Almetec Tablets (Cetirizine Hydrochloride)

Adult dose

Cetirizine hydrochloride should be taken orally at a dose of 10mg once daily before bedtime. For patients sensitive to side effects, divide the dose into 5mg in the morning and evening. Adjust dosage appropriately according to age and symptoms. In patients with renal impairment, dosage and administration frequency should be adjusted based on creatinine clearance. For creatinine clearance above 80, take 10mg once daily; For 50-79, take 10mg once daily; For 30-49.

Child dose

Children over 6 years should be administered cetirizine hydrochloride orally at a dose of 10mg once daily before bedtime, as in adults. In children with renal impairment, dosage should be adjusted individually considering renal clearance and body weight.

This medicine should not be taken by individuals with hypersensitivity to specific ingredients or those who have experienced allergic reactions in the past. Patients with severely reduced kidney function or children under 6 years of age should not use this medication. Individuals with lactose intolerance or specific genetic metabolic disorders should avoid this medication due to the lactose it contains. It is important not to take this medication concurrently with certain drugs. For instance, taking it with theophylline or ritonavir may alter the drug's effects or concentrations. Avoid alcohol while taking this medication as it may exacerbate side effects. Patients with kidney or liver problems, the elderly, individuals with seizures, pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their doctor or pharmacist before taking this medication. Elderly patients with decreased kidney function should start with a lower dose and adjust based on their condition, as the blood concentration of this medication can increase. This medication should be used with caution in individuals who have symptoms of poor urine output. Pregnant women should consult a healthcare professional before taking this medication, although animal studies have not shown significant issues. Breastfeeding women should also be cautious as this medication can be excreted in breast milk and may affect the baby. If serious side effects or abnormal symptoms occur while taking this medication, discontinue use immediately and consult a healthcare professional. In the case of overdose, central nervous system symptoms or gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, skin, liver, and kidney side effects may occur, requiring prompt treatment. It is recommended to stop taking this medication prior to allergy diagnostic tests, as this does not affect test results. Caution should be exercised when driving or operating machinery as this medication may cause drowsiness or impaired concentration. Taking this medication with food may slow absorption, but it does not significantly affect its efficacy.

Serious side effects

Urticaria, severe swelling (edema), angioedema, hypersensitivity shock, severe rash accompanied by fever, blisters, skin peeling, pain in oral/ocular mucosa, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, asthma attack, respiratory distress accompanied by cough and fever, jaundice characterized by yellowing of skin or eyes, extreme lethargy, severe swelling or abnormal urination (notable decrease in urine output, generalized severe swelling, high blood pressure), sudden and severe reactions.

Mild side effects

• Confusion
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• fatigue
• headache
• lethargy
• pupil dilation
• itching
• anxiety
• sedation

Drug interactions

Do not take this medication with theophylline or ritonavir.

Food interactions

Do not take this medication with excessive alcohol.

This medication should be stored in a tightly sealed container to protect it from air and light exposure, at a temperature between 15 to 25 degrees Celsius, which is the normal room temperature. Storing it this way will help maintain the medication's efficacy and prevent degradation.

Appearance

(Domestic) White rectangular film-coated tablet (Export-1) White rectangular film-coated tablet (Export-2) White rectangular film-coated tablet

Package unit

Domestic - 30 tablets/bottle, Domestic - 300 tablets/bottle, Export - 100 tablets/box [10 tablets/PTP x 10], Export - 10 tablets/box [10 tablets/PTP x 1]