Cetirizine and Pseudoephedrine

Cetirizine and pseudoephedrine is a combination drug used to treat sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, and other allergy symptoms. The drug comes in tablet form and contains an antihistamine and a decongestant. Most people tolerate the drug well; however, side effects may occur. Common side effects of cetirizine and pseudoephedrine include insomnia, dry mouth, and fatigue.

What Is Cetirizine and Pseudoephedrine?

Cetirizine and pseudoephedrine (Zyrtec-D®) is a non-prescription ("over-the-counter") medication approved to treat the following allergy symptoms:      
 
  • Nasal congestion
  • Runny nose
  • Sneezing
  • Itchy or watery eyes
  • Itchy nose or throat.
     
The drug contains cetirizine (an antihistamine) and pseudoephedrine (a decongestant). Although cetirizine and pseudoephedrine was originally a prescription product, it is now available without a prescription. However, because it contains pseudoephedrine, it is kept "behind the counter" at pharmacies, due to laws that regulate the sale of pseudoephedrine. These laws were put in place to prevent the use of pseudoephedrine for making methamphetamine ("crystal meth"). You do not need a prescription, but you will need to show ID and sign for the medication.
 
(Click What Is Cetirizine and Pseudoephedrine Used For? for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;
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