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Consumer Medicine Information |
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ZYRTEC® (Pharmacist Only Medicine)
Cetirizine hydrochloride tablets 10mg
Please read this web page carefully before using ZYRTEC.
This page answers some common questions about ZYRTEC.
It does not contain all of the available information.
It does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist.
All medicines have risks and benefits. Sometimes new risks are found even when a medicine has been used for many years.
If you have any concerns about using this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
What is the name of my medicine?
The name of your medicine is ZYRTEC.
ZYRTEC contains Cetirizine hydrochloride, an anti-allergy medicine.
What does ZYRTEC do?
It relieves symptoms of hayfever (seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis) such as runny nose, nasal and sinus congestion, itchy nose and eyes and sneezing. It is also effective in relieving allergic skin conditions that cause itching or rashes.
It is fast acting, usually relieving these symptoms within 10-20 minutes after taking it, is non-sedating and its effect lasts 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.
Before you take ZYRTEC:
Tell your doctor or pharmacist the names of any other medicines you are already taking. People with known hypersensitivity to ZYRTEC or to any of the ingredients listed at the end of this web page should avoid taking it. People with kidney problems should seek medical advice before taking ZYRTEC, a smaller dose may be necessary.
What if I am pregnant or breast-feeding?
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Your doctor will advise you on whether you should take this medicine.
Using ZYRTEC:
Adults and children over 6 years of age:
The usual daily dose is 10mg as a single dose. In children over 6 years of age, the daily dose of 10mg is given as a single or divided dose.
Individuals will vary in their response to medicines and this also applies to ZYRTEC.
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Some people may only require half the daily dose, i.e. 5mg, e.g. people with kidney problems or those who may feel drowsy if they take the recommended dose of 10mg.
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Others may need to take 20mg, e.g. larger people or those who find that 10mg is not enough.
The maximum recommended daily dose is 20mg, do not exceed this dose, unless told to do so by your doctor.
Children between 1 and 6 years:
The recommended dose is 2.5mg twice daily or 5mg once daily.
Side Effects:
Like other medicines, ZYRTEC may cause some side effects. Most of the side effects will be minor and temporary. Your doctor or pharmacist will be able to answer any questions you may have.
The most common side effects are dry mouth, or fatigue. These effects are usually mild and tend to wear off as treatment continues. Although this medicine is unlikely to affect your ability to drive or operate machinery, a few people may be impaired and care should be taken. In such cases it is best to take your ZYRTEC tablet before you go to bed at night, or try half a tablet.
If you have any concerns tell your doctor or pharmacist and follow their advice. Other unwanted effects may occur in some people taking this medicine.
Check with your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you have any problems while using ZYRTEC, even if you do not think the problems are connected with the medicine or are not listed in this web page.
If you think you are having an allergic (hypersensitivity) reaction to ZYRTEC, TELL YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY or go to the emergency department at your nearest hospital.
Symptoms usually include some or all of the following:
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything else that is making you feel unwell, even if it is not on this list.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don’t understand anything on this list.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything else that is making you feel unwell, even if it is not on this list.
Do not be alarmed by this list of possible side effects. These are rare and you may not experience any of them.
What if I take more than the recommended dose of ZYRTEC?
If you accidentally take an overdose of ZYRTEC you should tell your doctor immediately. As with any medicine, in the event of an overdose go to the emergency department at your nearest hospital even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. You may need urgent medical attention.
Storage:
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Keep this medicine where young children cannot reach it.
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A locked cupboard at least one-and-a half metres (5 feet) above the ground is a good place to store medicines.
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Store your ZYRTEC upright below 25°C (77°F).
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Heat and dampness can destroy some medicines.
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Keep your product in its pack until it is time to use it.
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If you take the product out of its packaging it may not keep well.
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Make sure you do not use your ZYRTEC after the expiry date, as it may become less effective.
What should I do if I miss a dose of ZYRTEC?
If you forget to take a dose, do not worry. Just take the next dose at the normal time.
Ingredients:
ZYRTEC tablets also contain the following ingredients: Lactose, Magnesium stearate, Opadry Y-1-7000, Microcrystalline cellulose and colloidal anhydrous silica
Click here to order Zyrtec online
Product Supplied By:
Pharmabroker Sales Limited
P.O. Box 302-234,
North Harbour Postal Centre,
Auckland
New Zealand | 
