Rigix 10mg Tablet (Cetirizine Hydrochloride)

Quick Answer: Rigix 10mg Tablet contains Cetirizine Hydrochloride 10mg, a second-generation antihistamine used for short-term and ongoing relief of allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, and hives. It requires a prescription for purchase in Pakistan, and is taken as 1 tablet (10mg) once daily for adults and children over 12 years. It costs around Rs. 185.30 per strip of 30 tablets at Dawa Healthcare in Pakistan, though prices can change.

Key Takeaways

•          Active Ingredient: Cetirizine Hydrochloride 10mg per tablet

•          Main Use: relief of allergic rhinitis, hives (urticaria), and other allergy symptoms

•          Dose: 1 tablet (10mg) once daily for adults and children over 12 years

•          Access: requires a prescription at Dawa Healthcare in Pakistan; cetirizine products are registered as either prescription or OTC in Pakistan depending on the specific brand

•          Price: around Rs. 185.30 per strip of 30 tablets at Dawa Healthcare, though prices can change

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📋 Product Specifications

How Rigix Works

Rigix contains Cetirizine, an antihistamine that works by selectively blocking peripheral H1 histamine receptors. Histamine is released by the body during an allergic reaction and is responsible for symptoms such as sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and swelling. By blocking its effects, Cetirizine reduces these symptoms. Unlike older, first-generation antihistamines, Cetirizine crosses into the brain to a much lesser degree, so it is generally less likely to cause significant drowsiness at the standard dose. Follow the recommended dose stated on the pack and in this document.

Rigix Uses

Rigix 10mg Tablet is used for:

•          Allergic Rhinitis: relief from sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, and nasal itching, whether seasonal (hay fever) or year-round (perennial)

•          Skin Allergies: hives (chronic idiopathic urticaria), itching, and allergic skin rashes

•          Eye Symptoms: relief from itchy, red, or watery eyes associated with allergies

Rigix is intended for allergy-related symptoms. It should not be used for unexplained or persistent rashes, breathing difficulty, or swelling of the face and throat without consulting a doctor, since these may need urgent medical assessment.

Who Should Use Rigix 

Rigix 10mg Tablet is generally suitable for adults and children over 12 years old who need relief from allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, or hives, have no known allergy to Cetirizine or related antihistamines such as hydroxyzine, and do not have severe kidney impairment.

🚫 Who Should Avoid It

Avoid Rigix, or use only under medical advice, if you have a known allergy or hypersensitivity to Cetirizine, hydroxyzine, or any of the tablet's other ingredients, or severe kidney (renal) impairment, since the kidneys are the main route by which the drug is cleared from the body. Use it cautiously and seek medical advice first if you have asthma, since antihistamines may thicken bronchial secretions in some people, or if you plan to drive or operate machinery, since some individuals do experience drowsiness. It is not recommended for children under 2 years old, and children between 2 and 12 years should use an age-appropriate dose or the syrup form rather than the 10mg tablet, under medical guidance.

Can It Be Taken Long Term?

Rigix can be used for as long as allergy symptoms persist, and for chronic conditions such as long-term hives, doctors sometimes recommend continued daily use. However, if symptoms don't improve, or worsen, after a reasonable period of regular use, consult a doctor rather than continuing to self-manage, since ongoing symptoms may need a different diagnosis or treatment approach.

Pakistan's Drug Regulatory Authority (DRAP) has issued a safety alert, in line with a 2025 US FDA warning, about a rare but serious risk of severe itching (pruritus) after stopping long-term cetirizine or levocetirizine use. Anyone who develops significant itching after discontinuing regular, long-term Rigix use should contact a doctor rather than assuming it is unrelated.

💊 How to Take Rigix (Dosage)

Adults and children over 12 years: take 1 tablet (10mg) once daily, with or without food, with a full glass of water.

Children 6–12 years: dosing is lower (typically 5mg once or twice daily, maximum 10mg per day) and should follow a doctor's guidance - the 10mg tablet is generally not appropriate for splitting or estimating a child's dose. Children 2–6 years are usually given Cetirizine as a syrup rather than this tablet strength. Do not give this tablet to children under 2 years unless a doctor specifically directs it.

Avoid alcohol while taking Rigix, since it may increase drowsiness. If symptoms do not improve, or worsen, after continued regular use, stop and consult a doctor.

