Zirtek Allergy Tablets contain the antihistamine Cetirizine which relieves the symptoms ofr hay fever and other  allergies, such as sneezing, irritated, runny and blocked up nose, itchy, red and watering eyes and itchy skin rashes.

Zirtek Allergy treats people suffering from hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis), year round allergies such as dust or pet allergies (perennial allergic rhinitis) and urticaria (swelling, redness and itchiness of the skin).

Antihistamines like Zirtek Allergy relieve the unpleasant symptoms and discomfort associated with the above conditions, such as sneezing, irritated, runny and blocked up nose, itchy, red and watering eyes and itchy skin rashes.

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

Zirtek is also available as:

• Zirtek Allergy Relief For Children  

Zirtek Allergy Tablets Directions:

• Adults and children 6 years and over should take one tablet daily.
• Children aged 6 - 12 years may either take half a tablet twice daily or one tablet daily.

Each Zirtek Allergy tablet contains: 10 mg of cetirizine hydrochloride together with microcrystalline cellulose (E460), lactose, colloidal anhydrous silica and magnesium stearate (E572).

The film coating contains: hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (E464), titanium dioxide (E171) and polyethylene glycol.

Before taking Zirtek Allergy:

• If you are pregnant or if your doctor has told you that you have kidney problems you should consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
• You should not take this medicine if you are breastfeeding or if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any of its constituents.
• If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking these tablets.
• As with all antihistamines, you should avoid excessive alcohol consumption when taking your tablets.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to antihistamines in the past consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking these tablets.
• If you accidentally take a larger dose than recommended consult your doctor immediately.
• You may feel drowsy or dizzy, taking half your dose twice a day may reduce this.
• Zirtek Allergy tablets are not for use in children under 6 years of age.

If symptoms persist consult your doctor

After taking Zirtek Allergy: This medicine does not cause side-effects in most people. However, as with all medicines, some people can react differently.

If you:

• have frequent headaches
• have an upset stomach
• become agitated
• have diarrhoea
• get a dry mouth
• feel weak and/or unwell
• experience unusual touch sensation
• experience fatigue, dizziness or drowsiness
• experience itchiness and skin rash

Stop taking the tablets and tell your doctor

Other rare side-effects have been reported such as bleeding and bruising easily, rapid heart beat, difficulty focusing, blurred vision, swelling, allergic reaction/shock, changes in liver function, fits, confusion, depression, aggression, weight increase, unusual limb movements, experience a bad taste in the mouth, fainting, hallucination, insomnia, bed wetting, pain and/or difficulty passing water, red and/or blotchy skin rash.

If you notice anything unusual or have any other unexpected effects stop taking these tablets and tell your doctor.

These tablets do not normally cause drowsiness. However, individuals can react differently to treatment. If you are affected you should not drive or operate machinery, but should persist with the tablets as any drowsiness doesn't usually last very long.

The Zirtek Allergy web site contains useful information on:

• Zirtek Allergy
• Today's pollen forecast (Only during the pollen season)
• The pollen calendar (Only during the pollen season)
• Desktop pollen forecast (Only during the pollen season)
• Pollen forecast text to your mobile phone (Only during the pollen season)