Prescription Cetirizine Drug Information

Exposure to substances such as pollen, pet fur, house dust or insect bites can cause some people to produce an excess of a chemical called histamine. This causes allergic symptoms which can include skin rashes, sneezing, watery eyes, and a runny or blocked nose. Cetirizine is an antihistamine and blocks the effects of histamine, which helps to relieve these symptoms. Cetirizine can be prescribed for you by a doctor or dentist, or you can buy it without a prescription at pharmacies and other retail units. Cetirizine is not suitable for children under 2 years of age. To make sure this is the right treatment for you, before you start taking cetirizine it is important that you discuss the treatment with a doctor or pharmacist if: You are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding. You have kidney problems. You have porphyria (this is a rare inherited blood disorder). You are taking or using any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, such as herbal and complementary medicines. You have ever had an allergic reaction to another antihistamine, or to any other medicine. Recommended doses of cetirizine are: For adults and children over 12 years: 10 mg taken once a day. For children 6-12 years of age: 5 mg taken twice daily. For children 2-6 years of age: 2.5 mg taken twice daily. Most people only need to take an antihistamine for a short while when they have symptoms. You should stop taking cetirizine once your symptoms have eased. Although cetirizine is classed as a non-drowsy antihistamine, it can still cause drowsiness in a few people. If this happens to you, do not drive or use tools or machines. If you drink alcohol while you are on cetirizine, be aware of its effects on you and do not drink more than moderate amounts. Alcohol can increase the risk of side-effects from antihistamines.