Cetirizine warnings

Please ensure you are familiar with all warnings and precautions associated with Cetirizine Hydrochloride, detailed in the Patient Information Leaflet, before taking this medicine.

• Do not take Cetirizine if you have problems with your liver, or kidneys or are allergic to any of the ingredients.
• You should speak to a doctor before taking Cetirizine if you suffer from urinary retention or epilepsy.
• You should discuss with a doctor if you are taking or have recently stopped taking any other prescribed or non-prescribed medication.
• Being a second-generation antihistamine, cetirizine has a much lower chance of causing drowsiness but if it does affect you in this way then do not drive or operate any tools or machines.
• Avoid alcohol whilst taking these tablets as it may make the effects of alcohol worse (e.g. drowsiness and dizziness).

Cetirizine & pregnancy

You should not take Cetirizine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding without having discussed your options with a doctor or pharmacist. This medicine can be passed through the breast milk to the baby and can cause the baby to experience side effects.

Cetirizine hydrochloride dosage

Cetirizine is for oral use only and can be taken by both adults and children to treat symptoms of mild-moderate allergies.

10mg tablets:

• Children between 6 - 12 years old take half a tablet twice a day
• Children and adults over 12 years old take one tablet daily

5 mg/5ml oral solution:

• Children aged 2 - 5 years old take either one 5 ml spoonful once a day or one 2.5 ml spoonful twice a day.
• Children aged 6 - 11 years old take either two 5 ml spoonfuls once a day or one 5 ml spoonful twice a day.
• Children and adults over 12 years old: Take two 5 ml spoonfuls once a day.

For full details on how to use Cetirizine please read the Patient Information Leaflet for either Cetirizine 10 mg tablets or 5 mg/5 ml oral solution.

If you have taken over the stated dose of Cetirizine speak to a doctor straight away, even if you do not feel unwell.

Some people may experience:

• Diarrhoea
• Confusion
• Headache
• Tiredness or dizziness
• Restlessness
• Tremors

Cetirizine Ingredients

Cetrizine 10 mg Tablets contain:

• The active ingredient is cetirizine hydrochloride.
• The inactive ingredients are magnesium, povidone, starch maize, lactose, polymethacrylate basic, 6000 macrogol, stearate.

Cetirizine 5 mg/5 ml Oral Solution contains:

• The active ingredient is cetirizine hydrochloride.

• The inactive ingredients are liquid sorbitol (E420), glycerol, propylene glycol, sodium acetate, acetic acid, saccharin sodium, methyl parahydroxybenzoate (E218), propyl parahydroxybenzoate (E216), banana flavour.

For full details of the ingredients included in Cetirizine 10 mg tablets and 5 mg/5 ml oral solution, please read the Patient Information Leaflets.

Cetirizine side effects

In the same way as other medications, Cetirizine may cause some people to experience side effects. These side effects are usually mild but if you are concerned or they do not improve speak to a doctor for advice.

The most frequently reported side effects are:

• Feeling tired or dizzy
• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Feeling sick or abdominal pain
• Diarrhoea
• Sore throat

If you experience severe side effects or an allergic reaction while using Cetirizine you must either call 999 or attend your nearest emergency department as soon as possible.

For more information please read the Patient Information Leaflet.