Razene Information
The most common form of allergy is hayfever, a seasonal disorder occurring during spring and summer caused by airborne pollens. Typical symptoms include sneezing, runny nose and itchy watery eyes. Other allergies are caused by eating certain foods, by contact with certain drugs or chemicals, or can be caused by house dust mites or animal fur. These reactions are caused by an allergic reaction between the allergen and certain cells in the body. This reaction triggers the release of a number of chemical substances that irritate the body. One of these chemicals is histamine.
There are a number of medicines available for treating allergies, the most common being antihistamines. Some antihistamines also counteract the effects of other irritating chemical substances as well as those of histamine. These are called anti-allergics.
Zyrtec is a rapid acting, non-sedating, once-a-day anti-allergy medicine.
Intended Use:
Zyrtec/Razene is a fast acting 24 hour treatment for seasonal allergies (hayfever) Hayfever is the common name for an allergic reaction of the nose, throat and eyes. It is caused by an allergy to things such as pollen from plants. Hayfever usually happens at about the same time each year, eg in spring or summer. This is when there is a lot of pollen in the air because many grasses, weeds or trees are flowering. However some people have hayfever all year. This is usually caused by an allergy to animals, dust mites, temperature change, chemical fumes or food. Things that cause allergies are called allergens.
When allergens enter the nose, throat or eyes, special cells called mast cells become active (like volcano erupting). These cells release many substances, including histamine, which cause symptoms such as:
- Sneezing
- Runny or blocked nose
- Itchy nose
- Watery, puffy, itchy, bleary or red eyes
- Tickly or burning feeling in your throat or roof of the mouth
- Headache
- Itchy ears (inside)
A Histamine H1-receptor antagonist which can be used for the relief of symptoms associated with seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis; allergic conjunctivitis; insect bites; uncomplicated skin manifestations of chronic idiopathic urticaria.It is fast acting, usually within 10-20 minutes after taking it, non-sedating and its effect lasts for 24 hours.
Dosage:
Zyrtec tablets may be taken with or without food. Adults: initially 5-10 mg once daily; children 6-12 years: initially 5-10 mg daily in 1 or 2 divided doses; max. 20 mg/day.
Children 2-6 years: initially 2.5 mg once or twice daily.
Renal impairment: initially 5 mg daily.
Active Ingredient:
Cetirizine hydrochloride 10mg
Precautions & Contraindications:
Zyrtec/Razene should be used with caution in renal dysfunction; epilepsy; pregnancy, lactation and children < 2 years.
Adverse reactions include Somnolence, fatigue and dry mouth. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their doctor first. People with a known hypersensitivity to Zyrtec should avoid taking it. People with kidney problems should seek prior medical advice. Keep all medicines away from children. Store below 30ºC.
Special Precautions:
- Avoid the things that you know you are allergic to. Keep a diary of where and when you get hayfever, especially with plants or flowers eg. Pine tree or grass pollen
- Keep your home and car windows closed during windy days or when the pollen season is high
- Avoid mowing lawns or walking in long grass. Wear sunglasses and face masks when necessary
- Reduce house dust mite by vacuuming often and shampooing the carpet regularly. Hot-wash your bedding material
- Wear a face mask when vacuuming
- Keep pets outdoors and vacuum their hair or fur off the floor or furniture
- Keep your house, car and workplace smoke-free
- Avoid dry dusting - instead use a damp cloth to wipe over surfaces
- Avoid sudden changes in temperature - wear warm clothes and maintain the temperature of your surrounding
- Use your preventer medicines regularly. Start them a few days before the start of the pollen season if you get seasonal hayfever a