What to do if your child has an allergic reaction CETIRIZINE
Information for patients
NHS Lanarkshire Neonatal Department
PIL.CETIRI.87942.P
The following are symptoms of a MILD allergic reaction:
1. Swollen lips, face or eyes
2. Itchy or tingly mouth
3. Hives or itchy rash
4. Abdominal cramps or vomiting
5. Runny nose or sneezing
Give CETIRIZINE
The dose can be advised by a healthcare professional or a pharmacist.
If after 10 minutes symptoms are no better, then:
Repeat Cetirizine as above
And seek advice from your GP urgently (or NHS 24 if out of hours).
Symptoms of a SEVERE reaction:
1. Hoarse voice
2. Difficulty swallowing, choking
3. Difficult or noisy breathing, wheeze Persistent cough
4. Dizziness, going pale or floppy, suddenly sleepy
5. Collapse, unresponsive [put child into recovery position].
Lie your child down (let them sit if they prefer)
Phone 999 and state “Anaphylaxis [AN-A-FEE-LAX-IS]”
Give CETIRIZINE (if able to swallow).
If your child is wheezy and has a blue inhaler, give 10 puffs via spacer.
Always have your Cetirizine with you!
Useful Contacts
NHS24 – Health Information and Self Care Advice for Scotland
You can contact NHS24 for out of hours advice when your GP surgery or Health Centre is closed.
Tel: 111
Textphone users – 18001 111
NHS inform – National Health information service
Providing a co-ordinated approach and a single source of quality assured health information for the public in Scotland.
Review date: November 2023
Issue No: 03
Reference: PIL.CETIRI.87942.P
21_23934
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