cetirizine/pseudoephedrine (OTC)

Brand and Other Names:Zyrtec D

Dosing & Uses

AdultPediatricGeriatric

Dosage Forms & Strengths

cetirizine/pseudoephedrine

tablet, extended-release

  • 5mg/120mg

Allergic Rhinitis

Indicated to relieve nasal and non-nasal symptoms associated with seasonal or perennial allergic rhinitis

1 tablet PO q12hr with or without food; not to exceed 2 tabs/day

Renal Impairment

Use caution; dose adjustment to 1 tablet per day may be necessary

Hemodialysis or CrCl <32 mL/min: 1 tablet PO qDay

Hepatic Impairment

Use caution; dose adjustment to 1 tablet per day may be necessary

Dosage Forms & Strengths

cetirizine/pseudoephedrine

tablet, extended-release

  • 5mg/120mg

Allergic Rhinitis

Indicated to relieve nasal and non-nasal symptoms associated with seasonal or perennial allergic rhinitis

<12 years: Safety and efficacy not established

≥12 years: As adults; 1 tablet PO q12hr with or without food; not to exceed 2 tabs/day

Renal Impairment

Use caution; dose adjustment to 1 tablet per day may be necessary

Hemodialysis or CrCl <32 mL/min: 1 tablet PO qDay

Hepatic Impairment

Use caution; dose adjustment to 1 tablet per day may be necessary

>65 years: Use caution; may require decreased dose of 1 tablet PO qDay depending on renal function

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Interactions

Interaction Checker

and cetirizine/pseudoephedrine

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            Contraindicated (15)

            • dihydroergotamine

              dihydroergotamine increases effects of pseudoephedrine by pharmacodynamic synergism. Contraindicated. Ergot derivatives may enhance the vasoconstricting effect of pseudoephedrine and eventually significantly increasing blood pressure.

            • dihydroergotamine inhaled

              dihydroergotamine inhaled increases effects of pseudoephedrine by pharmacodynamic synergism. Contraindicated. Ergot derivatives may enhance the vasoconstricting effect of pseudoephedrine and eventually significantly increasing blood pressure.

            • dihydroergotamine intranasal

              dihydroergotamine intranasal increases effects of pseudoephedrine by pharmacodynamic synergism. Contraindicated. Ergot derivatives may enhance the vasoconstricting effect of pseudoephedrine and eventually significantly increasing blood pressure.

            • ergoloid mesylates

              ergoloid mesylates increases effects of pseudoephedrine by pharmacodynamic synergism. Contraindicated. Ergot derivatives may enhance the vasoconstricting effect of pseudoephedrine and eventually significantly increasing blood pressure.

            • ergonovine

              ergonovine increases effects of pseudoephedrine by pharmacodynamic synergism. Contraindicated. Ergot derivatives may enhance the vasoconstricting effect of pseudoephedrine and eventually significantly increasing blood pressure.

            • ergotamine

              ergotamine increases effects of pseudoephedrine by pharmacodynamic synergism. Contraindicated. Ergot derivatives may enhance the vasoconstricting effect of pseudoephedrine and eventually significantly increasing blood pressure.

            • isocarboxazid

              isocarboxazid increases effects of pseudoephedrine by pharmacodynamic synergism. Contraindicated. Risk of acute hypertensive episode.

            • linezolid

              linezolid increases effects of pseudoephedrine by pharmacodynamic synergism. Contraindicated. Risk of acute hypertensive episode.

            • methylergonovine

              methylergonovine increases effects of pseudoephedrine by pharmacodynamic synergism. Contraindicated. Ergot derivatives may enhance the vasoconstricting effect of pseudoephedrine and eventually significantly increasing blood pressure.

            • phenelzine

              phenelzine increases effects of pseudoephedrine by pharmacodynamic synergism. Contraindicated. Risk of acute hypertensive episode.

            • procarbazine

              procarbazine increases effects of pseudoephedrine by pharmacodynamic synergism. Contraindicated. Risk of acute hypertensive episode.

            • rasagiline

              rasagiline increases effects of pseudoephedrine by pharmacodynamic synergism. Contraindicated. Risk of acute hypertensive episode.

