cetirizine and pseudoephedrine

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Pronunciation: se TIR i zeen and SOO doe e FED rin

Brand: All Day Allergy-D, Goodsense Cetirizine D-12 Hour, ZyrTEC-D

Zyrtec-D

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What is the most important information I should know about cetirizine and pseudoephedrine?

You should not use this medicine if you have narrow-angle glaucoma, severe high blood pressure (hypertension), severe coronary artery disease, if you are unable to urinate, or if you are allergic to hydroxyzine (Atarax, Vistaril).

Do not use this medicine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, and tranylcypromine.

What is cetirizine and pseudoephedrine?

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.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking cetirizine and pseudoephedrine?

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to cetirizine or pseudoephedrine, or if you have:

narrow-angle glaucoma;
severe high blood pressure (hypertension);
severe coronary artery disease;
if you are unable to urinate; or
if you are allergic to hydralazine (Atarax, Vistaril).

Do not use cetirizine and pseudoephedrine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, and tranylcypromine.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take this medicine if you have other medical conditions, especially:

heart disease, coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, or heart rhythm disorder;
diabetes;
a thyroid disorder;
glaucoma;
kidney or liver disease;
an enlarged prostate; or
problems with urination.

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.

Older adults may be more likely to have side effects from cetirizine and pseudoephedrine.

How should I take cetirizine and pseudoephedrine?

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.

Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow it whole.

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.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

What should I avoid while taking cetirizine and pseudoephedrine?

This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase some of the side effects of cetirizine.

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. Check the label to see if a medicine contains an antihistamine or decongestant.

What are the possible side effects of 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.

Stop using cetirizine and pseudoephedrine and call your doctor at once if you have:

fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat;
weakness, tremors (uncontrolled shaking)
severe restless feeling, hyperactivity, extreme feeling of fear or confusion;
problems with vision;
little or no urinating; or
high blood pressure (severe headache, buzzing in your ears, chest pain, shortness of breath, uneven heartbeats).

Common side effects may include:

dizziness, drowsiness, tired feeling;
sleep problems (insomnia);
dry mouth, nausea, stomach pain, constipation; or
trouble concentrating.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect cetirizine and pseudoephedrine?

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine if you are also using any other drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Some medicines can cause unwanted or dangerous effects when used together. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Taking this medicine with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can worsen these effects. Ask your doctor before taking cetirizine and pseudoephedrine with a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine, muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about cetirizine and pseudoephedrine.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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