Can you take decongestant with zyrtec

Cetirizine is an antihistamine that reduces the natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose. Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that shrinks blood vessels in the nasal passages. Dilated blood vessels can cause nasal congestion stuffy nose. Cetirizine and pseudoephedrine is a combination medicine used to treat cold or allergy symptoms such as nasal and sinus congestion, sneezing, itching, watery eyes, or runny nose.

Cetirizine and pseudoephedrine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide. You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to cetirizine or pseudoephedrine, or if you have:. Do not use cetirizine and pseudoephedrine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take this medicine if you have other medical conditions, especially:. FDA pregnancy category C.

It is not known whether cetirizine and pseudoephedrine will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medicine without a doctor's advice if you are pregnant. Cetirizine and pseudoephedrine may pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby.

Antihistamines and decongestants may also slow breast milk production. Do not use this medicine without a doctor's advice if you are breast-feeding a baby. Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Do not use in larger or smaller 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. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, if they get worse, or if you have also have a fever.

Zyrtec cetirizine is classified as a second-generation antihistamine and has a duration of action of around 24 hours. While most second-generation antihistamines e.

Claritin, Allegra do not cause drowsiness or sedation, Zyrtec is not considered non-drowsy unfortunately. In addition to its use for allergies, it also can help relieve itching and hives. Most studies report that it has similar efficacy to Benadryl in this regard with the benefit of causing much less sedation.

I want to point out here that Zyrtec-D specifically only lasts around 12 hours per dose because it only contains 5mg of cetirizine. The usual adult dose is 10mg for hour coverage. So, if you do take Zyrtec-D, just remember that you will need to take 2 doses for hour coverage. Sudafed pseudoephedrine is a commonly used over the counter nasal decongestant. It works by producing vasoconstriction in the nasal passages, shrinking swollen nasal membranes which helps to alleviate nasal congestion.

Sudafed also acts to increase nasal airflow and drainage of sinus secretions. Both drugs are primarily indicated for seasonal allergic rhinitis, which causes symptoms such as runny nose and sneezing. Both drugs can also treat other symptoms of seasonal allergies such as itchy, watery eyes allergic conjunctivitis.

Zyrtec is FDA approved to treat hives, or chronic urticaria. Allergic reactions on the skin can often manifest as hives and itching. Because Zyrtec-D contains a nasal decongestant, regular Zyrtec is used for skin reactions. For general symptoms of allergic rhinitis, such as sneezing and watery eyes, Zyrtec and Zyrtec-D are similarly effective.

For a stuffy nose, or nasal congestion, Zyrtec-D would be more effective because of the added decongestant. In a double-blind, clinical study, cetirizine was found to significantly improve symptoms of perennial allergic rhinitis. The study measured symptom improvement by total symptom severity complex TSSC and a questionnaire for four weeks. Another randomized, controlled trial compared cetirizine with other antihistamines, such as fexofenadine and desloratadine.

Results found that the antihistamines showed similar effectiveness. Consult your doctor or pharmacist on allergy medications that may be best for you. Your healthcare provider can give you medical advice on what to take. They may even recommend another antihistamine like Claritin or Allegra instead of Zyrtec for your symptoms.

In some cases, it may be covered with a prescription from a doctor. Check with your pharmacy to see if they accept discount cards. The most common side effects of Zyrtec are drowsiness, headache, dizziness, and fatigue. Other side effects may include a dry mouth, cough, and sore throat.

Zyrtec-D shares similar side effects with Zyrtec because it contains cetirizine. However, since it also contains pseudoephedrine, other side effects may include insomnia, heart palpitations, and nervousness or anxiety.

This may not be a complete list of adverse effects that can occur. Please refer to your doctor or healthcare provider to learn more. Certain drugs should be avoided with Zyrtec or Zyrtec-D when possible. It is not known whether cetirizine and pseudoephedrine will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medicine without a doctor's advice if you are pregnant.

Cetirizine and pseudoephedrine may pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Antihistamines and decongestants may also slow breast milk production. Do not use this medicine without a doctor's advice if you are breast-feeding a baby. Older adults may be more likely to have side effects from cetirizine and pseudoephedrine. 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.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other cold or allergy medicine. Antihistamines and decongestants are contained in many combination medicines. Taking certain products together can cause you to get too much of a certain drug.