Patient Medication Information: uses, side effects, how to take - Priva-Cetirizine
ABOUT THIS MEDICATION
What the medication is used for:
Adults and children 12 years of age and over: Priva-CETIRIZINE (cetirizine hydrochloride) is indicated for the fast relief of nasal and non-nasal seasonal (e.g. tress, grass, pollen, ragweed/hay fever) and year-round (e.g. dust, animal dander, mold) allergy symptoms, including:
- sneezing,
- runny nose,
- post-nasal discharge nasal
- congestion/stuffiness,
- itchy,
- watery eyes,
- itchy nose/throat,
and itching and hives due to allergic skin
reactions.
What it does:
Your allergy symptoms are simply your body’s over reaction in trying to protect you from allergens such as dust, ragweed, grass and tree pollen, animal dander or mold. When allergens are detected, the cells in your body release a chemical called histamine which binds to specific histamine receptors in your skin and tissues. The resulting reaction causes itchy, watery eyes, sneezing and runny nose. Priva-CETIRIZINE (cetirizine hydrochloride) help relieve your allergy symptoms by blocking these receptor sites before histamine binds there, preventing or reducing many of the symptoms of an allergic reaction. Priva-CETIRIZINE (cetirizine hydrochloride) anti-inflammatory properties also help by reducing swelling and related symptoms, including redness and hives (red, itchy bumps or welts on your skin).
Priva-CETIRIZINE provides effective relief of your worst allergy symptoms for a full 24 hours!
When it should not be used:
Priva-CETIRIZINE (cetirizine hydrochloride) is contraindicated in:
patients with a known allergy to it or to its parent
compound, hydroxyzine,
patients who are hypersensitive to any other
ingredient in the formulation (see list of non medicinal ingredients – below),
- patients with severe reduction in kidney function.
What the medicinal ingredient is:
Cetirizine hydrochloride
What the nonmedicinal ingredients are:
Croscarmellose sodium, microcrystalline cellulose, colloidal silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate and Opadry white (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and titanium dioxide).
What dosage forms it comes in:
Priva-CETIRIZINE (cetirizine hydrochloride) Tablets are available by prescription as 20 mg tablets.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
BEFORE you use Priva-CETIRIZINE Tablets talk to your doctor or pharmacist if:
you are pregnant or nursing a baby, or
- you have liver or kidney disease.
Some people can experience drowsiness due to allergies or antihistamine use. If drowsiness does occur with Priva-CETIRIZINE use, do not drive a car or operate machinery.
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.
INTERACTIONS WITH THIS MEDICATION
Do not use Priva-CETIRIZINE with:
- sedating substances such as alcohol
- anti-anxiety medications,
- sleep aids,
- antihistamines,
- antidepressants,
- muscle relaxants,
- prescription analgesics (pain relieving medication).
PROPER USE OF THIS MEDICATION
Usual dose:
Adults: The recommended maximum daily dose is 20 mg. The time of administration, with or without food, may be varied to suit individual patient needs. Note: 20 mg film-coated tablets are only available under prescription.
Do not give Priva-CETIRIZINE to children under 12 years of age. DO NOT EXCEED RECOMMENDED DOSAGE. Prolonged use only as directed by a doctor. Do not use longer than 14 days in children unless directed by a doctor.
Overdose:
Overdose has been reported with cetirizine hydrochloride. Symptoms reported after an overdose of at least five times the recommended daily dose are: confusion, diarrhea, dizziness, sleepiness, headache, fatigue, feeling of bodily IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ
Page 36 of 36 discomfort, excessive dilation of the pupil, itching, restlessness, sedation, lowered level of consciousness, rapid heartbeat, tremor and inability to urinate.
In case of suspected overdose or if any of the symptoms above occur, stop taking the drug and immediately contact your health care practitioner, hospital emergency department, or regional Poison Control Center immediately. Notify of any other medications you may have been taking.
SIDE EFFECTS AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM
The most common side effects associated with Priva-CETIRIZINE (cetirizine hydrochloride) are headache, sleepiness and dry mouth. If these side effects do not go away, call your doctor or pharmacist.
This is not a complete list of side effects. For any unexpected effects while taking Priva-CETIRIZINE, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
HOW TO STORE IT
Store between 15°C and 30°C.
REPORTING SUSPECTED SIDE EFFECTS
You can report any suspected adverse reactions associated with the use of health products to the Canada Vigilance Program by one of the following 3 ways:
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- Report online at www.healthcanada.gc.ca/medeffect
- Call toll-free at 1-866-234-2345
Complete a Canada Vigilance Reporting Form and:
- Fax toll-free to 1-866-678-6789, or
Mail to: Canada Vigilance Program Health Canada
Postal Locator 0701E
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0K9
Postage paid labels, Canada Vigilance Reporting Form and the adverse reaction reporting guidelines are available on the MedEffect™ Canada Web site at www.healthcanada.gc.ca/medeffect.
NOTE: Should you require information related to the management of side effects, contact your health professional. The Canada Vigilance Program does not provide medical advice.
MORE INFORMATION
This document plus the full product monograph, prepared for health professionals can be obtained by contacting the sponsor, Pharmapar Inc., at (514) 731-2003
Pharmapar Inc., 100-5950, Ch. de la Côte de Liesse, Mont-Royal, QC H4T 1E2. Phone# (514) 731-2003; Fax: (514) 731-2004
Date of preparation: July 17, 2014.