Piriteze Allery Syrup (70ml)

Each 1 ml of oral solution contains 1 mg of cetirizine hydrochloride. Cetirizine belongs to a group of drugs called antihistamines, which help to relieve the symptoms of some allergies.

It is used to relieve the allergic symptoms (runny and itchy nose, with or without stuffiness) caused by hayfever and other allergies e.g. pet and house dust mite allergies. It can also be taken for skin allergies such as rash, itching and urticaria (also known as nettle rash or hives). Urticaria can occur as a persistent condition and is recognised by the formation of raised white or reddish lumps surrounded by red inflamed areas which itch or sting.

For details of other Piriteze products see the Piriteze main page.

Piriteze is also available as:

• Piriteze Allergy (30 Tablets)
• Piriteze Allergy (12 Tablets)

Piriteze Allergy Syrup Directions:

Use the spoon provided to make sure you have the correct dose.

Adults and children aged 6 years and over: Two 5 ml spoonfuls once daily, or one 5 ml spoonful morning and evening.

• If the medicine makes you drowsy take once daily in the evening.
• If you have kidney problems, you may only need half the recommended dose.

Children under 6 years: not recommended.

If you take more syrup than you should: if you (or someone else) swallow a lot of the syrup all together, or if you think a child has accidentally swallowed any of the syrup, contact your nearest hospital casualty department or your doctor immediately. Overdose can cause drowsiness, unconsciousness, dry mouth, loss of co-ordination, shaking, headache, dilated pupils, feeling flushed, a very high temperature, hallucinations, fits, tics, dizziness or fainting, problems urinating, changes in heart rhythm, feeling and being sick. In children, agitation may occur.

If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember, unless it is nearly time to take the next one. Never take two doses together. Take the remaining doses at the correct time.

Each 1ml of Piriteze Allergy Syrup contains active ingredient:

• Cetirizine hydrochloride 1mg

Before taking Piriteze Allergy Syrup:

Do not take this syrup if you:

• Are sensitive to any of the ingredients in your medicine.
• Have severe kidney problems.

Take special care with this syrup if you have:

• Liver problems.
• Mild or moderate kidney problems.

Tell your doctor if you are taking Sedatives e.g. nitrazepam, as their effects may be increased by cetirizine.

Taking this medicine with food and drink: as with other antihistamines, it is advisable to avoid drinking large amounts of alcohol whilst using this syrup.

Pregnancy and Breast feeding: talk to your doctor before taking if you are pregnant. Do not take if you are breast feeding.

Driving and using medicines: this syrup does not normally cause drowsiness. However, individuals can react differently so if you are affected, you should not drive or operate machinery. This effect will be worse if you are also taking sedatives or drink alcohol.

Other precautions you should take:

• The medicine must be discontinued 3 days before any allergy testing.
• If you take your medicine for a long time there is an increased risk of tooth decay due to mouth dryness. It is important to brush your teeth regularly.

Important information about some of the ingredients of Piriteze Allergy Syrup:

• This product contains sorbitol - if you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicine.
• Sodium methyl parahydroxybenzoate (E219) and propyl parahydroxybenzoate (E216) may cause allergic reactions (possibly delayed).

Possible side effects:

Like all medicines, Piriteze Allergy Syrup can have side effects. Tell your doctor if you notice any of the following:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Agitation
• Dry mouth
• Drowsiness
• Stomach or intestinal discomfort

These are all temporary, mild side effects of this medicine.

Stop taking this medicine and tell your doctor or go to your nearest hospital casualty department urgently if you experience a severe but rare allergic reaction (swelling of the face, lips, mouth or throat which may cause difficulty swallowing or breathing).

If you notice any side effects not mentioned above, please inform your doctor or pharmacist.