Details
What is Cetirizine?
Cetirizine is an antihistamine used to treat symptoms of hayfever which may include a runny nose, sneezing, itchy, red and watering eyes.
How does Cetirizine work?
Cetirizine works by blocking histamine receptors in the body to prevent or reduce the symptoms of hayfever. Hayfever is an allergic reaction that is caused by the release of histamines in response to exposure to pollen.
Usage and Instructions
Is Cetirizine suitable for me?
Cetirizine is generally well tolerated with few side effects. Start your online consultation to find out!
How long does it take for Cetirizine to work?
Relieve of symptoms usually occur within 1 hour of taking a dose. Some patients may even experience symptom relief in less than 30 minutes.
How do I take Cetirizine?
For adults, the recommended dose is one tablet to be taken with water once a day before a meal. Cetirizine usually starts to work within the hour, providing relief for up to 24 hours.
For children aged 6 to 12 years, half of one 10mg tablet should be taken twice a day.
Taking more than one tablet of Cetirizine day is not recommended and does not make the medication work any quicker. It is important to follow the patient information leaflet guidance and any advice from your doctor or pharmacist.
Following guidance and consultation with your doctor or pharmacist, you may take Cetirizine daily to help with chronic and persistent symptoms, or on a ‘when needed’ basis if symptoms are infrequent.
Can I take other hayfever medication with Cetirizine?
Following guidance and consultation with your doctor or pharmacist, you may use other combinations of hayfever treatments like steroid nasal sprays, skin creams or antihistamine eye drops to help relieve symptoms if necessary.
How long does Cetirizine last for?
When taken as recommended, the effects of Cetirizine generally lasts for up to 24 hours. If you do miss a dose, do not compensate by taking a double dose. Simply continue on with your regular dosing schedule, not taking more than recommended by your doctor or pharmacist.
Potential Side Effects
Please read the enclosed Patient Information Leaflet carefully before use.
Cetirizine is generally well tolerated. Any side effects are usually mild.
Sometimes Cetirizine can cause dizziness, nausea (feeling sick), vomiting, fatigue and an increased heart rate.
Some people may also be allergic to the medication and come up with a skin rash, itching, swelling around the lips and face, difficulty breathing or swallowing. If this happens, stop the medication immediately and seek medical attention.