Indications

Used for the rapid and long-lasting relief of symptoms associated with various allergic conditions. It is indicated for:

Allergic Rhinitis: Effective relief of sneezing, runny or itchy nose, and itchy, watery eyes (hay fever).
Urticaria (Hives): Management of skin itching and the appearance of red, raised wheals.
Allergic Conjunctivitis: Soothing redness and itching of the eyes caused by environmental allergens like dust or pollen.
Pruritus: General relief of itching associated with skin allergies.

Dosage and Administration

Adults and Children 12 years and over: Take 1 tablet (10 mg) once daily.
Children 6 to 12 years: Take 1 tablet (10 mg) once daily, or half a tablet (5 mg) twice daily (morning and evening).
Elderly (65+ years): Consult a physician; a lower dose of 5 mg daily is often recommended if kidney function is reduced.
Administration: Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water. It can be taken with or without food. If the medication causes mild drowsiness, it is best taken in the evening.

Adverse Reactions

As a second-generation antihistamine, Zetriz is designed to be less sedating, but some users may still experience:

Common: Mild sleepiness (somnolence), fatigue, dizziness, or headache.
Gastrointestinal: Dry mouth, nausea, or mild stomach discomfort.
Respiratory: Pharyngitis (sore throat) or occasional nosebleeds (more common in children).
Serious Reactions (Rare): Hypersensitivity reactions such as skin rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing.

Important Safety Precautions

Alertness Warning: While less likely to cause drowsiness than older antihistamines, caution should be exercised when driving or operating heavy machinery until you are certain of your reaction to the medication.
Alcohol Interaction: Avoid consuming alcohol while taking this medication, as it may increase the sedative effects on the central nervous system.
Renal/Hepatic Impairment: Individuals with moderate to severe kidney or liver disease should consult a doctor before use, as dosage adjustments are usually required.
Pregnancy and Nursing: Consult a healthcare professional. Cetirizine is excreted in breast milk and should be used during pregnancy only if clearly necessary.
Allergy Testing: If you are scheduled for an allergy skin test, stop taking this medication at least 3 days (72 hours) beforehand to ensure accurate test results.
Storage: Store at temperatures not exceeding 30°C and protect from light and moisture.

Over-the-Counter Medication

Zetriz Cetirizine Dihydrochloride 10mg, 20 Tablets