Texa pill is a South African over the counter (OTC) allergy medication containing cetirizine hydrochloride. Each film-coated Texa pill contains 10 mg cetirizine hydrochloride, while each 1 ml of the Texa syrup contains 1 mg cetirizine dihydrochloride. Texa pills and syrup are supplied by Pharma Dynamics (Pty) Ltd.
Cetirizine is in a class of medications called antihistamines. It works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms mostly outside the brain. It was patented in 1981 and came into medical use in 1987. It is available as a generic medication. In 2018, it was the 55th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 13 million prescriptions.
What are Texa pills used for?
Texa pill is used to temporarily relieve the symptoms of hay fever (allergy to pollen, dust, or other substances in the air) and allergy to other substances (such as dust mites, animal dander, cockroaches, and molds). These symptoms include sneezing; runny nose; itchy, red, watery eyes; and itchy nose or throat. Texa pill is also used to treat itching and redness caused by hives. However, Texa pill does not prevent hives or other allergic skin reactions.
When you come in contact with substances that you may be allergic to (allergens), your body produces a chemical called histamine. Histamine causes most of the symptoms related to allergic reactions. Texa pill is an antihistamine, it blocks the effects of histamine.
How to take Texa pills
Adults and children 6 years and older can take Texa pills. The usual dosage for adults younger than 65 years and children who are 6 years and older is one 10-milligram (mg) dose per day.
Children over the age of 2 can also take Texa liquid for hay fever and skin allergies. Texa liquid can also be taken under medical supervision by children aged 1 year and older.
You shouldn’t take more than 10 mg in 24 hours. Your doctor may recommend a 5-mg dose once or twice per day if your allergies are mild.
Talk to your doctor about dosage for people who:
• are 2 to 6 years old
• are older than 65 years
• have liver or kidney disease
What if I miss a dose?
Take your forgotten dose as soon as you remember, unless it’s nearly time for your next dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose. If you forget to give a dose to a child who is taking Texa twice a day, you can give the dose if it’s within 4 hours of when they should have had it.
If you remember more than 4 hours after, do not give the missed dose. Instead, wait until the next dose and carry on as normal.
If you forget doses often, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicine.
What if I take too much?
Texa pills and syrups are generally very safe. Taking too much is unlikely to harm you or your child. If you take an extra dose by mistake, you might get some of the common side effects. If this happens or you’re concerned, contact your doctor.
What are the possible side effects of Texa Pills?
Texa pill is a newer, second-generation antihistamine. Unlike first-generation antihistamines, Texa pill is less likely to cause side effects such as dangerous drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision, and overheating.
That said, Texa pill can cause adverse effects, such as:
• some drowsiness
• excessive tiredness
• dry mouth
• stomach pain
• diarrhea
• vomiting
Tell your doctor about any unexpected side effects that you have while taking Texa pill. Also, discuss any ongoing or bothersome side effects. These side effects are usually not emergencies.
Precautions and warnings
Following are a few things to consider before taking Texa pill.
- Be careful using machinery
- Even though Texa pill doesn’t usually cause drowsiness, some people respond differently when taking it, especially in the first few doses.
- Be cautious. Don’t drive your car or use machinery until you know for sure how your body will respond to Texa pill.
Check the ingredients
Don’t use Texa pill if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it or to any of the ingredients in it. Also, steer clear of Texa pill if you’re allergic to any antihistamine that contains hydroxyzine.
Can I use Texa pills during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider before you take Texa pill if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, or if you’re breastfeeding. Taking Texa pill is generally safe during pregnancy.
Talk to your doctor if you have certain conditions
If you have liver or kidney disease, ask your doctor about taking Texa pill. If your doctor feels it’s safe for you to take, they may recommend taking less than the typical dosage.
Which medications can interact with Texa pill?
Texa pill does interact with other substances. For example, avoid consuming alcoholic drinks while you take Texa pill. Doing so may be dangerous. Mixing Texa pill with alcohol can cause drowsiness or make you less alert.
If you take any type of tranquilizer, sedative, or sleep aid, make sure to mention this to your doctor before you use Texa pill.
Mixing Texa pill with drugs that depress your central nervous system can increase sleepiness. It can also further affect your mental and nervous system functions.
There is a possibility of a drug interaction between Texa pill and theophylline. Theophylline (Theo-24) is a drug that some people with asthma and other lung problems take.
In some instances when the two drugs were taken, it took longer for Texa pill to leave the body. However, the interaction may be dose-related. It has only been reported with daily theophylline doses of 400 mg or more.
Talk to your doctor if you take theophylline and are considering Texa pill.
Talk to your doctor
Texa pill is an OTC drug that can relieve mild to moderate allergy symptoms. Like any drug, especially OTC medication, you should understand all of the considerations before you start taking it.
Talk to your doctor about any questions you have about your symptoms and any other conditions you may have. Your doctor may recommend a different antihistamine or a combination drug of Texa pill and another product that may require a prescription.
Here are a few questions you might ask your doctor about Texa pill:
• Is Texa pill a good choice for me? What are my options and alternatives?
• How often should I take Texa pill, and how much should I take?
• What effects will I notice after I take Texa pill?
• Can I take Texa pill with my other medications and health conditions?
• Are there any other dangers or risks associated with this medication?
• What are the signs of an emergency, and what should I do in case of an emergency?
Texa Tablets Price: A pack of Texa Allergy 10mg Tablets containing 30 Tablets costs R88 or $5.73 on Clicks and R75 or $4.88 on Dis-Chem.
