Cetirizina para las alergias

About cetirizine

Cetirizine belongs to a group of medicines called antihistamines - it is an anti-allergy medicine. It stops the effects of a naturally occurring substance called histamine and this helps to relieve the symptoms of allergies such as hay fever and urticaria.

La exposición a sustancias como el polen, el pelo de las mascotas, el polvo doméstico o las picaduras de insectos puede hacer que su organismo produzca síntomas alérgicos. Las células del revestimiento de la nariz y los ojos liberan histamina cuando entran en contacto con estas sustancias. Esto provoca la inflamación de la nariz y los ojos, que produce síntomas como estornudos y ojos llorosos.

La urticaria es una afección en la que aparece una erupción cutánea con picor. La erupción puede estar provocada por una alergia a una sustancia, como un jabón o un detergente.

Cetirizine can be prescribed for you by a doctor or dentist, or you can buy it without a prescription at pharmacies and other retail outlets. Tablet and capsule formulations are generally suitable for adults and older children, whereas oral liquid medicine is available for younger children. Cetirizine is not suitable for children under 2 years of age.

Before taking cetirizine

To make sure that this is the right treatment for you (or your child), before you (or they) start taking cetirizine it is important that you discuss the treatment with a doctor or pharmacist if:

• Estás embarazada, esperando un bebé o dando el pecho.

• You/they have any kidney problems. If so, the recommended dose will be reduced.

• You/they have epilepsy.

• You/they have a rare inherited blood disorder called porphyria.

• You/they are taking or using any other medicines. This includes any medicines being taken which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

• You/they have ever had an allergic reaction to another antihistamine, or to any other medicine.

How to take cetirizine

• Before starting the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about cetirizine, and it will also provide you with a full list of side-effects which could be experienced from taking it.

• Recommended doses of cetirizine are:
  

  • 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 you are giving cetirizine liquid medicine to a child, make sure you follow the dosing instructions on the bottle carefully so that you measure out the correct dose for the age of your child.

• You can take cetirizine either with or without food. Some people find it helps to swallow the tablets or capsules with a drink of water.

• If you forget to take a dose, don't worry, just take the next dose when it is needed and then continue as before. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.

Aproveche al máximo su tratamiento

• Most people only need to take an antihistamine for a short while when they have symptoms. You should stop taking cetirizine once your symptoms have eased.

• Although cetirizine is classed as a non-drowsy antihistamine, it can still cause drowsiness in a few people. If you are affected by drowsiness, do not drive, do not use a bicycle, and do not use tools or machines.

• If you drink alcohol while you are on cetirizine, be aware of its effects on you and do not drink more than moderate amounts. Alcohol can increase the risk of side-effects from antihistamines.

• Si va a someterse a una operación, a un tratamiento o a unas pruebas (sobre todo si es para detectar una alergia), no olvide decir que está tomando un antihistamínico.

• Si compra medicamentos "sin receta", compruebe en la farmacia que son adecuados para tomar con un antihistamínico. Hay otros medicamentos que pueden aumentar el riesgo de efectos secundarios.

Can cetirizine cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the more common ones associated with cetirizine. The best place to find a full list of the side-effects which can be associated with your medicine, is from the manufacturer's printed information leaflet supplied with the medicine. Alternatively, you can find an example of a manufacturer's information leaflet in the reference section below. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to cetirizine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

How to store cetirizine

• Mantenga todos los medicamentos fuera del alcance y de la vista de los niños.

• Almacenar en un lugar fresco y seco, lejos del calor y la luz directos.

Información importante sobre todos los medicamentos