Cetirizine

About Cetirizine

Cetirizine is used to treat allergy symptoms such as hay fever, itching, red eyes and blocked nose.

You will start feeling relief after about an hour.

How does Cetirizine work?

Cetirizine works by blocking the histamine H1 receptor. Histamine is a chemical in the body that causes itching, sneezing, tearing, and a runny nose.

Cetirizine works by preventing histamine from binding to the body sites that trigger allergic symptoms.

What are the side-effects I may experience?

You may experience:

• Headache

• Drowsiness

• Dry mouth

Are there any medications and foods I should avoid?

You may eat normally while taking cetirizine.

Alcohol can worsen dizzy side effects. Consumption of alcohol is therefore not recommended.

I forgot a dose. What should I do?

If you forget to take your prescription, take it as soon as you remember.

If you miss a dose, don’t take a double dose.

If your next dose is approaching, skip the missed dose and take the next one.

Can I drive or operate machinery?

Cetirizine can cause drowsiness. You should not drive or operate machinery if you experience this side-effect.

Alcohol can worsen this effect.

Should I be bothered about possible addiction or dependence?

Cetirizine isn’t addictive.

Will my sexual performance, fertility or contraceptive be impaired?

• Cetirizine has not been proven to affect sexual performance or fertility.
• Cetirizine does not affect the effectiveness of contraceptives.

Can I use this medication if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

• Cetirizine can be used in pregnancy. Other anti-allergy medications such as loratidine is recommended. There is much more information on its use in pregnancy.
• Cetirizine can be used during breastfeeding.