Benadryl

ollergy

ORAL SYRUP

cetirizine

■    This medicine is used to relieve the symptoms of hay fever and other allergic conditions such as pet allergies, dust allergies and skin reactions.

■    This medicine is for use by adults and children aged 2 years and over.

■    Do not take this medicine:

■    There are some people who should not use this medicine. To find out if you are one of them See Section 2 c

■    If you have ever had a bad reaction to any of the ingredients. See Section 6 for the list of ingredients c

■    Speak to your doctor:

■    If you suffer from any of the conditions mentioned in section 2. See Section 2 c

■    Follow the dosage instructions carefully. Children of different ages and adults need different amounts. These are shown in the tables. See Section 3 c

Now read this whole leaflet carefully before you use this medicine. Keep the leaflet: you might need it again.

1 What the medicine is for

Benadryl allergy Oral Syrup treats adults and children aged 2 years and over: Suffering from hay fever and year-round allergies such as dust or pet allergies. It can also be used to treat the symptoms of urticaria, also known as hives, where the skin looks blotchy, with white raised wheals (bumps) surrounded by redness.

The medicine contains cetirizine dihydrochloride which is an antihistamine that helps relieve allergy symptoms associated with the above conditions, such as sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes and skin rashes.

2 Before taking this medicine

This medicine is suitable for most adults and children aged 2 years and over, but a few people should not use it. If you are in any doubt, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

x Do not take this medicine...

■    If you have ever had a bad reaction to any of the ingredients.

■    If you have ever had a bad reaction to any other antihistamine containing products.

■    If you have serious kidney problems.

■    If you have an intolerance to fructose.

If these apply to you now or in the past, get advice from a doctor or pharmacist without taking Benadryl allergy Oral Syrup.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

■    If you have kidney problems, as you may need to take a lower dose.

■    If you are an epileptic or at risk of convulsions (fits).

If these apply to you, talk to a doctor or pharmacist.

V^. If you are pregnant or breast-feeding

■    Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

nV Special warnings about this medicine

■    In most people this product does not cause drowsiness. However, there are rare exceptions and you should take care when you use this product for the first time. If this product makes you feel drowsy, do not drive or operate machinery.

■    As with all antihistamines, it is advisable to avoid excessive alcohol consumption when taking this medicine.

HL Some of the ingredients can cause problems

■    If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicine.

■    Methyl (E218) and propyl (E216) parahydroxybenzoate may cause allergic reactions which could possibly be delayed.

3 How to take this medicine

Check the following tables to see how

much medicine to take.

■    For oral use only.

■    Do not take more than the stated dose shown in the tables.

Children under 2 years old:

This medicine is not recommended for children aged under 2 years old.

Li> Children aged 2 - 6 years:

ill Children aged 6 - 12 years:

Age    Dose

Children aged ■ Give one 5 ml spoonful in

⁶ - ^{12 years}    the morning and one 5 ml

spoonful in the evening.

■ If symptoms persist talk to your doctor.

Adults and children aged 12 years and above:

Age    Dose

Adults and    ■ Take two 5 ml spoonfuls

children aged 12 once a day. years and above

■    If symptoms persist talk to your doctor.

If anyone has too much

If anyone has too much contact a doctor or your nearest Accident and Emergency Department (Casualty) taking this leaflet and pack with you.

If you forget to take the medicine

If you forget to take a dose, take the next dose when needed provided that you do not take more than the recommended dose in 24 hours. Do not take a double dose.

4 Possible side-effects

Benadryl allergy Oral Syrup can have side-effects, like all medicines, although these don't affect everyone and are usually mild.

If you experience any of the following, stop taking this medicine and seek immediate medical help:

■    Sudden signs of allergy such as rash, itching or hives on the skin, swelling of the face, lips,

tongue or other parts of the body, shortness of breath, wheezing or trouble breathing.

■    Bruising or bleeding more easily than normal.

■    Convulsions (fits).

If you experience any of the following, stop taking this medicine and talk to your doctor:

■    Confusion.

■    Hallucinations.

■    Abnormal liver function tests.

■    Rapid heartbeat.

■    Loss of consciousness.

Other effects which may occur include:

Common:

■    Headache or dizziness.

■    Drowsiness or tiredness.

■    Restlessness.

■    Dry mouth, sore throat.

■    Upset stomach, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, nausea.

■    Runny nose.

Uncommon:

■    Agitation.

■    Weakness.

■    Malaise.

■    Insomnia.

■    Pins & needles.

■    Itching.

■    Rash or hives.

Rarely:

■    Aggression, depression.

■    Weight gain.

■    Swelling.

■    Movement disorders including tremor, muscle spasm and tics.

Very Rarely:

■    Taste disorder.

■    Blurred vision, eye movement disorder.

■    Difficult, painful or involuntary urination.

If you experience any side-effects not included in this leaflet or are not sure about anything, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

5    Storing this medicine

Keep the product out of the reach and sight of children.

This medicinal product does not require any special storage conditions.

Do not use after the end of the month shown as an expiry date on the packaging.

Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help to protect the environment.

6    Further Information

What's in this medicine?

The active ingredient in Benadryl allergy Oral Syrup is: 1 mg Cetirizine dihydrochloride in each 1 ml.

Other ingredients are: Sorbitol (E420), glycerol, propylene glycol, sodium saccharinate, methyl parahydroxybenzoate (E218), propyl parahydroxybenzoate (E216), banana flavouring, sodium acetate, glacial acetic acid and purified water.

What the medicine looks like

Benadryl allergy Oral Syrup is a clear, colourless, sugar-free oral solution, available in 100 ml bottles.

Product Licence holder and manufacturer:

McNeil Products Ltd, Maidenhead, Berkshire,

SL6 3UG, UK.

This leaflet was revised December 2008.

Benadryl is a registered trade mark.

McNeiT)