In this Article

• What is cetirizine and pseudoephedrine (Zyrtec-D)?
• What are the possible side effects of cetirizine and pseudoephedrine (Zyrtec-D)?
• What is the most important information I should know about cetirizine and pseudoephedrine (Zyrtec-D)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking cetirizine and pseudoephedrine (Zyrtec-D)?
• How should I take cetirizine and pseudoephedrine (Zyrtec-D)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Zyrtec-D)?
• What happens if I overdose (Zyrtec-D)?
• What should I avoid while taking cetirizine and pseudoephedrine (Zyrtec-D)?
• What other drugs will affect cetirizine and pseudoephedrine (Zyrtec-D)?
• Where can I get more information?

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking cetirizine and pseudoephedrine (Zyrtec-D)?

Do not use cetirizine and pseudoephedrine if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) within the past 14 days. Serious side effects can occur if you take pseudoephedrine before the MAO inhibitor has cleared from your body.

You should not use cetirizine and pseudoephedrine if you are allergic to either drug, or if you have:

• narrow-angle glaucoma;
• severe high blood pressure (hypertension);
• severe coronary artery disease;
• if you are unable to urinate; or
• if you are allergic to hydralazine (Atarax, Vistaril).

Ask a doctor or pharmacist about using cetirizine and pseudoephedrine if you have:

• heart disease, coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, or heart rhythm disorder;
• diabetes;
• a thyroid disorder;
• glaucoma;
• kidney or liver disease;
• an enlarged prostate; or
• problems with urination.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether cetirizine and pseudoephedrine is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Cetirizine and pseudoephedrine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Older adults may be more likely to have side effects from cetirizine and pseudoephedrine.

How should I take cetirizine and pseudoephedrine (Zyrtec-D)?

Take this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.

Take one tablet every 12 hours, unless your doctor tells you otherwise. You may take this medication with or without food.

Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow the pill whole. Breaking or opening the pill may cause too much of the medicine to be released at one time.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, if they get worse, or if you also have a fever.

Store cetirizine and pseudoephedrine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.