Cetirizine is used for:

• Preventing or treating symptoms of hay fever and other upper respiratory allergies such as stuffy nose, runny nose, sneezing, itching of the nose and throat, and itchy, watery eyes. It is also used for preventing or treating chronic hives. It may also be used to treat certain conditions as determined by your doctor that may not be listed in the professional package insert.
• Cetirizine is an antihistamine. It works by blocking the action of histamine and reduces the symptoms of an allergic reaction.

Do NOT use Cetirizine if:

• • you are allergic to any ingredient in Cetirizine
  • you have an allergy to hydroxyzine
• Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Cetirizine :

• Some medical conditions may interact with Cetirizine . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
  • if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
  • if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
  • if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
  • if you have kidney or liver problems, or are receiving blood dialysis
• Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Cetirizine . However, no specific interactions with Cetirizine are known at this time.
• This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Cetirizine may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Cetirizine :

• Use Cetirizine as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
  • Take Cetirizine by mouth with or without food.
  • If you miss a dose of Cetirizine , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
• Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Cetirizine .

Important safety information:

• Cetirizine may cause drowsiness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Cetirizine with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Cetirizine ; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.
• Cetirizine may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Cetirizine . Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.
• Use Cetirizine with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially drowsiness.
• If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Cetirizine while you are pregnant. Cetirizine is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Cetirizine .

Possible side effects of Cetirizine :

• All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
  • Drowsiness
  • dry mouth
  • tiredness.
• Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
  • Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue)
  • dark urine
  • increased heart rate
  • persistent fatigue
  • yellowing of eyes or skin.

What is the shelf life of the pills?

• The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.