Zyrtec /cetirizine - Rapid acting, non drowsy, once a day hayfever and allergy relief. Zyrtec can treat both outdoor and indoor symptoms, as well as chronic hives.

Zyrtec relieves the symptoms of hayfever (seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis) such as runny nose, nasal and sinus congestion, itchy nose and itchy, red, watery eyes and sneezing. It is also effective in relieving allergic skin conditions that cause itching or rashes eg. insect bites.

Each Zyrtec tablet contains 10mg cetirizine hydrochloride. The effect of Zyrtec lasts for up to 24 hours

Dose:

Adults and children 6 years and over: 1 tablet (10mg) daily.
Children 1-6 years half a tablet (5mg) daily.

Zyrtec is fast-acting, usually relieving these symptoms within 10-20 minutes after taking it.

Zyrtec is non-sedating and its effect last for 24 hours, so you only need to take it once a day.

For children under 12 years of age, twice daily dosage is recommended because the effect of Zyrtec does not last as long in children.

What kinds of allergy symptoms does ZYRTEC relieve?

· Itchy, red, watery eyes
· Sneezing and runny, itchy nose
· Postnasal drip
· And it reduces itching from hives

Can ZYRTEC be taken for allergies if you also have asthma?

In clinical studies of allergy patients who also suffer from mild to moderate asthma, no adverse effects on lung function were observed. All allergy medications are not the same. Many people who have allergies have both the indoor and outdoor kind. But not all allergy medicines are approved to treat the symptoms of both. No other allergy medicine is approved to treat more indoor and outdoor allergy symptoms than ZYRTEC (cetirizine HCl).

Do not take Zyrtec if:

• You are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• You have a known hypersensitivity to Zyrtec or any of its components.
• Suffer from kidney problems.

Possible Side-effects of Zyrtec/Cetirizine:

In studies of Zyrtec, the side effects were mild or moderate and included dry mouth, some drowsiness and fatigue in adults, and drowsiness, stomach pain and headache in children. The incidence of drowsiness was between 11% and 14% in adults, depending on dose. In these studies, most of these side-effects were not severe enough for the patient to want to stop taking the medicine.

Remember:

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.Do not use after the expiry date shown on the Zyrtec pack.

Store Zyrtec medication at temperatures below 25ºC in a cool dry place.Swallow Zyrtec whole with fluids. Do Not Chew tablet/ capsule.