Medicines & treatments centre

CETIRIZINE WARNINGS

Cetirizine should be used with caution by:

• People with kidney problems
• Children
• Pregnant women
• The elderly
• People with epilepsy

It should not be used by:

• People with an allergy to cetirizine or any of the components of the tablet
• Women who are breastfeeding
• People with severe kidney disease

Also see list of precautions and interactions

STORAGE

Store below 25°C in the original packaging.

CETIRIZINE USES

What is it used for?

• Cetirizine is used to treat season allergies such as hayfever, year round allergies, such as pet and dust allergies, and allergic skin rashes (known as urticaria) in adults and children.
• It is a histamine antagonist, sometimes known as an antihistamine.
• It is used to provide symptom relief for seasonal and year round (perennial) allergies.
• In general this drug is used if you have symptoms of allergies such as hayfever or pet or dust allergies or skin allergies.
• Benefits of being on this drug can include relieving and preventing the symptoms and discomfort associated with the allergies described above, such as sneezing, irritated, runny or blocked up nose, itchy eyes, and skin rashes.

Listed below are the typical uses of cetirizine.

• Year round allergies (perennial rhinitis)
• Hayfever (seasonal allergic rhinitis)
• Urticaria (swelling, redness and itchiness of the skin)

On occasion your doctor may prescribe this medicine to treat a condition not on the above list.

HOW TO USE/TAKE

How often do I take it?

• Take this medication orally, usually once or twice a day. Please see the patient information leaflet of the specific product.
• Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it.
• Remember to use it at the same time each day - unless specifically told otherwise by your doctor.
• It may take up to an hour before the full benefit of this drug takes effect.
• Certain medical conditions may require different dosage instructions as directed by your doctor.

What dose?

• Dosage is based on your age, gender, medical condition, response to therapy, and use of certain interacting medicines.

Do I need to avoid anything?

• As with allantihistamines, avoid alcohol when taking cetirizine. If you feel drowsy or dizzy after taking cetirizine, do not drive or use machines. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

When can I stop?

• Use as required and as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.

CETIRIZINE SIDE EFFECTS

• Drowsiness
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Agitation
• Tiredness
• Restlessness
• Sore throat
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhoea
• Nausea
• Runny nose
• Dry mouth
• Upset stomach

If any of these persist or you consider them severe then inform doctor or pharmacist.

Tell your doctor immediately if you develop any of the following symptoms:

• Severe allergic reaction (e.g. trouble breathing, swelling of face, neck, tongue or throat).
• Convulsions or fits
• Bruising or bleeding more easily than normal

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

The Yellow Card Scheme allows you to report suspected side effects from any type of medicine (which includes vaccines, herbals and over the counter medicines) that you are taking. It is run by the medicines safety watchdog called the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory agency (MHRA). Please report any suspected side effect on the Yellow Card Scheme website.

CETIRIZINE PRECAUTIONS

Before taking cetirizine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other antihistamines; or if you have any other allergies.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are or have: allergy to cetirizine or any of the components of the tablet, breastfeeding, severe kidney disease.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially if you have experienced any of the following: kidney disease, epilepsy.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.

Does alcohol intake affect this drug?

• You should avoid taking alcohol while taking cetirizine.

The elderly: cetirizine can be used in the elderly.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding - please ensure you read the detailed information below

PREGNANCY

Cetirizine is not safe to take if you are, or are planning to become, pregnant.

• First trimester: avoid
• Second trimester: avoid
• Third trimester: avoid

It is sensible to limit use of medication during pregnancy whenever possible. However, your doctor may decide that the benefits outweigh the risks in individual circumstances and after a careful assessment of your specific health situation.

If you have any doubts or concerns you are advised to discuss the medicine with your doctor or pharmacist.

BREAST FEEDING

Cetirizine is not safe to take if you are breastfeeding

It is sensible to limit use of medication during breastfeeding whenever possible. However, your doctor may decide that the benefits outweigh the risks in individual circumstances and after a careful assessment of your specific health situation.

If you have any doubts or concerns you are advised to discuss the medicine with your doctor or pharmacist.

CETIRIZINE INTERACTIONS

Before using this medicine, tell your prescriber of all the medicines you are taking including prescription medicines and medicines you have bought over the counter without a prescription. Tell your prescriber if you are taking vitamins or complementary remedies such as herbal products, as these can also interact with medicines.

There are no known significant interactions between cetirizine and other medicines. If you experience any unusual symptoms while using this medicine with other medicines, tell your prescriber.

If you have a question or want to discuss anything about your medicine, speak to your local pharmacist.

CETIRIZINE OVERDOSE

If you think you, or someone you care for, might have accidentally taken more than the recommended dose of cetirizine or intentional overdose is suspected, contact your local hospital, GP or if in England call 111. In Scotland call NHS 24. In Wales, call NHS Direct Wales. In the case of medical emergencies, always dial 999.

MISSED DOSE

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.