulation
Oral syrup. Each bottle contains 30 mL. Each 5 mL of syrup contains cetirizine hydrochloride 5 mg. A calibrated oral syringe or dosing spoon should be used to measure doses accurately. Do not use a household teaspoon.
Uses & Indications
Alerid Oral Syrup may be used for the symptomatic relief of:
- Seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever) — sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, and itchy, watery eyes triggered by pollen, grass, and trees
- Perennial allergic rhinitis — year-round allergy symptoms triggered by dust mites, cockroach allergens, pet dander, and mould
- Allergic conjunctivitis — itchy, red, and watery eyes caused by allergens
- Chronic idiopathic urticaria (hives) — itchy, raised skin welts without an identified cause
- Acute urticaria and allergic skin rashes — including those triggered by food, insect bites, or contact allergens
- Angioedema — swelling of the deeper layers of the skin, particularly around the face and extremities, associated with allergic reactions (non-emergency presentations only)
- Insect bite and sting reactions — relief of localised itching, redness, and swelling associated with mild allergic responses
IMPORTANT: Alerid Syrup is indicated for the relief of mild to moderate allergy symptoms. It is NOT intended for the treatment of severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), acute severe asthma, or angioedema involving the throat or airway — these are life-threatening medical emergencies requiring immediate medical attention and adrenaline (epinephrine) administration. Seek emergency care immediately in these situations.
Dosage & Administration
NOTE: Use only as directed on the label or by a pharmacist. Do not exceed the recommended dose or duration of use.
| Age Group | Dose | Frequency | Maximum Daily Dose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adults and children 12+ years | As directed | As directed | As directed |
| Children 6–11 years | As directed | As directed | As directed |
| Children 2–5 years | As directed | As directed | As directed |
| Children under 2 years | As directed | — | — |
| Patients with renal impairment | As directed | — | — |
Administration Instructions
- Shake the bottle gently before each use if required — check label for instructions
- Measure each dose carefully using the calibrated oral syringe or dosing spoon provided — do not use a household teaspoon as this may result in inaccurate dosing
- May be taken with or without food — taking with food or a drink may help if stomach upset occurs
- Take at the same time each day to maintain consistent 24-hour allergy coverage
- For children prone to mild drowsiness, consider administering the dose in the evening before bedtime
- Do not give more than the stated maximum daily dose for the child’s age group
- Keep the bottle tightly closed after each use
- If using for chronic conditions such as perennial allergic rhinitis, consult a healthcare provider regarding the appropriateness of long-term use beyond 6 weeks
Possible Side Effects
Like all medicines, Alerid Oral Syrup may cause side effects in some people. These are generally mild and uncommon at recommended doses. Stop use and consult your pharmacist or doctor if you or your child experiences any of the following:
Common
- Drowsiness or sedation — cetirizine is less sedating than first-generation antihistamines but is not entirely non-sedating, particularly in sensitive individuals, younger children, or at higher doses
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue or tiredness
- Dizziness
Less Common
- Nausea or stomach discomfort
- Agitation, restlessness, or paradoxical excitability — particularly in young children; this is an uncommon but recognised paradoxical reaction to antihistamines in the paediatric population
- Urinary retention — particularly in older males with prostate issues
- Blurred vision — transient
WARNING: Rare but serious — seek immediate medical attention if you or your child experiences: severe allergic reactions to cetirizine itself (rash, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing or anaphylaxis), severe skin reactions, seizures, or signs of liver dysfunction (yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, persistent abdominal pain).
This is not a complete list of side effects. Consult a pharmacist or doctor for full information.
Warnings & Precautions
CONTRAINDICATION: Do NOT use Alerid Syrup if the patient is allergic to cetirizine hydrochloride, hydroxyzine, levocetirizine, or any other piperazine derivative, or if they are allergic to any excipient in the formulation.
Do Not Use If:
- The child is under 2 years of age without specific medical advice
- The patient has end-stage renal disease requiring dialysis without medical guidance
- There is known hypersensitivity to cetirizine, hydroxyzine, or any piperazine derivative
Use With Caution If the Patient Has:
- Kidney disease or renal impairment — cetirizine is primarily renally excreted; dose reduction is required in moderate to severe renal impairment; consult a doctor before use
- Liver disease — although cetirizine is minimally hepatically metabolised, caution is advised in severe hepatic impairment
- Epilepsy or a history of seizures — antihistamines may lower the seizure threshold in susceptible individuals
- Urinary retention or an enlarged prostate — antihistamines may worsen urinary flow
- Glaucoma — consult a doctor before use
Do Not Combine With:
- Alcohol — significantly enhances the sedative effect of cetirizine; avoid alcohol during use
- Sedatives, tranquilisers, sleeping tablets, or anxiolytics — additive central nervous system depression; use with caution
- Other antihistamines — duplicated antihistaminic effect and increased risk of side effects
- Theophylline at high doses — may slightly reduce cetirizine clearance; monitor closely
CLINICAL NOTE (Kenya-specific): Allergic conditions — particularly allergic rhinitis, urticaria, and insect bite reactions — are among the most common presentations in Kenyan pharmacies and community health settings. Dust mites, cockroach allergens, outdoor moulds, and grass pollens are significant perennial and seasonal allergens across Kenya, particularly in Nairobi, the Coast, and agricultural highland regions. Cetirizine syrup is well suited to the year-round management of perennial allergic rhinitis in Kenyan children and adults. Parents and caregivers should be counselled that paradoxical excitability — an unusual increase in activity or agitation — can occur in some young children taking antihistamines and should be reported to a pharmacist or doctor if observed. Additionally, drowsiness, even if mild, is a safety consideration for school-age children, older students, and adults operating machinery or driving — evening dosing is preferable where sedation is a concern.
Keep out of reach of children. In case of accidental overdose, contact a poison control centre or emergency services immediately.
Storage Instructions
- Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place
- Protect from direct sunlight and excessive heat
- Keep away from moisture and humidity
- Keep the bottle tightly closed after each use
- Do not refrigerate unless specifically directed on the label
- Store out of reach and sight of children
- Do not use after the expiry date printed on the bottle or carton
- Do not transfer the syrup to another container
- Dispose of unused or expired syrup safely at your local registered pharmacy
Mandatory Disclaimer
Always read the label and use as directed. Do not exceed the stated dose for the patient’s age group. If allergy symptoms persist beyond 6 weeks, worsen significantly, or are accompanied by fever, difficulty breathing, facial swelling, or signs of a severe allergic reaction, stop use and seek immediate medical attention. Severe or frequent allergic reactions may indicate an underlying condition requiring formal allergy assessment and specialist management. This product information is provided for general guidance only and does not replace professional medical or pharmaceutical advice.
References
- Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC) — Cetirizine Hydrochloride Oral Solution 5 mg/5 mL: Summary of Product Characteristics
- World Allergy Organization (WAO) — Allergic Rhinitis and Antihistamine Therapy Guidelines: Cetirizine Evidence Review
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