Indicated for the symptomatic relief of the symptoms of allergic rhinitis (more commonly referred to as hay fever, which is an inflammation of the nasal passages caused by allergic reaction to airborne substances) and urticaria (redness of the skin often accompanied by itching).
1. What Cetirizine 10 Gulf is and what it is used for
2. What you need to know before you take Cetirizine 10 Gulf
Do not use Cetirizine 10 Gulf if:
- you are sensitive or ever had a harmful reaction to cetirizine or any of the inactive ingredients in Cetirizine 10 Gulf, hydroxyzine or other antihistamines
- you are breast feeding since the active ingredient is excreted in breast milk
- you are pregnant as the safety in pregnancy has not been established
- in children under 2 years of age
Warnings and precautions
Take special care with Cetirizine 10 Gulf
- in the elderly
- in patients with hepatic or renal impairment
- if you operate or drive machinery as mental alertness or physical co-ordination may be impaired (see below "Driving and using machinery")
- if you are lactose intolerant
Other medicines and Cetirizine 10 Gulf
Always tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicine. (This includes all complementary or traditional medicines). It is especially important if you have taken any alcoholic drinks or any medicine that may cause drowsiness.
Cetirizine 10 Gulf with food and drink
Cetirizine 10 Gulf can be taken before or after meals. Avoid any alcoholic drink while you are taking Cetirizine 10 Gulf.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby please consult your doctor, pharmacist or other health care professional for advice before taking this medicine.
Driving and using machines
Cetirizine 10 Gulf may lead to drowsiness and impaired concentration which may be aggravated by simultaneous intake of alcohol or other central nervous system depressants (E.g. sedatives and tranquilisers). Caution should be used when driving or operating machinery or performing dangerous tasks, where loss of concentration may lead to accidents. If you are affected do not drive or use machines.
Cetirizine 10 Gulf contains lactose. If you have been told that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking Cetirizine 10 Gulf.
3. How to take Cetirizine 10 Gulf
Do not share medicines intended for you with others. Always take Cetirizine 10 Gulf exactly as described in this leaflet or as your doctor, pharmacist or nurse have told you. Check with your doctor, pharmacist or nurse if you are not sure.
Take the tablet with a glass of water. Do not take more than one tablet each day.
Adults or children 12 years of age or older: Take one tablet (10 mg) daily.
Children aged 6 to 12 years old: Take one tablet (10 mg) daily or half a tablet (5 mg) twice a day.
Cetirizine 10 Gulf is not suitable for children under 6 years.
If you take more Cetirizine 10 Gulf than you should
In the event of overdosage, consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately. If neither is available, contact the nearest hospital or poison centre.
Drowsiness is an expected symptom of overdosage. Overdosage in children may produce agitation, somnolence (drowsiness), pruritus (severe itching), rash, urinary retention, fatigue, tremor and tachycardia (fast heartbeat).
If you forget to take Cetirizine 10 Gulf
If you forget a dose, take the next one as soon as you remember unless it is time or almost time for your next dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for forgotten individual doses.
4. Possible side effects
Cetirizine 10 Gulf can have side effects. Not all side effects reported for Cetirizine 10 Gulf are included in this leaflet. Should your general health worsen or if you experience any untoward effects while taking Cetirizine 10 Gulf, please consult your health care provider for advice.
You must stop taking Cetirizine 10 Gulf and speak to your doctor straight away if you notice the following symptoms:
A severe allergic reaction including rash, itchiness and fever. This reaction may start soon after you first take Cetirizine 10 Gulf, or it might start later. These are all very serious side effects. If you have them, you may have had a serious reaction to Cetirizine 10 Gulf. You may need urgent medical attention or hospitalisation.
Tell your doctor immediately or go to the casualty department at your nearest hospital if you notice any of the following:
- fast heartbeat
These are all serious side effects. You may need urgent medical attention.
Tell your doctor if you notice any of the following:
Frequent side effects:
- tiredness, feeling sleepy
- pain in the abdomen
- dry mouth
- nausea
- diarrhoea or constipation
- thickening of mucous
- Increased or loss of appetite
- tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- blurred vision
Less frequent side effects:
- itching and rash, urticaria (hives)
- feeling agitated, feeling weak or generally unwell
- drowsiness
- sleeplessness
- increased sweating
- sensitivity to light
- urinary retention
- Headache
- Dizziness
If you notice any side effects not mentioned in this leaflet, please inform your doctor or pharmacist.
Reporting of side effects
If you get side effects, talk to your doctor. You can also report side effects to SAHPRA via the “6.04 Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting Form”, found online under SAHPRA’s publications: https://www.sahpra.org.za/Publications/Index/8. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of CETIRIZINE 10 GULF.
5. How to store CETIRIZINE 10 GULF
Store at or below 25 °C. Protect from excessive moisture and store in a dry place. Do not remove tablets from blisters until required for use. Keep containers tightly closed. Keep all medicines in a safe place, out of reach of children. Do not use Cetirizine 10 Gulf beyond the date indicated on the container. Return all unused or expired medicines to your pharmacist. Do not dispose of unused medicines in drains or sewerage systems (e.g. toilets).