            • selegiline

              selegiline increases effects of pseudoephedrine by pharmacodynamic synergism. Contraindicated. Risk of acute hypertensive episode.

            • selegiline transdermal

              selegiline transdermal increases effects of pseudoephedrine by pharmacodynamic synergism. Contraindicated. Risk of acute hypertensive episode.

            • tranylcypromine

              tranylcypromine increases effects of pseudoephedrine by pharmacodynamic synergism. Contraindicated. Risk of acute hypertensive episode.

            Serious - Use Alternative (32)

            • amitriptyline

              amitriptyline increases effects of pseudoephedrine by sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Tricyclic antidepressants increase or decrease effects of sympathomimetics, by blocking reuptake of NE, or blocking uptake of indirect sympathomimetics into the adrenergic neuron.

            • amoxapine

              amoxapine increases effects of pseudoephedrine by sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Tricyclic antidepressants increase or decrease effects of sympathomimetics, by blocking reuptake of NE, or blocking uptake of indirect sympathomimetics into the adrenergic neuron.

            • cabergoline

              cabergoline, pseudoephedrine. Mechanism: pharmacodynamic synergism. Contraindicated. Additive vasospasm; risk of hypertension.

            • clomipramine

              clomipramine increases effects of pseudoephedrine by sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Tricyclic antidepressants increase or decrease effects of sympathomimetics, by blocking reuptake of NE, or blocking uptake of indirect sympathomimetics into the adrenergic neuron.

            • cocaine topical

              cocaine topical increases effects of pseudoephedrine by sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.

            • desipramine

              desipramine increases effects of pseudoephedrine by sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Tricyclic antidepressants increase or decrease effects of sympathomimetics, by blocking reuptake of NE, or blocking uptake of indirect sympathomimetics into the adrenergic neuron.

            • desvenlafaxine

              desvenlafaxine increases effects of pseudoephedrine by sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.

            • doxapram

              doxapram increases effects of pseudoephedrine by pharmacodynamic synergism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Additive pressor effect.

            • doxepin

              doxepin increases effects of pseudoephedrine by sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Tricyclic antidepressants increase or decrease effects of sympathomimetics, by blocking reuptake of NE, or blocking uptake of indirect sympathomimetics into the adrenergic neuron.

            • duloxetine

              duloxetine increases effects of pseudoephedrine by sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.

            • erdafitinib

              erdafitinib will increase the level or effect of cetirizine by P-glycoprotein (MDR1) efflux transporter. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. If coadministration unavoidable, separate administration by at least 6 hr before or after administration of P-gp substrates with narrow therapeutic index.

            • imipramine

              imipramine increases effects of pseudoephedrine by sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Tricyclic antidepressants increase or decrease effects of sympathomimetics, by blocking reuptake of NE, or blocking uptake of indirect sympathomimetics into the adrenergic neuron.

            • iobenguane I 123

              pseudoephedrine decreases effects of iobenguane I 123 by receptor binding competition. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. If clinically appropriate, discontinue drugs that compete for NE receptor sites for at least 5 half-lives; may cause false-negative imaging results. Do not administer pseudoephedrine until at least 7 days after each iobenguane dose.

            • iobenguane I 131

              pseudoephedrine decreases effects of iobenguane I 131 by receptor binding competition. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. If clinically appropriate, discontinue drugs that compete for NE receptor sites for at least 5 half-lives; may cause false-negative imaging results. Do not administer pseudoephedrine until at least 7 days after each iobenguane dose.

            • isocarboxazid

              isocarboxazid increases effects of cetirizine by Other (see comment). Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Comment: Isocarboxazid should not be administered in combination with antihistamines because of potential additive CNS depressant effects. MAO inhibitors also prolong and intensify anticholinergic effects of antihistamines. .

            • isoflurane

              isoflurane increases toxicity of pseudoephedrine by Mechanism: unknown. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Risk of V tach, HTN.

            • lasmiditan

              lasmiditan increases levels of cetirizine by P-glycoprotein (MDR1) efflux transporter. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.

            • levomilnacipran

              levomilnacipran increases effects of pseudoephedrine by sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.

