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Cetirizine/Pseudoephedrine

    Brands

    DEA Class;  OTC

    Common Brand Names; Zyrtec D

    • Antihistamine/Decongestant Combos

    Sedating antihistamine plus sympathomimetic amine Rx/OTC product; used to relieve allergic symptoms and/or nasal congestion due to seasonal or perennial allergic rhinitis. In January 2008, the FDA issued a Public Health Advisory recommending that OTC cough and cold products not be used in infants and children < 2 years of age due to the potential for serious and potentially life-threatening side effects.

    Indicated for the treatment of seasonal or perennial allergic rhinitis and accompanying nasal congestion and symptoms (e.g., sneezing; rhinorrhea; itchy, watery eyes; itchy throat or nose).

    Hypersensitivity

    Within 14 days of taking MAOIs

    Insomnia (4%)Xerostomia (4%)Fatigue/somnolence (2%)Pharyngitis (2%)Dizziness (1%)Epistaxis (1%)Sinusitis (1%)

    Do not use more than directed

    Adrenergic agent, pseudoephedrine, component may cause arrhythmias, dizziness, insomnia, tremor, weakness

    May cause sedation; caution with tasks requiring cognitive abilities (eg, driving, operating machinery)

    Alcohol may exacerbate sedation and cognitive abilities

    Ask healthcare professional if taking tranquilizers or sedatives as it may exacerbate CNS effects

    Caution with history of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, thyroid disease, increased IOP, heart disease, prostatic hypertrophy, or renal function impairment

    Ask healthcare professional if experience nervousness, dizziness, insomnia

    If hypersensitivity reaction occurs, seek medical help immediately

    Pregnancy

    Ask a healthcare professional

    Lactation

    Ask a healthcare professional

    Adults

    10 mg/day PO cetirizine; 240 mg/day PO pseudoephedrine.

    Geriatric

    10 mg/day PO cetirizine; 240 mg/day PO pseudoephedrine; if patient is over 77 years, 5 mg/day PO cetirizine and 120 mg/day PO pseudoephedrine.

    Adolescents

    10 mg/day PO cetirizine; 240 mg/day PO pseudoephedrine.

    Children

    12 years: 10 mg/day PO cetirizine; 240 mg/day PO pseudoephedrine.
    Less than 12 years: Safety and efficacy have not been established.

    Infants

    Safety and efficacy have not been established.

    Cetirizine hydrochloride/pseudoephedrine hydrochloride

    tablet, extended-release

    • 5mg/120mg