Description
Directions
Ingredients
Warnings
Additional Info
Reactine children’s liquid works fast and provides long-lasting relief for up to 24 hours for children 2 to 12 years.
Relieves:
• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Allergic skin itch
Active ingredient: cetirizine hydrochloride 5 mg/5 mL
Non-active ingredients:
anhydrous citric acid, flavours, propylene glycol, purified water, sodium benzoate, sorbitol solution and sucralose. Sucrose free (sweetened with sorbitol solution and sucralose), 6.3 kcal/5 mL
If your child has liver or kidney disease, talk to your doctor before use. Do not use longer than 14 days or administer to children under 2 years of age unless advised by a doctor. Keep out of reach of children.
Children 2 – 6 years:
1 teaspoon (5 mL) daily or ½ teaspoon (2.5 mL) morning and evening
Children 6 – 12 years:
2 teaspoons (10 mL) daily or 1 teaspoon (5 mL) morning and evening
Do not exceed recommended dosage. Prolonged use only as directed by a doctor.
How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
Cetirizine belongs to the class of medications called second-generation antihistamines, specifically the class known as histamine receptor antagonists. For adults and children 2 years of age and older, it is used for the relief of symptoms associated with seasonal allergies including sneezing; itchy nose and throat; stuffy and runny nose; and tearing, red, or itchy eyes. It is also used for the relief of symptoms associated with allergic skin conditions (e.g., chronic idiopathic urticaria) such as itchy skin and hives. For adults and children over the age of 12 years, it is also used for the relief of symptoms associated with year-round allergies and hives. Cetirizine works by blocking the actions of one of the body's natural chemicals known as histamine. Histamine is responsible for many of the symptoms caused by allergies.
Reactine usually starts to relieve allergy symptoms within 20 minutes and lasts for 24 hours.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Do not take this medication if you:
• are allergic to cetririzine. hydroxyzine or any ingredients of the medication.
• have severely reduced kidney function.
Allergic Rhinitis—What You Need to Know
Allergic rhinitis is a condition caused by allergens in the air. Allergens are things that cause allergies. Some of the symptoms of allergic rhinitis are sneezing, coughing, runny nose, and itchy or watery eyes. The most important thing you can do to feel better is to avoid the things that cause your allergies. Also avoid exposure to cigarette smoke and strong smells. If you do not know what causes your allergies, see your doctor.
Helpful Hints for People Who Have Allergies
If you are allergic to pollen:
• Keep the windows and doors of your house and car closed.
• If you need to use air conditioning, set the unit to the indoor cycle.
• Do not use window or attic fans.
• Check the weather report to find out about the pollen count. The pollen count tells you what kind of pollen is in the air and how much. Avoid spending time outdoors when the pollen count is high. The pollen count is highest on sunny, windy days and in the morning.
• Do not dry your clothing outdoors.
• Shower or take a bath and wash your hair after outdoor activity. This will remove pollen from your hair and skin. You want to avoid getting pollen into your bedding.
If you are allergic to outdoor moulds:
• Stay indoors as much as possible.
• If you need to use air conditioning, set the unit to the indoor cycle. Have your air conditioner cleaned regularly. Air conditioners can be heavily contaminated with mould.
• Use a face mask if you rake leaves or work with compost or dry soil.
If you are allergic to indoor moulds:
• Kill mould with a solution of equal parts household bleach and water. Wash sinks, shower stalls, nonrefrigerated vegetable storage areas and garbage pails with this solution.
• Avoid using a humidifier or cool mist vaporizer. Moulds grow easily where it is damp. If you must use a humidifier or vaporizer, clean it often with a solution of equal parts bleach and water.
• If your home is built over a crawl space, install a plastic vapor barrier over exposed soil and keep the foundation vents open.
• If your basement is damp or tends to flood, do not put carpet or furniture there. For a damp basement, run a dehumidifier at all times. Empty water from the machine often and clean it regularly. For a flooded basement, drain the water as quickly as possible.
• Fix any leaky faucets or pipes promptly.
• Do not keep houseplants.
If you are allergic to dust mites:
• Do not put carpet in your bedroom or main living areas.
• Plastic, leather or wood furniture is best.
• If possible, have someone else clean the house while you are not at home.
• If you must do your own cleaning, wear a face mask while you clean and for 10–15 minutes afterward.
• Use a vacuum cleaner with an efficient double-filtration system.
• Keep indoor humidity between 40% and 45%. You can buy a hygrometer to measure the humidity in your house at a hardware store or home centre.
• Avoid using a humidifier or cool mist vaporizer.
• Use zippered, allergen-proof casings on all mattresses, box springs and pillows.
• Consider replacing old mattresses.
• Wash your bedding in hot (>55°C) water at least every 2 weeks. Cooler water will not kill dust mites.
• Do not keep stuffed toys that cannot be washed.
• Do not store items under your bed.
• Use window shades instead of venetian blinds.
If you are allergic to a pet:
• The best choice is to find another home for the animal. It can take several months before the allergen levels return to normal.
• If you are not able to give up your pet, then:
• You may find it helps to install a HEPA or electrostatic air purifier in your home.
• Keep animals out of your bedroom at all times.
• Keep animals out of rooms that have carpets.
• Try to keep animals off furniture.
• Washing cats weekly and dogs twice weekly may help, though this has not been proven.
• Get rid of litter boxes if possible. If not, put them in an area that is not connected to the air supply for the rest of your home.
• If the animal lives in a cage, keep it in a room without carpet, far away from your bedroom.
Medication to Help with Allergy Symptoms
• You may want to try medication if:
• You don't feel better even when you avoid the things that cause your allergies
• Your allergies are interfering with your sleep or your daily activities