|
Zyrtec-D
What is this medicine used for ?
ZYRTEC-D is used for the treatment of symptoms associated with seasonal and
perennial allergic rhinitis such as nasal congestion ( blocked nose ),
sneezing, rhinorrhea ( runny nose ), nasal and ocular pruritus ( itching of
the nose and eyes ).
How much and often should you
use this medicine ?
Adults and children aged 12 years
and older : one tablet twice daily ( morning and evening ), with or without
food. The tablets should be swallowed whole with some liquid and should not
be chewed or crushed.
When should you not take this
medicine ?
• if you are hypersensitive (
allergic ) to one of its ingredients, to ephedrine or any other piperazine.
• if you have severe high blood
pressure or severe heart disease.
• if you are taking
dihydroergotamine.
• if you are suffering from
severe kidney disease, uncontrolled hyperthroidism, severe arrhythmias (
irregular heart rate ), pheochromocytoma, elevated intraocular pressure or
urinary retention.
• during treatment with monoamine
oxidase inhibitors ( MAOI) and also for 2 weeks after heir discontinuation
• if you have a history of stroke
• if you are at high risk of
developing haemorrhagic stroke
• if you have hereditary problems
of galactose intolerance, the Lapp lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose
malabsorption
• if you are pregnant or
breast-feeding
• not in children under 12 years
of age
What other medicine or food
should be avoided whilst taking this medicine ?
Please do not take Zyrtec-D if
you are taking the following medications :
• monoamine oxidase inhibitors (
MAOIs ) an for at least 15 days after stopping this medication
• dihydroergotamine
• theophylline
• ritonavir
• beta-adrenergic blockers
• methyldopa, guanethidine,
reserpine
• linezolid
• digitalis
• antacids, proton pump
inhibitors, kaolin
• halogenated anaesthetic agents
Please do not take Zyrtec-D if
you are taking allergy skin tests. An appropriate wash-out period is
required before performing such tests.
Signs & symptoms of overdose
Diarrhoea, dizziness, fatigue,
headache, malaise, mydriasis (pupil dilation), urinary retention,
tachycardia, cardiac arrhythmia, arterial hypertension, signs of CNS
depression ( sedation, apnoea, unconsciousness, cyanosis and cardiovascular
collapse) or stimulation ( insomnia, hallucinations, tremor, seizures) which
could be fatal.
What to do when you have taken
more than the recommended dose ?
In cases of overdose, please seek
medical treatment
Precautions to take when
taking this medicine
Do not exceed the recommended
dose if driving a car or operating potentially dangerous machinery. Do not
drive if you feel drowsy or dizzy.
Zyrtec-D should be used with
caution in the elderly.
When should you consult your
doctor
Please consult your doctor before
taking Zyrtec-D if :
1) you have any of the following
medical conditions :
• diabetes mellitus
• hyperthyroidism
• arterial hypertension
• tachycardia
• cardiac arrhythmia
• ischemic heart disease
• moderate renal or hepatic
insufficiency
• prostatic hypertrophy
• bladder outflow obstruction
• inflammatory bowel disease (
risk of hypercoagulability )
2) you are taking any of the
following medications :
• sympathomimetic drugs such as
decongestants, appetite suppressants, psychostimulants such as amphetamines
( combined effects on the cardiovascular system ),
• tricyclic antidepressants,
• antihypertensive drugs (
reduction of antihypertensive effects),
• alcohol or other CNS
depressants ( enhanced CNS depressiona nd impaired performance),
• digitalis ( risk of cardiac
arrhythmia),
• Vasoconstrictors such as
bromocriptine, pergolide, lisuride, carbergoline, ergotamine ( increased
risk of haemorrhagic stroke)
• NSAIDs (if you have high blood
pressure and taking NSAIDs at the same -- increase blood pressure )
|
