Zyrtec-D (Cetirizine, Pseudoephedrine) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

Pill Identifier Search

May 26, 2012

Zyrtec-D

Allergy »

Allergy facts

Allergy involves an exaggerated response of the immune system.
The immune system is the body's organized defense mechanism against foreign invaders, particularly infections.
Allergens are substances that are foreign to the body and can cause an allergic reaction.
IgE is the allergy antibody.
Allergies can develop at any age.
Your risk of developing allergies is related to your parents' allergy history.

Introduction

In this review you will learn how allergy relates to the immune system. You will begin understanding how and why certain people become allergic. The most common allergic diseases are discussed briefly in this article.

What does an allergy mean?

An allergy refers to an exaggerated reaction by our immune system in response to bodily contact with certain foreign substances. It is exaggerated because these f...

Read the Allergy article »

« Previous
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Next »

Zyrtec-D User Reviews >>

Zyrtec-D

10 Common Allergy Triggers Slideshow Pictures

Take the Quiz on Allergies

Nasal Allergy Relief Slideshow Pictures

font size

Zyrtec-D®
(cetirizine HCl 5 mg/pseudoephedrine HCl 120 mg) Tablets

DRUG DESCRIPTION

ZYRTEC-D® (cetirizine, pseudoephedrine) Tablets (cetirizine hydrochloride 5 mg and pseudoephedrine hydrochloride 120 mg) Extended Release Tablets for oral administration contain 5 mg of cetirizine hydrochloride for immediate release and 120 mg of pseudoephedrine hydrochloride for extended release in a bilayer tablet. Tablets also contain as inactive ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, hypromellose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose.

Cetirizine hydrochloride, one of the two active components of ZYRTEC-D (cetirizine, pseudoephedrine) Tablets, is an orally active and selective H₁-receptor antagonist. The chemical name is (+/-)- [2-[4-[(4-chlorophenyl)phenylmethyl]-1-piperazinyl] ethoxy] acetic acid, dihydrochloride. Cetirizine hydrochloride is a racemic compound with an empirical formula of C₂₁H₂₅ClN₂O₃•2HCl. The molecular weight is 461.82. Cetirizine hydrochloride is a white, crystalline powder and is water-soluble.

Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride, the other active ingredient of ZYRTEC-D (cetirizine, pseudoephedrine) Tablets, is an adrenergic (vasoconstrictor) agent with the chemical name (1S.2S)-2-methylamino-1-phenyl-1-propanol hydrochloride. The molecular weight is 201.70. The molecular formula is C₁₀H₁₅NO•HCl. Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride occurs as fine, white to off-white crystals or powder, having a faint characteristic odor. It is very soluble in water, freely soluble in alcohol, and sparingly soluble in chloroform.

Active Ingredients

Active ingredient (in each extended release tablet)	Purpose
Cetirizine HCl 5 mg	Antihistamine
Pseudoephedrine HCl 120 mg mg	Nasal decongestant

Inactive ingredients
colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, hypromellose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, titanium dioxide

What are the possible side effects of cetirizine and pseudoephedrine (All Day Allergy-D, Zyrtec-D)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat;
weakness, tremors (uncontrolled shaking), or sleep problems (insomnia);
severe restless feeling, hyperactivity;
extreme feeling of fear or confusion;

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Zyrtec-D »

What are the precautions when taking cetirizine, pseudoephedrine (Zyrtec-D)?

Before taking pseudoephedrine with cetirizine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to hydroxyzine; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: glaucoma (narrow angle type), severe difficulty urinating (urinary retention), severe high blood pressure, severe heart/blood vessel disease (coronary artery disease), experienced serious side effects with decongestants (e.g., irregular heart rhythm).

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical...

Read All Potential Precautions of Zyrtec-D »

Last reviewed on RxList: 4/29/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.