Do not take cetirizine and pseudoephedrine if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have
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kidney disease;
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liver disease;
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diabetes;
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glaucoma or increased pressure in the eye(s);
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heart disease, irregular heartbeats, or high blood pressure;
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thyroid disease; or
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difficulty urinating or an enlarged prostate.
You may not be able to take cetirizine and pseudoephedrine, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Cetirizine and pseudoephedrine is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is
unknown whether it will be harmful to an unborn baby.
Cetirizine and pseudoephedrine passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
If you are over 65 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from cetirizine and pseudoephedrine. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of this medication.
Take cetirizine and pseudoephedrine exactly as directed. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each dose with a full glass of water.
Do not crush, chew, or break the tablets. Swallow them whole. Zyrtec-D tablets are specially formulated to release the medication slowly into the body over a 12 hour period.
Cetirizine and pseudoephedrine can be taken with or without food.
Do not take more of this medication than is prescribed. If your symptoms do not improve, or if they worsen, talk to your doctor.
Store cetirizine and pseudoephedrine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose,
skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose.
Serious side effects are unlikely to occur. Stop taking cetirizine and pseudoephedrine and seek emergency medical attention if you experience a rare but serious allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives).
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take cetirizine and pseudoephedrine and talk to your doctor or try another similar medication if you experience
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dry mouth;
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drowsiness;
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dizziness; or
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sore throat.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Cetirizine and pseudoephedrine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness during treatment with cetirizine and pseudoephedrine.
Do not crush, chew, or break the tablets. Swallow them whole. Zyrtec-D tablets are specially formulated to release the medication slowly into the body over a 12 hour period.
While you are taking cetirizine and pseudoephedrine, do not take other prescription or over-the-counter cough, cold, or allergy medications without first talking to your doctor or pharmacist.
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Cetirizine and pseudoephedrine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness during treatment with cetirizine and pseudoephedrine.
Cetirizine and pseudoephedrine may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness or dizziness, including antidepressants, alcohol, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, muscle relaxants, and other antihistamines. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products, without first talking to your doctor.
While you are taking cetirizine and pseudoephedrine, do not take other prescription or over-the-counter cough, cold, or allergy medications without first talking to your doctor or pharmacist.
Do not take cetirizine and pseudoephedrine if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.
Cetirizine and pseudoephedrine may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness or dizziness, including antidepressants, alcohol, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, muscle relaxants, and other antihistamines. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products, without first talking to your doctor.
While you are taking cetirizine and pseudoephedrine, do not take other prescription or over-the-counter cough, cold, or allergy medications without first talking to your doctor or pharmacist.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with cetirizine and pseudoephedrine. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.
Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
Symptoms of a cetirizine and pseudoephedrine overdose may include a dry mouth, large pupils, flushing, nausea, and vomiting.