Razene tab (30)

 How Does it work?

The most common form of allergy is hayfever. This is a seasonal disorder occurring during spring and summer and is caused mainly by airborne pollens. Typical symptoms include sneezing, runny nose and itchy, watery eyes. For some, these symptoms occur throughout the year, often caused by an allergy to house dust mites or animal fur.

In addition to inhaled allergies there are those caused by eating certain foods, or through contact with certain medicines or chemicals. With these, symptoms appear mainly as skin rashes.

All the symptoms described are due to what is called an allergic reaction between the allergens (pollen, dust, etc) and certain cells in the body. This reaction triggers the release of a number of chemical substances which irritate the body. One of these chemical substances is histamine. It is best to try and avoid exposure to the allergens that affect you; however, this is not always possible.

There are a number of medicines available for treating allergies, the most common of these are called antihistamines - because they counteract the effects of histamine. Antihistamines may also be used to treat allergic conjunctivitis, insect bites and hives. One such antihistamine that treats allergies is Razene.

Razene is an anti-allergic used to treat hayfever and other allergic conditions. It is fast-acting, usually within 10-20 minutes after taking it, non-sedating and its effects last for 24 hours, so you only need to take it once a day.

Your pharmacist or doctor, however, may prescribe Razene for another purpose. Ask your pharmacist or doctor if you have any questions about why Razene has been prescribed for you.

Razene is only available from a pharmacy.

Product Description

Razene is a fast acting, once-a-day anti-allergy treatment for seasonal rhinitis, or "hayfever", and other allergic conditions. These conditions include conjunctivitis, perennial allergic rhinitis, pruritus, urticaria, more commonly called "hives", and insect bites. Razene lasts 24 hours so it only needs to be taken once a day and it offers most people relief from symptoms within about 20 minutes. The symptoms of hayfever, which is the most common form of allergy, include sneezing, a runny nose, and itchy, watery eyes. Each tablet of Razene contains 10mg of Cetirizine Hydrochloride, an antihistamine that counteracts the effects of histamine produced by the body in response to allergies. Razene blocks histamine sites so that histamine is not released. Razene is available in packets of 30 tablets.

Active Ingredients

Cetirizine Hydrochloride 10mg.

Inactive Ingredients

Lactose, Pregelatinised Maize Starch, Povidone, Magnesium Stearate, Hydroxypropylmethyl Cellulose, Macrogol, Titanium dioxide, Polyethylene Glycol, talc.

Warnings and Cautions

• Consult with your doctor or pharmacist before using Razene if you are pregnant or breast-feeding
• Consult with your doctor or pharmacist before taking Razene if you have liver or severe kidney problems. It may be necessary to take a smaller dose of Razene
• Consult with your doctor or pharmacist before taking Razene if you are 60 years or older because your may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine
• Consult with your doctor or pharmacist before taking Razene if you are taking certain sedatives, tranquillisers, muscle relaxants or antidepressants.
• Razene is unlikely to cause drowsiness. If, however, you find that you become affected do not drive a vehicle or operate machinery for 8 hours after taking Razene
• Avoid alcohol
• Do not use Razene if you are allergic to Cetirizine Hydrochloride or have hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients of Razene. Razene does not contain gluten or sucrose but does contain lactose
• Keep Razene out of the reach of children
• In some cases, possible side effects of this medication may include: Headaches, Fatigue, Dry mouth
• Keep Razene in a cool, dry place. Store below 25°C/75°F. Protect from direct sunlight.

Razene is marketed by Pacific Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Auckland, New Zealand.

When you must not take it

Do not take Razene if you have an allergy to any of the following:

• any medicine containing cetirizine
• hydroxyzine (another antihistamine related to cetirizine)
• any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet.

Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include shortness of breath, wheezing or difficulty breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body; rash, itching or hives on the skin.

Do not use Razene in children less than 1 year of age.

Talk to your pharmacist or doctor if you are not sure whether you should take this medicine.

Before you take it

Tell your pharmacist or doctor if:

• You are allergic to any other medicines, foods, preservatives or dyes
• You have epilepsy (fits/seizures/convulsions)
• You have kidney problems
• You have any other medical conditions
• You are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Your pharmacist or doctor can discuss with you the risks and benefits involved.

If you have not told your pharmacist or doctor about any of the above, tell them before you take Razene.

Taking other medicines

If you are taking any other medicines, including any you get without a prescription from a pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop, tell your pharmacist or doctor.

Dosage

• Adults and children 6 years of age or older take one 10mg tablet daily. This can be divided into two 5mg (1/2 a tablet) doses.
• Children aged between 2 and 6 years - Take 2.5mg (1/4 of a tablet) twice daily or 5mg (1/2 a tablet) once daily.
• Razene should not be used by children under 2 years of age unless otherwise advised by your doctor or pharmacist.
• The effects of Razene will not last as long in children as they do in adults so it is recommended that you split the dosage into two for children.
• Do not take a double dosage of Razene tablets if you forget to take your next dose. If you miss a dose but remember over 12 hours before you are due to take your next dose then take it as normal. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose.
• Some people may find that they only require half the recommended daily dose for relief. Razene can be taken at any time of the day and may work a little faster if not taken with food. If Razene makes you feel drowsy then you are best to take it before going to bed at night or you can reduce the dosage by half.
• The maximum daily dose is 20mg, the equivalent of two tablets, and this should not be exceeded unless instructed to do so by your doctor or pharmacist.