Zirtek

What Is Zirtek?

Zirtek is a medicine used to treat seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis. This includes dust mite allergies, pet allergies, and hayfever. It can also be used to treat urticaria (hives and skin rashes) as well as chronic idiopathic urticaria (a nettle-type rash with no discernible origin).

Zirtek comes in 10mg tablet form, suitable for adults and children over 6 years old.

Looking to buy Zirtek online? Prescription Doctor makes it easy to get the hayfever treatment you need delivered right to your door. When you order through our online service, your order is handled by a team of qualified pharmacists in a UK based pharmacy. All orders are dispatched via a next-day delivery service.

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How Does Zirtek Work?

The main active ingredient in Zirtek UK tablets is cetirizine dihydrochloride, a type of non-drowsy or non-sedating antihistamine.

Cetirizine stops histamine (a substance the body produces to defend itself against foreign substances, the results of which are allergy symptoms including sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and rashes) from producing symptoms by blocking the cetirizine receptors.

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How Do I Take Zirtek?

Take Zirtek whenever the symptoms of an allergy are present. You can also take Zirtek in anticipation of an allergic reaction taking place.

For adults and children aged over 12, take one tablet once a day with water.

There is no need to have eaten in order to take Zirtek effectively, and having a full stomach will not affect Zirtek’s usage.

If your allergy symptoms persist despite taking Zirtek in the correct dosage, speak to a doctor or pharmacist for additional advice.

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Side effects and cautions

Before you start taking any medicine, whether it was bought over-the-counter or prescribed by your doctor, it is important to familiarise yourself with the patient information leaflet which comes enclosed with your medicine. You should retain this leaflet for future reference.

Who Should Not Take Zirtek?

Although most people should be able to take Zirtek medication without issue, there are some who should not do so. These include:

• Anyone allergic to any ingredients of Zirtek
• Children under 6
• Those with kidney failure who require dialysis

Who Should Get Medical Advice Before Using Zirtek?

If you are concerned about whether to take Zirtek, speak to a doctor or pharmacist. This should be done if:

• You have kidney problems
• You have epilepsy
• You are pregnant or breastfeeding

Zirtek And Other Medications

Zirtek is safe to take with most other medications, although it may prevent how well histamine works (this is a treatment often given to leukaemia patients). Zirtek can also interfere with the effectiveness of betahistine. Avoid taking Zirtek if you are using either of these medications.

Side effects of Zirtek

All medicines carry the risk of side effects, though not everybody experiences them. Understanding the risks or your medication and remaining vigilant of side effects is important to your treatment.

Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):

• Diarrhoea, nausea, dry mouth
• Dizziness, headache
• Fatigue
• Pharyngitis, rhinitis (in children)
• Somnolence (sleepiness)

Uncommon side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 patients):

• Abdominal pain
• Agitation
• Asthenia (extreme fatigue, malaise)
• Paraesthesia (pins and needles sensation)
• Pruritus (itchy skin), rash

This is not an exhaustive list of side effects. Further information regarding the safety of Zirtek, including a complete list of side effects, can be found within the patient information leaflet.

Other cautions

Always seek your doctor's advice before you buy Zirtek online from Prescription Doctor.

Please inform our doctor of all medications you are currently taking, including those bought over-the-counter, health supplements and medicines prescribed by your doctor.

Do not take Zirtek past the expiry date printed on the packaging. The date refers to the last day of the month.

Never throw away medicine via household or water waste. Take any unwanted or expired medicine to your pharmacy ans ask them to dispose of it safely on your behalf.

Always keep medicine out of sight and reach from children and pets.

Never share your medicine with anybody else, even if they are experiencing the same symptoms as you.

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Frequently asked questions

What should I do if I forget to take Zirtek when I should?

If you forget to take Zirtek when you should, you should take it as soon as you remember. Never take a double dose of Zirtek. Zirtek should only be taken once every 24 hours.

What should I do if I take too much Zirtek?

If you take more Zirtek than you should, tell your doctor or dial 111 as soon as you can for advice.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Zirtek?

Cetirizine can have a negative effect when taken in combination with alcohol and can result in drowsiness, dizziness, and problems with concentration. It is best to reduce or eliminate the amount of alcohol you drink in combination with Zirtek.

Will Zirtek impact my ability to drive or operate machinery?

Zirtek is a non-drowsy or non-sedative medication, and therefore in most cases it is possible to drive or operate machinery whilst taking it. However, if you do feel drowsy then do not drive or operate machinery until you feel it safe for you to do so.

Where can I Buy Zirtek?

You can buy Zirtek over-the-counter from your local pharmacy. Alternatively, Zirtek is available from online pharmacies, such as Prescription Doctor.

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Table of contents

What Is Zirtek?

How Does Zirtek Work?

How Do I Take Zirtek?

Side effects and cautions

Frequently asked questions