Flamingo Hayfever & Allergy Relief 10mg Tablets, 30 Tablets contain cetirizine dihydrochloride 10mg, an antihistamine used to relieve the symptoms of hay fever, year-round allergies and urticaria (hives).

Cetirizine works by blocking the effects of histamine, a naturally occurring substance involved in allergic reactions. It helps relieve symptoms such as sneezing, an itchy, runny or blocked nose, red, itchy or watery eyes, and itchy skin rashes.

These allergy relief tablets are used for seasonal allergic rhinitis, including hay fever, and perennial allergic rhinitis, including allergies associated with house dust mites and animals. They can also be used to relieve itchy, red and swollen skin caused by urticaria (hives).

Suitable for adults and children aged 6 years and over, Flamingo Cetirizine Tablets provide a once-daily dosing option for adults and adolescents aged 12 years and over. Children aged 6 to 12 years require half a tablet twice daily.

Each pack contains 30 film-coated tablets for oral use. The tablets can be taken with or without food and should be swallowed with water.

Do not exceed the recommended dose. Cetirizine may cause drowsiness in some people. Always read the enclosed leaflet before use.

Main ingredient: Cetirizine dihydrochloride 10mg per film-coated tablet.

Flamingo Hayfever & Allergy Relief 10mg Tablets are used to relieve the symptoms of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis, including hay fever, and urticaria (hives).

Adults and adolescents aged 12 years and over:

• Take 1 tablet (10mg) once daily.
• Do not exceed 1 tablet (10mg) in 24 hours.
• If the tablets cause drowsiness or dizziness, taking half a tablet twice daily may be better than taking one tablet once daily.
• If drowsiness occurs, the daily tablet may be taken in the evening.

Children aged 6 to 12 years:

• Take half a tablet (5mg) twice daily.
• Do not exceed 1 tablet (10mg) in total per day.

Children under 6 years: Do not give this tablet formulation to children under 6 years of age.

Patients with kidney problems: Patients with moderate kidney problems may require a reduced dose of 5mg once daily. The appropriate dose should be determined by a doctor according to kidney function. Children with kidney problems require individualised dosing advice.

How to take:

1. Take the recommended dose by mouth with a glass of water.
2. Tablets can be taken with or without food.
3. Follow the recommended dosing schedule for your age.
4. Do not exceed the maximum recommended daily dose.

Missed dose: If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember, but wait at least 24 hours before taking your next dose, as instructed in the Patient Information Leaflet.

Important advice:

• The duration of use may vary according to symptoms.
• Consult your doctor if symptoms do not improve within a few days or become worse.
• Cetirizine may cause drowsiness in some people. Do not drive or operate machinery if you feel sleepy.
• Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine.
• If you have kidney or liver problems, consult your doctor before use.
• Maintain good oral hygiene during prolonged use, as cetirizine may cause dry mouth.

Overdose: If you accidentally take more than the recommended dose, contact your doctor, pharmacist or nearest hospital emergency department immediately. Take the remaining tablets and packaging with you.

Always follow the instructions in the Patient Information Leaflet.

Do not take Flamingo Hayfever & Allergy Relief 10mg Tablets if you:

• Are allergic to cetirizine, hydroxyzine, piperazine derivatives or any of the other ingredients.
• Have end-stage or severe kidney disease as specified in the Patient Information Leaflet.
• Are under 6 years of age.

Consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine if you:

• Have kidney or liver problems.
• Have epilepsy or are at risk of convulsions (fits).
• Have difficulty passing urine or a condition that increases the risk of urinary retention, such as an enlarged prostate or spinal cord injury.
• Are taking other medicines, particularly medicines that affect the central nervous system.
• Have been told that you have an intolerance to certain sugars.

Pregnancy: If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, consult your doctor before taking this medicine.

The Patient Information Leaflet advises that cetirizine tablets should be avoided during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding: Do not take cetirizine tablets while breastfeeding, as cetirizine passes into breast milk. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Interactions with other medicines: Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription.

Particular caution is advised with central nervous system depressants, including medicines used for anxiety or stress, as these may increase drowsiness and reduce alertness.

Alcohol: Avoid drinking alcohol while taking cetirizine. Alcohol may increase drowsiness or reduce alertness in some people.

Driving and operating machinery: Although cetirizine does not usually impair driving ability at the recommended dose, some people may experience drowsiness, dizziness or reduced alertness.

Do not drive, use tools or operate machinery if you feel sleepy or your alertness is affected.

Important information about ingredients:

• Contains 100.20mg lactose monohydrate per tablet.
• If you have been told that you have an intolerance to some sugars, consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
• Do not take this medicine if you have galactose intolerance, total lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption.

Allergy testing: Cetirizine can affect the results of allergy skin tests. Stop taking the medicine 3 days before allergy skin testing, as directed in the leaflet.

Dry mouth and dental health: Long-term use may cause dry mouth, which can increase the risk of dental problems. Maintain good oral hygiene.

Serious allergic reactions: Stop taking this medicine and seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Sudden wheezing or difficulty breathing.
• Swelling of the face, lips, eyelids, tongue or throat.
• A severe allergic reaction involving a rash, itching or fever.

Severe skin reactions: Stop taking this medicine and seek urgent medical attention if you develop a severe blistering rash or widespread skin redness with small pustules and fever.

Overdose: Taking more than the recommended amount may cause confusion, restlessness, tremor, dizziness, severe drowsiness, rapid heartbeat, dilated pupils, blurred vision, headache, diarrhoea or difficulty passing urine.

Seek medical advice immediately following an overdose.

Storage:

• Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
• This medicine does not require any special storage conditions.
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the packaging.
• Return unwanted or expired medicines to a pharmacy for safe disposal.

Consult your doctor if symptoms persist, worsen or do not improve within a few days.

Like all medicines, Flamingo Hayfever & Allergy Relief 10mg Tablets can cause side effects, although not everybody will experience them.

Additional safety information:

Cetirizine may cause drowsiness or dizziness, particularly in sensitive individuals. Avoid driving or operating machinery if affected.

Long-term use may cause dry mouth. Good oral hygiene is recommended.

Itching or hives may occur after stopping cetirizine, even if these symptoms were not present before treatment.

Reporting side effects:

If you experience any side effects, including those not listed in the Patient Information Leaflet, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

Suspected side effects can be reported through the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme.

Stop taking the medicine and seek immediate medical attention if you experience a severe allergic reaction, breathing difficulties or a serious skin reaction.