            • lofepramine

              lofepramine, pseudoephedrine. Other (see comment). Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Comment: Tricyclic antidepressants increase or decrease effects of sympathomimetics, by blocking reuptake of NE, or blocking uptake of indirect sympathomimetics into the adrenergic neuron.

            • maprotiline

              maprotiline, pseudoephedrine. Other (see comment). Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Comment: Tricyclic antidepressants increase or decrease effects of sympathomimetics, by blocking reuptake of NE, or blocking uptake of indirect sympathomimetics into the adrenergic neuron.

            • methoxyflurane

              methoxyflurane increases toxicity of pseudoephedrine by Mechanism: unknown. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Risk of V tach, HTN.

            • metoclopramide intranasal

              cetirizine, metoclopramide intranasal. Either increases effects of the other by Other (see comment). Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Comment: Avoid use of metoclopramide intranasal or interacting drug, depending on importance of drug to patient.

            • milnacipran

              milnacipran increases effects of pseudoephedrine by sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.

            • nortriptyline

              nortriptyline increases effects of pseudoephedrine by sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Tricyclic antidepressants increase or decrease effects of sympathomimetics, by blocking reuptake of NE, or blocking uptake of indirect sympathomimetics into the adrenergic neuron.

            • olopatadine intranasal

              cetirizine and olopatadine intranasal both increase sedation. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Coadministration increases risk of CNS depression, which can lead to additive impairment of psychomotor performance and cause daytime impairment.

            • ozanimod

              ozanimod increases toxicity of pseudoephedrine by sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Because the active metabolite of ozanimod inhibits MAO-B in vitro, there is a potential for serious adverse reactions, including hypertensive crisis. Therefore, coadministration of ozanimod with drugs that can increase norepinephrine or serotonin is not recommended. Monitor for hypertension with concomitant use.

            • protriptyline

              protriptyline increases effects of pseudoephedrine by sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Tricyclic antidepressants increase or decrease effects of sympathomimetics, by blocking reuptake of NE, or blocking uptake of indirect sympathomimetics into the adrenergic neuron.

            • sevoflurane

              sevoflurane increases toxicity of pseudoephedrine by Mechanism: unknown. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Risk of V tach, HTN.

            • sotorasib

              sotorasib will decrease the level or effect of cetirizine by P-glycoprotein (MDR1) efflux transporter. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. If use is unavoidable, refer to the prescribing information of the P-gp substrate for dosage modifications.

            • tepotinib

              tepotinib will increase the level or effect of cetirizine by P-glycoprotein (MDR1) efflux transporter. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. If concomitant use unavoidable, reduce the P-gp substrate dosage if recommended in its approved product labeling.

            • tranylcypromine

              tranylcypromine increases effects of cetirizine by Other (see comment). Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Comment: Tranylcypromine should not be administered in combination with antihistamines because of potential additive CNS depressant effects. MAO inhibitors also prolong and intensify anticholinergic effects of antihistamines.

            • trazodone

              trazodone, pseudoephedrine. Other (see comment). Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Comment: Tricyclic antidepressants increase or decrease effects of sympathomimetics, by blocking reuptake of NE, or blocking uptake of indirect sympathomimetics into the adrenergic neuron.

            Monitor Closely (113)

            • acetazolamide

              acetazolamide will increase the level or effect of pseudoephedrine by passive renal tubular reabsorption - basic urine. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • acrivastine

              acrivastine and cetirizine both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • albuterol

              albuterol and pseudoephedrine both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • alfuzosin

              pseudoephedrine decreases effects of alfuzosin by sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • aluminum hydroxide

              aluminum hydroxide will increase the level or effect of pseudoephedrine by passive renal tubular reabsorption - basic urine. Use Caution/Monitor. Caution advised with frequent or high dose antacids

            • amifampridine

              cetirizine increases toxicity of amifampridine by Other (see comment). Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Comment: Amifampridine can cause seizures. Coadministration with drugs that lower seizure threshold may increase this risk.

            • amisulpride

              amisulpride and cetirizine both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • ammonium chloride

              ammonium chloride decreases effects of pseudoephedrine by unknown mechanism. Use Caution/Monitor. Urinary excretion of indirect acting alpha/beta agonists (eg, pseudoephedrine) may increase when administered concomitantly with urinary acidifying agents, resulting in lower serum concentrations.

