Duozinal, (2.5 mg + 58 mg Ca²⁺)/5 ml, syrup, 150 ml

Duozinal syrup is an anti-allergic medication containing cetirizine dihydrochloride and calcium chloride. It is intended for adults and children from 2 years of age to relieve allergy symptoms such as nasal itching, congestion, eye redness and itching, tearing, skin flushing, and hives.

Composition

• Active substances: Cetirizine dihydrochloride 2.5 mg, Calcium ions 58 mg (as calcium chloride dihydrate) per 5 ml.
• Excipients: Sucrose, potassium sorbate, vanilla flavor AR 0345, sucralose, purified water.

Dosage and Administration

Always use as directed. Measure with the included cup. Take 1 hour before a meal, with fluids excluding dairy products.

• Children 2–6 years: 5 ml twice daily
• Children 6–12 years: 10 ml twice daily
• Adults and adolescents >12 years: 20 ml once daily

Action

Duozinal has antiallergic effects, helping control symptoms of allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria.

Indications

• Relief of nasal and ocular symptoms of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis
• Reduction of chronic urticaria symptoms

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to cetirizine, calcium chloride, hydroxyzine, piperazine derivatives, or excipients
• Hyperkalemia, hypercalciuria, galactosemia, nephrolithiasis, moderate/severe renal impairment, AV block

Side effects

Like all medicines, Duozinal can cause side effects, although not everybody experiences them.

Common: drowsiness, tiredness, dizziness, headache, dry mouth, nausea, diarrhea, sore throat, rhinitis.

Uncommon: agitation, paraesthesia, abdominal pain, itching, rash, weakness, feeling unwell.

Rare: hypersensitivity reactions, aggressive behaviour, confusion, depression, hallucinations, insomnia, convulsions, tachycardia, abnormal liver function, hives, swelling, weight gain.

Very rare: thrombocytopenia, tics, taste disturbances, fainting, tremor, dystonia, dyskinesia, eye accommodation disorders, blurred vision, oculogyration, drug rash, painful or involuntary urination.

Unknown frequency: increased appetite, suicidal thoughts, amnesia, memory impairment, dizziness, urinary retention.

Warnings and Precautions

• Consult a doctor if you have epilepsy, kidney issues, or urinary problems.
• Do not consume alcohol during treatment.
• Contains sucrose and propylene glycol (5 ml syrup: 2.852 g sucrose, 11.31 mg propylene glycol).
• Keep out of reach of children, store below 25°C, do not refrigerate.

Use of Other Medications

Inform your doctor of all medications, including OTC drugs. Possible interactions: tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones, fluorine/iron compounds, sulfosalazine, thiazides, vitamin D3, glucocorticosteroids, parathyroid hormone, cardiac glycosides, calcium channel blockers, certain foods, alcohol.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Use only if necessary and under medical advice. Avoid during breastfeeding as cetirizine passes into breast milk.

Use in Children

Not recommended under 2 years.

Driving and Operating Machinery

May cause drowsiness, dizziness, or headache. Avoid driving or operating machinery if affected.