Generic name: cetirizine dihydrochlroride
Brand name: Alnix 10 mg tablet
Category: antihistamine
Formulation: each tablet contains: Cetirizine dihydrochloride = 10 mg
Product description: Alnix 10mg mtablet is a white, round, concave, film-coated tablet, bisected on one side.
What is in the medicine? This product contains cetirizine, an anti-allergy. Cetirizine blocks the action of the naturally occurring histamine, a substance that causes allergic symptoms. Cetirizine is less likely to cause drowsiness and dizziness than the older class of anti-allergy medicines.
Strength of the medicine: each tablet contains 10mg of the active ingredient cetirizine.
What is the medicine used for? This product is used for relief of symptoms associated with allergic allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis such as sneezing; runny, itchy nose; and itchy, watery eyes.
This product is also used for the relief of skin symptoms of allergy such as itch and rash.
How much and how often should you use this medicine?
The medicine should be taken orally (by mouth)
Age group: adults and children 12 years and older
Dose of 10 mg Cetirizine tablet: 1 tablet once daily
Age group: Children 6-11 years
Dose of 10 mg Cetirizine tablet: ½ tablet twice daily or 1 tablet once daily
Or, as prescribed by the physician
When should you not take this medicine?
If you are allergic to cetirizine or other ingredients in the product
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Adverse effects:
The following undesirable effects have been reported:
In adults and children 12 years and older:
Drowsiness, excessive tiredness, dry mouth, sore throat, dizziness
In children 6-11 years old:
Headache, sore throat, stomach pain, coughing, drowsiness, diarrhea, bronchospasms (sudden, uncontrolled narrowing of airways in lungs), epistaxis (nose bleeding), nausea, vomiting
What other medicine or food should be avoided while taking this medicine?
Do not use this product together with alcohol, other cough, cold or allergy medicines, or any other medicines that cause drowsiness, sleepiness, and relaxation because of the possibility for increased toxicity.
What should you do if you miss a dose?
-Take the missed dose as soon as you remember then the subsequent dose as recommended i.e. after 24 hours (if once daily) or after 12 hours (if twice daily)
- do not double the dose.
How should you keep this medicine?
Keep the product out of reach and sight of children. Store at temperatures not exceeding 30 degrees Celsius.
Signs and symptoms of overdosage:
Restlessness, irritability and drowsiness
What to do if you have taken more than the recommended dosage:
If you have taken more than the recommended dosage, consult a doctor
Care that should be taken when taking this medicine:
May cause drowsiness; patients should observe caution while driving or performing other tasks requiring alertness.
Do not use after the expiry date on the tablet.
When should you consult your doctor?
Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease. You may need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.
Availability:
Cetirizine Dihydrochloride (Alnix) 10 mg tablet – Box of 100s (in blister foil)
Also available:
Cetirizine Dihydrochloride (Alnix) 2.5mg/mL Syrup (Oral drops) – Bottle of 10 mL
Cetirizine Dihydrochloride (Alnix) 5mg/5mL Syrup (Oral drops) – Bottle of 30 mL and 60 mL