Zirtek Allergy Relief is an antihistamine medication used to treat hay fever, year-round allergies like dust or pet allergies, and urticaria (swelling, redness, and itchiness of the skin) in adults and children aged 6 years and above. It helps relieve symptoms such as sneezing, runny and blocked nose, itchy and watery eyes, and skin rashes.

Key features:

• Treats hay fever, dust, pet allergies
• Relieves sneezing, itchy eyes, skin rashes
• Active ingredient: Cetirizine dihydrochloride

What is the active ingredient and how does it work?

The active ingredient in Zirtek Allergy Relief is cetirizine dihydrochloride, an antihistamine. It functions by blocking the effects of histamine, a naturally occurring substance in the body that plays a role in allergic reactions. By inhibiting histamine, cetirizine dihydrochloride alleviates symptoms associated with allergies such as hay fever, perennial allergic rhinitis, and urticaria.

What symptoms or conditions can be treated with this product?

Zirtek® Allergy Relief, containing the active ingredient cetirizine dihydrochloride, is an antihistamine designed to alleviate symptoms associated with 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).

What are the initial symptoms of hay fever?

The first signs of hay fever consist of frequent sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, itchy, red or watery eyes (allergic conjunctivitis), an itchy throat, mouth, nose and ears, and a cough due to postnasal drip.

What causes hay fever to occur?

Hay fever results from the nose and/or eyes coming into contact with environmental allergens such as pollens from grasses, weeds or trees, dust mites, moulds, and animal dander, with the condition often associated with spring when grass pollen levels peak.

In which months is hay fever most prevalent?

Hay fever typically worsens between late March and September, particularly during warm, humid, and windy conditions, when pollen counts are at their highest.

How long does hay fever usually last?

Hay fever occurs annually and lasts for about 2-3 weeks per allergen, causing itchiness in the nose and eyes as well as other nasal symptoms.

Can increasing water intake alleviate hay fever symptoms?

Yes, drinking more water can help, as dehydration leads to increased histamine production, which triggers allergy symptoms. Staying well-hydrated can help reduce histamine production and alleviate symptoms.

At what time of day are hay fever symptoms the worst?

Hay fever symptoms tend to be worse at night, between 8 pm and 10 pm in rural areas, as pollen descends with the cooling air.

Can hay fever cause fatigue?

Yes, tiredness can be a symptom of hay fever, often resulting from a blocked nose or an allergy-related headache affecting sleep quality.

Active Ingredient: Cetirizine Hydrochloride 10mg.

Other Ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Lactose, Colloidal Anhydrous Silica, Magnesium Stearate, Hydroxypropylmethyl Cellulose (E464), Titanium Dioxide (E171) and Polyethylene Glycol.

Adults and children aged 12 years and over:

Take one tablet daily. If the tablets make you feel drowsy or dizzy, taking half a tablet twice a day may be better than taking one tablet once a day.

Children aged 6 to 12 years:

Take half a tablet twice a day.

Children under 6 years: Not suitable.

Avoid alcoholic drink while you are taking this medicine.

If you are due to have an allergy test, ask your doctor if you should stop taking Zirtek Allergy for several days before testing. This medicine may affect your allergy test results.

Some people have reported that they feel drowsy or dizzy while they are taking Zirtek Allergy .

If you are affected do not drive or use machines.

This medicine contains lactose. If you have been told that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking these tablets.

Do not take Zirtek Allergy if:

• You are allergic to cetirizine dihydrochloride or any of the other ingredients in this medicine.
• You are breastfeeding.
• You have severe kidney failure (creatinine clearance less than 10 ml/min).
• You have problems of urinary retention.
• You have hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, the Lapp lactase deficiency or glucose- galactose malabsorption.

Check with your pharmacist before taking Zirtek Allergy if:

• You have problems with your kidneys.
• You have predisposition factors of urinary retention (eg: spinalcord lesion, prostatic hyperplasia) as cetirizine increases the risk of urinary retention.
• You suffer from epilepsy or are at risk of convulsions.
• You want to use for children less than 6 years of age
• You are pregnant or trying to become pregnant.

The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with cetirizine. Just because a side effect is stated here doesn't mean that all people taking this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

• Common side effects (affect between 1 in 10 and 1 in 100 people)
• Headache.
• Dizziness.
• Mild sleepiness or feeling tired. Don't drive or drink alcohol if affected.
• Dry mouth.
• Sore throat.
• Feeling sick or abdominal pain.