1. What Artiz is and what it is used for 
Cetirizine dihydrochloride, the active ingredient of the tablets is an antihistamine. It blocks the effects of a substance called histamine which occurs naturally in the body. Histamine is involved in allergic reactions.
Artiz is used to treat people who have hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis), year round allergies such as dust or pet allergies (perennial allergic rhinitis) and urticaria (swelling, redness and itchiness of the skin).
Antihistamines like Artiz relieve the unpleasant symptoms and discomfort associated with these conditions, such as sneezing, irritated, runny and blocked up nose, itchy, red and watering eyes and skin rashes.

2. Before you take Artiz
Artiz should not be used for the treatment of cough and cold symptoms in children under 6 years of age. 
Do not take Artiz
- If you have ever had an allergic  reaction to Cetirizine dihydrochloride or to any of the other ingredients of Artiz.
- If you have ever had an allergic  reaction to any other antihistamine containing products.
- If you have severe kidney failure (creatinine clearance less than 10 ml/min).
- If you have an intolerance to some sugars.
- If you are breast-feeding.
- If you have problems of urinary retention.
- If you have hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, the Lapp lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption.
If any of the above applies to you talk to your pharmacist. 
Take special care with Artiz:
- If you have problems with your kidneys.
- If you have predisposition factors of urinary retention (e.g.: spinal cord lesion, prostatic hyperplasia) as cetirizine increases the risk of urinary retention.
- If you suffer from epilepsy or are at risk of convulsions.
- If you want to use for children less than 6 years of age.
Taking Artiz with food and drink
Avoid alcoholic drink while you are taking this medicine.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding
Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine if you are pregnant.
Artiz is contraindicated in breast-feeding.
Allergy Testing
If you are due to have an allergy test, ask your doctor if you should stop taking Artiz for several days before testing. This medicine may affect your allergy test results.
Driving and using machines
Some people have reported that they feel drowsy or dizzy while they are taking Artiz. If you are affected do not drive or use machines.
Important information about some of the ingredients of Artiz
Artiz contains lactose. If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicine.

3. How to take Artiz
Remember. Take the tablet with a glass of water. Do not take more than one tablet each day. If you do not feel better within a few days, consult your doctor.
Children aged 6 to 12:
Take Half a tablet twice a day.
Adults and children aged 12 years and over:
Take One tablet daily. If the tablets make you feel drowsy or dizzy, taking half a tablet twice a day may be better than taking one tablet once a day. Artiz tablets are not suitable for children under 6.
If you take more Artiz than you should 
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 Artiz
If you forget to take a dose, take the next dose when needed provided that you only take a maximum of 1 tablet in 24 hours.
Do not take a double dose.
If you have any other questions about taking this medicine, ask your pharmacist.

4. Possible side effects
Like all medicines Artiz can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
The following side effect is very rare, but you must stop taking the tablets and speak to your doctor straight away if you notice these symptoms:
- A severe allergic reaction including rash, itchiness and fever, swollen throat, face, eyelids or lips. This reaction may start soon after you first take the medicine, or it might start later.
The following side effects have also been reported.
Common side effects (affects less than 1 in 10 people)
- Tiredness, feeling sleepy.
- Pain in the abdomen.
- Headache.
- Dizziness.
- Dry mouth.
- Sore throat. 
- Nausea.
- Cold-like symptoms of the nose (children only). Diarrhea (children only).
Uncommon side effects (affects less than 1 in 100 people)
- Itching and rash. 
- Tingling in the hands and feet. 
- Diarrhea.
- Feeling agitated, 
- Feeling weak or generally unwell.
Rare side effects (affects less than 1 in
1000 people)
- Fast heart beat.
- Edema (generalised swelling due to water retention).
- Abnormal liver function test results (your doctor will know what to do).
- Convulsions.
- Increased weight.
- Aggression,confusion, depression,hallucination (hearing or seeing things), sleeplessness.
- Urticaria (hives).
Very rare side effects (affects less than 1 in 10,000 people)
- Blurred vision, difficulty focussing.
- Rotation of the eyes.
- Unusual bleeding or bruising.
- Bad taste in the mouth.
- Tremor, tics.
- Involuntary movements and/or jerking of the limbs.
- Muscle spasms in the neck and shoulders.
- Swelling of the skin particularly around the face.
- Fainting.
- A recurring rash.
- Bed wetting, pain and/or difficulty passing water.
Some cases of memory loss and/or impairment have also been reported.
Not known side effects: 
- Increased appetite.
- Vertigo.
- Urinary retention.
If any of the side effects gets serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.

5. How to store Artiz
Keep out of reach of children.
Store below 30°C.
Do not use beyond the expiry date or if the product shows any sign of deterioration.
Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away the medicines you no longer use. These measures will help to protect the environment.