Can You Take Zyrtec With Sudafed?

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Yes, Zyrtec (cetirizine) may safely be taken with Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) as there is no interaction between the two medications. In fact, both medications are available together in a variety of combination products over the counter, including:

• Zyrtec-D
• TopCare Allergy-D

Taking Zyrtec Sudafed

As mentioned above, Zyrtec and Sudafed are considered safe to take with each other.

They are in different classes of medication (Zyrtec is an antihistamine while Sudafed is a decongestant) and do not interact with each other. They both can help to alleviate symptoms of allergies and of a cold/flu, including:

• Runny nose
• Nasal congestion
• Sinus pressure
• Sneezing
• Postnasal drip

Since they are so often used together and cover most symptoms brought on by allergies and colds, they are available as a single product, Zyrtec-D (the D stands for decongestant).

If you want to purchase Zyrtec-D (or an equivalent generic product), be sure to go to the pharmacy for it since it must be stored securely pursuant to the laws enacted with the Combat Methamphetamine Act of 2005. You don't need a prescription for it, but you will need to show ID.

In the next sections, I discuss some additional information about each drug.

Zyrtec Information

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.g. Claritin, Allegra) do not cause drowsiness or sedation, Zyrtec is not considered non-drowsy unfortunately. Clinical studies for Zyrtec have reported around 10-13% of users will experience some sort of sedative effect.

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 24-hour coverage. So, if you do take Zyrtec-D, just remember that you will need to take 2 doses for 24-hour coverage.

Sudafed Information

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. Sudafed products must be stored behind the pharmacy counter due to the Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act, so be sure to ask the pharmacy if you need to purchase the product.

Final Words

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