Missed Dose: Since Rigix is usually taken once daily, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one and continue your regular schedule - do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

⚠️ Side Effects - What to Expect 

Rigix is generally well tolerated when taken within the recommended dose. Side effects are uncommon but can include:

•          Drowsiness or tiredness, though less common than with older antihistamines

•          Dry mouth or mild headache

•          Stomach discomfort or nausea (uncommon at normal doses)

•          Skin rash or allergic reaction (rare)

Seek medical advice if side effects are severe or persistent, or if you notice signs of an allergic reaction such as facial swelling or difficulty breathing, which need immediate medical attention.

🛡️ Precautions and Drug Interactions

•          Alcohol and Sedatives: combining Rigix with alcohol or other CNS-depressant medicines may increase drowsiness

•          Kidney Disease: Rigix is cleared mainly by the kidneys, so people with reduced kidney function may need a lower dose - consult a doctor

•          Asthma: use cautiously, as antihistamines may thicken bronchial secretions in some individuals

•          Driving or Operating Machinery: use caution until you know how Rigix affects you, as it may cause drowsiness in some people

•          Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: consult your doctor before use, as safety should be confirmed for your specific situation

•          Stopping Long-Term Use: severe itching has rarely been reported after discontinuing long-term cetirizine use - DRAP and the FDA advise contacting a doctor if this occure

❄️ Storage

Store Rigix Tablets at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep in the original packaging until use. Keep out of reach and sight of children.

💰 Rigix Price in Pakistan

The Rigix 10mg Tablet price in Pakistan is around Rs. 185.30 per strip of 30 tablets at Dawa Healthcare, though prices can change without notice. Buy genuine Rigix online from Dawa Healthcare with fast delivery in Karachi and nationwide.

For related products, explore our Medicine category, or read wellness tips on our Health & Wellness Blog.

🔄 Rigix vs Zyrtec 

Rigix and Zyrtec both contain the same active ingredient, Cetirizine Hydrochloride 10mg, and work the same way to relieve allergy symptoms. The main difference is the manufacturer and price: Rigix is manufactured locally by AGP in Pakistan, while Zyrtec is the original international brand. Both are used for similar allergy relief, and your pharmacist can advise whether a brand-name or locally manufactured option suits your needs and budget.

Explore the full range on our Medicine category page.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication, and read the product label before use.

📚 References

•          [1] Dawa Healthcare - Rigix 10mg Tablet 30s product listing - price, pack size, and prescription requirement

•          [2] DailyMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine) - Cetirizine Hydrochloride Tablet label - active ingredient, drug class, mechanism of action

•           WHO Pharmaceuticals Newsletter - DRAP (Pakistan) safety alert on rebound pruritus following discontinuation of long-term cetirizine/levocetirizine use, issued in line with a 2025 US FDA warning 

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rigix 10mg Tablet used for?

Rigix 10mg Tablet contains Cetirizine Hydrochloride and is used for relief of allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, and hives.

What is the correct dose of Rigix for adults?

Adults and children over 12 can take 1 tablet (10mg) once daily, with or without food.

Is a prescription required to buy Rigix?

Yes, per the current Dawa Healthcare listing, Rigix requires a prescription. Cetirizine-based products in Pakistan can be registered as either prescription or over-the-counter depending on the specific brand, so it's worth confirming with your pharmacist for other retailers.

What are the side effects of Rigix?

Rigix is generally well tolerated at the recommended dose. Uncommon side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, or mild headache; allergic reactions are rare.

Who should avoid Rigix?

Avoid it, or seek medical advice first, if you have a known allergy to Cetirizine or hydroxyzine, severe kidney impairment, or asthma.

Can Rigix be taken with other medicines?

Be cautious combining Rigix with alcohol or other sedating medicines, as this can increase drowsiness. Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease before regular use.

Can Rigix be given to children?

The 10mg tablet is intended for children over 12. Younger children need a lower, age-appropriate dose, usually as a syrup, under a doctor's guidance.

How should Rigix be stored?

Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture, and out of reach and sight of children.

What's the difference between Rigix and Zyrtec?

Both contain the same active ingredient, Cetirizine Hydrochloride 10mg. Rigix is a locally manufactured, more affordable alternative to the original Zyrtec brand.

What is the price of Rigix in Pakistan?

The price is around Rs. 185.30 per strip of 30 tablets at Dawa Healthcare, though prices can change without notice.