Cetirizine-Pseudoephedrine

Cetirizine-Pseudoephedrine is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication used to treat the symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and a runny nose associated with allergic rhinitis. 

• Cetirizine-Pseudoephedrine is available under the following different brand names: Zyrtec D

Adult and pediatric dosage

Tablet, Extended-release

• 5 mg /120 mg

Allergic Rhinitis

Adult dosage

• 1 tablet orally every 12 hours with or without food; not to exceed 2 tabs/day

Pediatric dosage

• Children below 12 years: Safety and efficacy not established
• Children above12 years: As adults; 1 tablet orally every 12 hours with or without food; not to exceed 2 tabs per day

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows: 

• See “Dosages”

Common side effects of Cetirizine-Pseudoephedrine include:

• dizziness,
• drowsiness,
• tired feeling,
• sleep problems (insomnia),
• dry mouth,
• nausea,
• stomach pain,
• constipation, and
• trouble concentrating

Serious side effects of Cetirizine-Pseudoephedrine include:

• fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeats
• weakness,
• tremors,
• severe restless feeling,
• hyperactivity,
• extreme feeling of fear or confusion,
• vision problems,
• little or no urination,
• severe headache,
• buzzing in the ears,
• chest pain, and
• shortness of breath

Rare side effects of Cetirizine-Pseudoephedrine include:

• none 

Seek medical care or call 911 at once if you have the following serious side effects:

• Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, arm or leg weakness, trouble walking, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady, very stiff muscles, high fever, profuse sweating, or tremors;
• Serious eye symptoms such as sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights;
• Serious heart symptoms such as fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats; fluttering in your chest; shortness of breath; sudden dizziness, lightheartedness, or passing out.

This is not a complete list of side effects and other serious side effects or health problems that may occur as a result of the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may report side effects or health problems to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

If your medical doctor is using this medicine to treat your pain, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider, or pharmacist first

• Cetirizine-Pseudoephedrine has severe interactions with the following drugs:
  • dihydroergotamine
  • dihydroergotamine inhaled
  • dihydroergotamine intranasal
  • ergoloid mesylates
  • ergonovine
  • ergotamine
  • isocarboxazid
  • linezolid
  • methylergonovine
  • phenelzine
  • procarbazine
  • rasagiline
  • selegiline
  • selegiline transdermal
  • tranylcypromine
• Cetirizine-Pseudoephedrine has serious interactions with at least 31 other drugs.
• Cetirizine-Pseudoephedrine has moderate interactions with at least 102 other drugs.
• Cetirizine-Pseudoephedrine has minor interactions with the following drugs:
  • desmopressin
  • theophylline

This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects. Visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker for any drug interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist about all your products. Keep a list of all your medications with you and share this information with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your health care professional or doctor for additional medical advice, or if you have health questions or concerns.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity 
• Within 14 days of taking MAOIs

Effects of drug abuse

• None

Short-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Cetirizine-Pseudoephedrine?”

Long-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Cetirizine-Pseudoephedrine?”

Cautions

• Do not use more than directed
• Adrenergic agents, and pseudoephedrine, components may cause arrhythmias, dizziness, insomnia, tremor, weakness
• May cause sedation; caution with tasks requiring cognitive abilities (e.g., driving, operating machinery)
• Alcohol may exacerbate sedation and cognitive abilities
• Ask healthcare professional if taking tranquilizers or sedatives as it may exacerbate CNS effects
• Caution with history of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, thyroid disease, increased IOP, heart disease, prostatic hypertrophy, or renal function impairment
• Ask healthcare professionals if experience nervousness, dizziness, insomnia
• If a hypersensitivity reaction occurs, seek medical help immediately

Pregnancy &Lactation

• Ask a healthcare professional
• Lactation
  • Ask a healthcare professional