Cetirizine and Pseudoephedrine



Zyrtec-D 12 Hour™







Cetirizine and Pseudoephedrine

(se TI ra zeen & soo doe e FED rin)

U.S. Brand Names
Zyrtec-D 12 Hour™
Canadian Brand Names
Reactine® Allergy and Sinus
Pharmacologic Category
Antihistamine/Decongestant Combination
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to cetirizine, pseudoephedrine, or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you have taken isocarboxazid, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine in the last 14 days. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (eg, isocarboxazid, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine) must be stopped 14 days before this medicine is started. Taking the two together could cause dangerously high blood pressure.
  • If you have any of the following conditions: Enlarged prostate gland, glaucoma, heart disease, or high blood pressure.
  • If you are breast-feeding.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to relieve allergy symptoms.
How does it work?
  • Cetirizine blocks the allergic reaction by minimizing or preventing the body's reaction to the allergen.
  • Pseudoephedrine shrinks swollen nasal tissue and opens up passages.
How is it best taken?
  • This medicine is most effective if started before contact with the allergen. Take at least 1-3 hours before.
  • Take this medicine with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
  • Swallow tablet whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.
  • Drink plenty of noncaffeine-containing liquid unless told to drink less liquid by healthcare provider.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • Wear disease medical alert identification.
  • If you have high blood pressure, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have heart disease, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have liver disease, talk with healthcare provider.
  • You may not be alert. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities until you see how this medicine affects you.
  • Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor) or other medicines and natural products that slow your actions and reactions. These include sedatives, tranquilizers, mood stabilizers, other antihistamines, and pain medicine.
  • Limit caffeine (for example, tea, coffee, cola) and chocolate intake. Use with this medicine may cause nervousness, shakiness, and fast heartbeat.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Feeling lightheaded, sleepy, having blurred vision, or a change in thinking clearly. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities that require you to be alert or have clear vision until you see how this medicine affects you.
  • Nervous and excitable.
  • Dry mouth. Frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
  • Inability to sleep.
  • Sore throat.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Dry mouth may cause an increase in cavities. Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Chest pain or pressure, fast heartbeat, or passing out.
  • Severe headache.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store at room temperature.
  • Protect from light.
  • Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
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