Cétirizine pour les allergies

Aperçu

What is cetirizine used for?

Cetirizine is a type of antihistaminique that is used to relieve symptoms of allergies such as rhume des foins ou urticaria (hives).

It is available on prescription from a doctor or dentist, or to buy without a prescription from pharmacies and other shops.

Cetirizine comes as tablets, capsules, and liquid medicine. Liquid formulations are usually suitable for younger children, although cetirizine is not recommended for children under 2 years old.

How does cetirizine work?

Cetirizine works by blocking the effects of histamine - a chemical that is released when your body is exposed to substances such as pollen, pet fur, house dust, detergents, or insect bites.

Histamine causes allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, watery eyes, skin rashes, and a runny nose. By blocking histamine, cetirizine helps relieve these symptoms.

Side effects of cetirizine

Common side effects of cetirizine include:

• Se sentir fatigué ou somnolent.

• Vertiges.

• Bouche sèche.

• Maux de tête.

• Sensation de nausée.

• Douleurs d'estomac.

Children may also experience additional side effects such as:

• Diarrhée.

• Maux de gorge.

• Irritation nasale.

A full list of the side effects which can be associated with your medicine can be found in the manufacturer's printed information leaflet supplied with the medicine.

How to manage cetirizine side effects

Si vous ressentez d'autres symptômes que vous pensez être liés à la cétirizine, consultez votre médecin ou votre pharmacien pour obtenir de plus amples conseils.

Who should not take cetirizine?

Pour vous assurer que ce traitement est adapté pour vous (ou votre enfant), avant de commencer à prendre de la cétirizine, il est important d'en parler avec un médecin ou un pharmacien si :

• Vous êtes enceinte, essayez d'avoir un bébé ou allaitez.

• Vous/ils ont des problèmes rénaux. Si c'est le cas, la dose recommandée sera réduite.

• Vous/ils ont de l'épilepsie.

• Vous/ils ont un trouble sanguin héréditaire rare appelé porphyrie.

• Vous/eux prennent ou utilisent d'autres médicaments. Cela inclut tous les médicaments en cours d'utilisation disponibles à l'achat sans ordonnance, ainsi que les médicaments à base de plantes et complémentaires.

• Vous/ils ont déjà eu une réaction allergique à un autre antihistaminique, ou à tout autre médicament.
  

Comment prendre la cétirizine

• Read the leaflet in your medicine pack before starting treatment.

• Take cetirizine exactly as directed on the label or by your doctor or pharmacist.

• Les doses recommandées de cétirizine sont :

  • For adults and for children aged over 12 years: 10 mg taken once a day.

  • For children aged 6-11 years: 5 mg taken twice daily.

  • For children aged 2-5 years: 2.5 mg taken twice daily.

• If using liquid medicine for a child, measure doses carefully using the bottle instructions.

• Cetirizine can be taken with or without food. Swallow tablets with water if needed.

• If you miss a dose, take the next one when due. Do not take two doses at the same time.
  

Tirer le meilleur parti de votre traitement

• Most people only need cetirizine for a short time. Stop taking it once your symptoms improve.

• Although it is a “non-drowsy” antihistamine, it can still cause sleepiness in some people. If this happens, do not drive, cycle, or use tools or machinery.

• Be careful with alcohol, as it can increase drowsiness and side effects.

• Tell your doctor or healthcare provider you are taking cetirizine before any surgery, medical treatment, or allergy tests.

• Check with a pharmacist before taking other medicines, as some can increase side effects when combined with cetirizine.
  

Comment conserver la cétirizine

• Gardez tous les médicaments hors de la portée et de la vue des enfants.

• Conserver dans un endroit frais et sec, à l'abri de la chaleur et de la lumière directes.
  

Questions fréquemment posées

How long does cetirizine take to work?

Cetirizine usually starts working within 30–60 minutes. It can help relieve allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and watery eyes fairly quickly, with full effect within a few hours.

How long does cetirizine last?

A single dose of cetirizine usually lasts around 24 hours. This is why it is typically taken once daily for ongoing allergy relief.

Can you take cetirizine every day?

Yes, cetirizine can be taken daily if needed for allergies. However, it is usually used for short-term symptom relief. Speak to a doctor or pharmacist if you need it for long periods.

Can cetirizine make you sleepy?

Yes, although it is classed as a non-drowsy antihistamine, cetirizine can still cause drowsiness in some people. If this happens, avoid driving or using machinery.

Can you take cetirizine with alcohol?

It’s best to avoid or limit alcohol while taking cetirizine. Alcohol can increase drowsiness and make side effects like dizziness more likely.

Can you take cetirizine while pregnant?

Cetirizine can sometimes be used in pregnancy, but only if advised by a doctor. Always check with a healthcare professional before taking it.

Informations importantes sur tous les médicaments