Cetirizine Tablets for Hayfever

What is Cetirizine?

Cetirizine is an antihistamine used to treat seasonal allergic rhinitis, also known as hayfever. It helps relieve symptoms caused by an allergic reaction to pollen, such as sneezing, a runny or itchy nose, itchy or watery eyes, and itching of the throat or palate.

How does Cetirizine work?

Cetirizine blocks histamine H1 receptors. Histamine is one of the main chemicals released during an allergic reaction. By blocking its effects, cetirizine helps reduce sneezing, itching, a streaming nose and eye symptoms caused by hayfever.

What is Cetirizine used for on this page?

On this product page, cetirizine is used specifically for:

- Seasonal allergic rhinitis, also known as hayfever

- Relief of symptoms such as sneezing, itchy nose, runny nose, blocked nose and itchy or watery eyes

It is not used here for:

- Acute allergic emergencies such as anaphylaxis

- Long-term assessment of unexplained breathing symptoms

- Children unless specifically assessed for age-appropriate dosing

Cetirizine should be used according to the product directions and only if it is suitable for you.

Who may be suitable for Cetirizine?

You may be suitable if:

- You have symptoms typical of hayfever during pollen season

- You want an antihistamine option for symptom relief

- You have not had adequate relief from other over-the-counter options, or cetirizine has worked well for you before

What to to consider before using it:

- Your symptom pattern and likely triggers

- How often symptoms occur and how much they affect daily life or sleep

- Your kidney function and other health conditions

- Other medicines or supplements you take

Who should not use Cetirizine or needs medical advice first?

Do not use without medical advice if you:

- Are allergic to cetirizine, lactose or any tablet ingredients

- Have severe kidney problems without recent assessment

- Have symptoms that may suggest asthma or another condition needing review, such as wheeze, chest tightness or shortness of breath

- Are pregnant or breastfeeding without checking suitability first

Use with caution and seek medical advice if you:

- Have kidney disease

- Have epilepsy or a history of seizures

- Are taking other medicines that cause drowsiness

- Have symptoms that are not clearly seasonal or not responding to usual allergy treatment

How do I take Cetirizine?

Follow the directions on the pack unless a healthcare professional has advised otherwise. Common adult dosing for hayfever is:

- One tablet once daily

Practical advice:

- Swallow with water

- Try to take it at the same time each day during your symptom period

- It can be taken with or without food

- If it makes you feel sleepy, it may be better taken in the evening

If your symptoms are severe or not improving, you may need additional treatment such as a steroid nasal spray or eye drops.

General self-care advice

- Keep windows closed on high pollen days where possible

- Shower and change clothes after being outdoors

- Wear wraparound sunglasses to reduce pollen reaching the eyes

- Apply a pollen barrier balm around the nostrils if helpful

- Check pollen forecasts and limit outdoor activity when counts are very high

Side effects and when to get help

Common side effects can include sleepiness, headache, dry mouth, nausea and dizziness. These are usually mild.

Seek medical advice urgently if you develop swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, severe rash, or a marked allergic reaction after taking the medicine.

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