Zyrtec

Active Ingredients

Cetirizine Hydrochloride 10mg.

Inactive Ingredients

Lactose, Magnesium Stearate, Opadry Y-1-7000, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Colloidal anhydrous silica .

Product Description

Zyrtec is a fast acting daily anti-allergy treatment for seasonal rhinitis, or \"hayfever\", and other allergic conditions. These conditions include conjunctivitis, perennial allergic rhinitis, pruritus, urticaria, more commonly called \"hives\", and insect bites. Zrytec lasts 24 hours so it only needs to be taken once a day and it offers most people relief from symptoms within about 20 minutes. The symptoms of hayfever, which is the most common form of allergy, include sneezing, a runny and itchy nose, and watery, itchy eyes. Each tablet of Zyrtec contains 10mg of Cetirizine Hydrochloride, an antihistamine that counteracts the effects of histamine produced by the body in response to allergies. Zyrtec blocks histamine sites so that histamine is not released. Zyrtec tablets are available in packets of 30 tablets, and does not contain gluten or sucrose.

Dosage

• Adults and children 6 years of age or older - Take one 10mg tablet daily. This can be divided into two 5mg (1/2 a tablet) doses.
  The effects of Zrytec will not last as long in children as they do in adults so it is recommended that you split the dosage into two for children.
• Children aged between 2 and 6 years - Take 2.5mg (1/4 of a tablet) twice daily or 5mg (1/2 a tablet) once daily.
• Zyrtec tablets should not be used by children under 2 years of age unless otherwise advised by your doctor or pharmacist.
• Do not take a double dosage of Zrytec tablets if you forget to take your next dose. If you miss a dose but remember well before you are due to take your next dose then take it as normal. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose.
• Some people may find that they only require half the recommended daily dose for relief. Zyrtec can be taken at any time of the day and may work a little faster if not taken with food. If Zyrtec makes you feel drowsy then you are best to take it before going to bed at night or you can reduce the dosage by half.
• The maximum daily dose is 20mg, the equivalent of two tablets, and this should not be exceeded unless instructed to do so by your doctor.

Warnings and Cautions

• Consult with your doctor or pharmacist before using Zyrtec if you are pregnant or breast-feeding
• Consult with your doctor or pharmacist before taking Zyrtec if you have liver or severe kidney problems. It may be necessary to take a smaller dose of Zyrtec
• Consult with your doctor or pharmacist before taking Zyrtec if you are 60 years or older because your may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine
• Consult with your doctor or pharmacist before taking Zyrtec if you are taking certain sedatives, tranquillisers, muscle relaxants or antidepressants.
• Do not take more than 20mg of Zyrtec a day unless directed to do so by your doctor or pharmacist
• Zyrtec is unlikely to cause drowsiness. If, however, you find that you become affected do not drive a vehicle or operate machinery for 8 hours after taking Zyrtec
• Avoid alcohol
• Do not use Zyrtec if you are allergic to Cetirizine Hydrochloride or have hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients of Zyrtec.
• Keep Zyrtec out of the reach of children
• In some cases, possible side effects of this medication may include: Drowsiness, Fatigue, Dry mouth
• Keep Zyrtec in a cool, dry place. Store below 30°C/85°F. Protect from direct sunlight.