Gixer Tablets 10mg Tablets

Cetirizine dihydrochloride is an antihistamine. It blocks histamine, a substance the body releases during an allergic reaction.

It can ease symptoms of:

• hay fever and other allergies (sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes)
• hives (urticaria) and itchy skin rashes, including eczema
• reactions to insect bites and stings

Many people feel the benefit within an hour.

Take it as your doctor or pharmacist tells you, or as the pack says.

• You can take it with or without food. Swallow tablets with a drink of water.
• For liquid, use the measuring syringe or spoon provided.
• You can take it only when needed, or every day during allergy season if advised.
• If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless the next dose is nearly due. Never take two doses together.

Common side effects include:

• feeling sleepy or tired
• headache or dizziness
• dry mouth
• feeling sick or diarrhoea
• sore throat or runny nose (more common in children)

Get medical help straight away if you have:

• swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue or throat, or trouble breathing (emergency)
• a blistering, peeling or very itchy swollen rash
• unusual bruising or bleeding

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you:

• have had an allergic reaction to cetirizine or another medicine
• have kidney problems
• have epilepsy or other conditions that cause fits
• have difficulty passing urine
• are due to have an allergy skin test (it can affect the results)
• are pregnant or breastfeeding

Do not take it with another antihistamine unless a doctor tells you to.

Store as the pack directs and keep out of the sight and reach of children.

Drowsiness: it is described as non-drowsy, but some people feel sleepy. If so, do not drive, cycle or use machines.

Alcohol: best avoided, as it may increase sleepiness.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: generally considered OK, but check with your doctor or pharmacist first.