Cetirizine

About cetirizine

Cetirizine belongs to the group of medicines known as antihistamines. It can be used to prevent and treat allergic conditions such as hay fever and some allergic skin reactions.

Exposure to pollen, pet fur, house dust or an insect bite can cause the body to produce histamine. The release of histamine causes allergic symptoms which can include rashes, sneezing, watery eyes and a running or blocked nose. Antihistamines stop the effects of histamine and help to relieve these symptoms.

Cetirizine is available in tablet and oral liquid form. It is also sometimes known by several brand names including: Allertek; Benadryl One a Day, Piriteze Allergy; Zirtek Allergy; Zirtek Allergy Relief. These names may appear on the packaging of your medicine.

Before taking cetirizine

Before taking this medicine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you suffer from liver or kidney problems
• if you suffer from epilepsy or porphyria (a blood disorder).
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to cetirizine or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal/complementary medicines and those available to buy without a prescription.

How to take cetirizine

• Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet before beginning treatment.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of cetirizine contact your doctor, or go to the accident and emergency department, of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
• The medicine should only be taken by the person it was intended for, never give it to others, even if their symptoms appear to be the same as your own.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Cetirizine is well tolerated when taken at the recommended dosage. However, although it is often called a non-drowsy antihistamine it can sometimes cause drowsiness and blurred vision in some people, if affected do not drive, operate machinery, drink alcohol, or perform any other tasks which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
• Cetirizine can cause a dry mouth. Try chewing sugar-free gum or sucking sugar-free sweets or pieces of ice. If your mouth becomes too dry, discuss the problem with your doctor or pharmacist.
• Before taking any other medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take with cetirizine.

Can cetirizine cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can have unwanted side-effects. These often improve over a few days, as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome:

Drowsiness, headache, dry mouth, blurred vision, tummy upset.

If you experience any other problems, which you think may be due to your medicine, discuss them with your pharmacist or doctor.

How to store cetirizine

• Keep out of reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and heat.
• Never use out of date or keep unwanted medicines, take them to your local pharmacy where they will dispose of unwanted medicines for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2006   Updated: 14/02/2006