What is the use of Alerid Syrup?

October 6, 2025 •

3 min read

Worldwide, allergic rhinitis affects between 10% and 30% of the population. For those affected, understanding what is the use of Alerid Syrup is a key step toward managing symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and itching effectively and improving daily quality of life.

Quick Summary

Alerid Syrup, which contains the active ingredient cetirizine, is an antihistamine medication used to treat allergy symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis and urticaria (hives).

Key Points

Primary Use: Alerid Syrup is primarily used to treat symptoms of allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and chronic urticaria (hives).
Active Ingredient: Its active component is Cetirizine, a second-generation antihistamine that is less likely to cause drowsiness for many users.
Mechanism of Action: It works by blocking histamine, a chemical the body releases during an allergic reaction, thereby reducing symptoms like itching and sneezing.
Administration Varies: The correct way to administer depends on the patient's age and the severity of the condition and should be guided by a doctor.
Fast Acting: Cetirizine typically begins to work within an hour of administration, providing rapid relief from allergy symptoms for many.
Consult a Doctor: It is essential to use this medication under a doctor's supervision, especially for children and individuals with kidney or liver issues.
Precautions: Avoid alcohol while taking Alerid Syrup to prevent increased drowsiness, and stop use three days prior to an allergy test.

Understanding Alerid Syrup and Its Active Ingredient

Alerid Syrup is an anti-allergic medication prescribed for both children and adults to treat common allergy symptoms. Its active ingredient is Cetirizine Hydrochloride, typically at a concentration found to be effective for managing allergy symptoms. Cetirizine is a second-generation antihistamine, which means it is significantly less likely to cause drowsiness compared to older, first-generation antihistamines. This makes it a preferred option for managing daily allergy symptoms without greatly impairing alertness for many individuals. The medication is manufactured by Cipla and is available by prescription.

How Does Alerid Syrup Work? The Pharmacology of Cetirizine

The primary function of Alerid Syrup is to block the effects of histamine, a natural chemical messenger in the body. During an allergic reaction, the immune system releases histamine, which binds to H1 receptors on cells, triggering symptoms like itching, swelling, sneezing, and watery eyes. Cetirizine works as a selective H1 receptor antagonist, meaning it competitively binds to these receptors and prevents histamine from activating them. By inhibiting histamine's effects, cetirizine effectively suppresses and relieves the uncomfortable symptoms of an allergic response. Because cetirizine has a chemical structure that limits its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, it has minimal sedative effects for many users.

Primary Uses of Alerid Syrup

Alerid Syrup is prescribed to manage symptoms for several allergic conditions.

Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever)

This is one of the main uses of Alerid Syrup. It effectively relieves symptoms of both seasonal and perennial (year-round) allergic rhinitis, including:

Sneezing
Runny nose (rhinorrhea)
Itchy, watery eyes
Itchy nose or throat

Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria (Hives)

Alerid Syrup is also used to treat the symptoms of chronic hives. It helps to reduce or eliminate:

Itching (pruritus)
Redness and rash associated with hives

Other Allergic Conditions

Beyond hay fever and hives, Alerid Syrup can provide relief from other allergic reactions, such as those caused by insect bites, dust mites, animal dander, and mold. It can also help manage symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis (red, itchy eyes) and certain forms of eczema.

Administration and Considerations

The way Alerid Syrup is administered depends on the patient's age and the severity of the condition, and it should always be determined by a doctor.

It is crucial to use a proper measuring cup or spoon to ensure accurate administration as directed by a healthcare professional. The syrup can be taken with or without food. For patients with kidney or liver disease, adjustments in administration may be necessary.

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

While Alerid Syrup is well-tolerated by most, some side effects can occur. Common, generally mild side effects include:

Sleepiness or drowsiness
Headache
Dry mouth
Fatigue
Nausea

More serious side effects are rare but can include rapid heartbeat, weakness, confusion, or vision problems. It is important to inform your doctor about any pre-existing conditions, especially kidney or liver problems, before starting Alerid Syrup. Alcohol consumption should be avoided as it can increase drowsiness. Additionally, you should stop taking Alerid Syrup at least three days before an allergy test, as it can interfere with the results.

Antihistamine Comparison: Alerid (Cetirizine) vs. Others

Understanding how Alerid compares to other common over-the-counter antihistamines can help in making informed decisions with a healthcare provider.


Feature	Alerid (Cetirizine)	Claritin (Loratadine)	Allegra (Fexofenadine)
Onset of Action	Fastest (often within 1 hour)	Slower	Slower
Drowsiness	Low likelihood, but more than others	Non-drowsy for most	Least likely to cause drowsiness
Effectiveness	Highly effective for hives and rhinitis	Effective for mild to moderate symptoms	Effective and non-sedating
Use in Breastfeeding	Preferred antihistamine	Considered safe	Considered safe

Conclusion

What is the use of Alerid Syrup? It is a versatile and effective second-generation antihistamine for managing the symptoms of allergic rhinitis, chronic hives, and other allergic reactions. Its active ingredient, cetirizine, works by blocking histamine, providing rapid relief with a low risk of drowsiness for many users. Available in a syrup form, it is a suitable option for both children and adults who struggle with allergies, when used as directed by a healthcare professional. As with any medication, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional to ensure appropriate and safe use.

For more information on Cetirizine, you can visit MedlinePlus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Alerid Syrup is given to children to treat various allergy symptoms, but the appropriate use is determined by age and body weight. You must consult your child's doctor for guidance.

Many people notice an improvement within an hour of taking Alerid Syrup, though it may take longer to experience the full benefits.

Yes, cetirizine is generally considered safe for daily, long-term use when taken as prescribed by your doctor. If you are taking it to help prevent symptoms, regular use as directed is often recommended.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule as directed by your doctor. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Alerid Syrup has few known drug interactions, but you should always inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking, especially any that cause sleepiness, as they can potentially add to the drowsiness effect.

Alerid Syrup is a second-generation antihistamine and is generally considered less likely to cause sleepiness than older allergy medications. However, it can still cause drowsiness, tiredness, or dizziness in some individuals.

Both are second-generation antihistamines. The main differences are that Cetirizine (Alerid) tends to have a faster onset of action for many users, while Loratadine (Claritin) is generally considered less likely to cause drowsiness.

Alerid Syrup can be taken with or without food. However, taking it with food may help minimize potential stomach-related side effects.