Cetirizine/pseudoephedrine (By mouth)

Introduction:

Cetirizine Hydrochloride (se-TIR-i-zeen hye-droe-KLOR-ide), Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride (soo-doe-e-FED-rin hye-droe-KLOR-ide)

Treats allergy symptoms (watery eyes, runny or stuffy nose). This medicine is a combination of an antihistamine and a decongestant.

Brand Name(s):

Zyrtec-D, Leader All Day Allergy D-12, The Medicine Shoppe All Day Allergy D-12, Zyrtec-D 12HR, All Day Allergy-D, Rite Aid Cetiri-D, Good Sense All Day Allergy-D

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to cetirizine, pseudoephedrine, or hydroxyzine (Atarax®, Vistaril®), or if you have narrow-angle glaucoma, trouble urinating, very high blood pressure, or severe heart disease. You should not use this medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor (Eldepryl®, Marplan®, Nardil®, Parnate®) within the past 14 days, or if you have had a drug reaction that involved trouble sleeping, dizziness, weakness, shaking, or changes in your heart rhythm. Do not give any over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicine to a baby or child under 4 years old. Using these medicines in very young children might cause serious or possibly life-threatening side effects.

How to Use This Medicine:

Long Acting Tablet

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
  • You may take this medicine with or without food.
  • Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew the tablet.
  • Never share your medicine with anyone.

If a dose is missed:

  • If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
  • Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

  • Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
  • Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
  • Keep all medicine away from children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using theophylline, digoxin (Lanoxin®), or blood pressure medicine (such as methyldopa, Aldomet®, mecamylamine, Inversine®, reserpine, Serpasil®).
  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are using any medicines that make you sleepy (such as sleeping pills, other cold and allergy medicine, narcotic pain relievers, or sedatives). Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, high pressure inside your eye, overactive thyroid, problems with urination, or prostate problems, or if you are on dialysis.
  • This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
  • Chest pain, fast heartbeat, lightheadedness or fainting
  • Dark-colored urine or pale stools
  • Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, pain in the upper stomach
  • Seizures
  • Severe restlessness, nervousness, dizziness, or trouble sleeping
  • Unusual behavior
  • Yellow skin or eyes

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Change in how much or how often you urinate
  • Dry mouth
  • Sleepiness, tiredness
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