            • arformoterol

              arformoterol and pseudoephedrine both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • asenapine

              asenapine and cetirizine both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • asenapine transdermal

              asenapine transdermal and cetirizine both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • avapritinib

              avapritinib and cetirizine both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • azithromycin

              azithromycin will increase the level or effect of cetirizine by P-glycoprotein (MDR1) efflux transporter. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • benzhydrocodone/acetaminophen

              benzhydrocodone/acetaminophen and cetirizine both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • benzphetamine

              benzphetamine and pseudoephedrine both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • berotralstat

              berotralstat will increase the level or effect of cetirizine by P-glycoprotein (MDR1) efflux transporter. Use Caution/Monitor. Monitor or titrate P-gp substrate dose if coadministered.

            • bosutinib

              bosutinib increases levels of cetirizine by P-glycoprotein (MDR1) efflux transporter. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • brexpiprazole

              brexpiprazole and cetirizine both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • brimonidine

              brimonidine and cetirizine both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • brivaracetam

              brivaracetam and cetirizine both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • bromocriptine

              bromocriptine, pseudoephedrine. Either increases effects of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Use Caution/Monitor. Hypertension, V tach.

            • buprenorphine subdermal implant

              buprenorphine subdermal implant and cetirizine both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • buprenorphine transdermal

              buprenorphine transdermal and cetirizine both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • cenobamate

              cenobamate, cetirizine. Either increases effects of the other by sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • chlorpromazine

              chlorpromazine, pseudoephedrine. Mechanism: unknown. Use Caution/Monitor. Consider avoiding use of pseudoephedrine in patients receiving phenothiazines (especially thioridazine) due to the potential risk of cardiac arrhythmia or sudden death. Monitor for evidence of ventricular arrhythmias during concomitant use.

            • clobazam

              cetirizine, clobazam. Other (see comment). Use Caution/Monitor. Comment: Concomitant administration can increase the potential for CNS effects (e.g., increased sedation or respiratory depression).

            • crizotinib

              crizotinib increases levels of cetirizine by P-glycoprotein (MDR1) efflux transporter. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • daridorexant

              cetirizine and daridorexant both increase sedation. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Coadministration increases risk of CNS depression, which can lead to additive impairment of psychomotor performance and cause daytime impairment.

            • dexfenfluramine

              dexfenfluramine and pseudoephedrine both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • dexmethylphenidate

              dexmethylphenidate and pseudoephedrine both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • dextroamphetamine

              dextroamphetamine and pseudoephedrine both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • diazepam intranasal

              diazepam intranasal, cetirizine. Either increases effects of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Use Caution/Monitor. Coadministration may potentiate the CNS-depressant effects of each drug.

            • diethylpropion

              diethylpropion and pseudoephedrine both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • dobutamine

              dobutamine and pseudoephedrine both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • donepezil transdermal

              donepezil transdermal, cetirizine. Either decreases effects of the other by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • dopamine

              dopamine and pseudoephedrine both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • dopexamine

              dopexamine and pseudoephedrine both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • doxazosin

              pseudoephedrine decreases effects of doxazosin by sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • droxidopa

              pseudoephedrine and droxidopa both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor. May increase risk for supine hypertension

            • elagolix

              elagolix will increase the level or effect of cetirizine by P-glycoprotein (MDR1) efflux transporter. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • eliglustat

              eliglustat increases levels of cetirizine by P-glycoprotein (MDR1) efflux transporter. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Monitor therapeutic drug concentrations, as indicated, or consider reducing the dosage of the P-gp substrate and titrate to clinical effect.

            • ephedrine

              ephedrine and pseudoephedrine both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.

              ephedrine, pseudoephedrine. Either increases effects of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • epinephrine

              epinephrine and pseudoephedrine both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • epinephrine inhaled

              pseudoephedrine, epinephrine inhaled. Either increases effects of the other by sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • epinephrine racemic

              epinephrine racemic and pseudoephedrine both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • esketamine intranasal

              esketamine intranasal, pseudoephedrine. Either increases toxicity of the other by sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor. Closely monitor blood pressure with concomitant use of esketamine nasal with stimulants. .

              esketamine intranasal, cetirizine. Either increases toxicity of the other by sedation. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely.

            • fenfluramine

              fenfluramine and pseudoephedrine both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • fostamatinib

              fostamatinib will increase the level or effect of cetirizine by P-glycoprotein (MDR1) efflux transporter. Use Caution/Monitor. Concomitant use of fostamatinib may increase concentrations of P-gp substrates. Monitor for toxicities of the P-gp substrate drug that may require dosage reduction when given concurrently with fostamatinib.

            • fluphenazine

              fluphenazine, pseudoephedrine. Mechanism: unknown. Use Caution/Monitor. Consider avoiding use of pseudoephedrine in patients receiving phenothiazines (especially thioridazine) due to the potential risk of cardiac arrhythmia or sudden death. Monitor for evidence of ventricular arrhythmias during concomitant use.

            • formoterol

              formoterol and pseudoephedrine both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • gabapentin

              gabapentin, cetirizine. Either increases effects of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Coadministration of CNS depressants can result in serious, life-threatening, and fatal respiratory depression. Use lowest dose possible and monitor for respiratory depression and sedation.

            • gabapentin enacarbil

              gabapentin enacarbil, cetirizine. Either increases effects of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Coadministration of CNS depressants can result in serious, life-threatening, and fatal respiratory depression. Use lowest dose possible and monitor for respiratory depression and sedation.

            • glecaprevir/pibrentasvir

              glecaprevir/pibrentasvir will increase the level or effect of cetirizine by P-glycoprotein (MDR1) efflux transporter. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • hyaluronidase

              cetirizine decreases effects of hyaluronidase by Other (see comment). Use Caution/Monitor. Comment: Antihistamines, when given in large systemic doses, may render tissues partially resistant to the action of hyaluronidase. Patients may require larger amounts of hyaluronidase for equivalent dispersing effect. .

            • hydralazine

              hydralazine, pseudoephedrine. Mechanism: pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. Sympathomimetics can antagonize the activity of some antihypertensive agents.

            • insulin degludec

              pseudoephedrine decreases effects of insulin degludec by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Sympathomimetics increase blood glucose by stimulating alpha and beta receptors; this action results in increased hepatic glucose production, glycogenolysis, and decreased insulin secretion.

            • insulin degludec/insulin aspart

              pseudoephedrine decreases effects of insulin degludec/insulin aspart by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Sympathomimetics increase blood glucose by stimulating alpha and beta receptors; this action results in increased hepatic glucose production, glycogenolysis, and decreased insulin secretion.

            • insulin detemir

              pseudoephedrine decreases effects of insulin detemir by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Sympathomimetics increase blood glucose by stimulating alpha and beta receptors; this action results in increased hepatic glucose production, glycogenolysis, and decreased insulin secretion.

            • insulin glargine

              pseudoephedrine decreases effects of insulin glargine by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Sympathomimetics increase blood glucose by stimulating alpha and beta receptors; this action results in increased hepatic glucose production, glycogenolysis, and decreased insulin secretion.

            • insulin inhaled

              pseudoephedrine decreases effects of insulin inhaled by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Sympathomimetics increase blood glucose by stimulating alpha and beta receptors; this action results in increased hepatic glucose production, glycogenolysis, and decreased insulin secretion.

            • insulin regular human

              pseudoephedrine decreases effects of insulin regular human by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Sympathomimetics increase blood glucose by stimulating alpha and beta receptors; this action results in increased hepatic glucose production, glycogenolysis, and decreased insulin secretion.

            • isoproterenol

              isoproterenol and pseudoephedrine both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • istradefylline

              istradefylline will increase the level or effect of cetirizine by P-glycoprotein (MDR1) efflux transporter. Use Caution/Monitor. Istradefylline 40 mg/day increased peak levels and AUC of P-gp substrates in clinical trials. Consider dose reduction of sensitive P-gp substrates.

            • levalbuterol

              levalbuterol and pseudoephedrine both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • lisdexamfetamine

              lisdexamfetamine and pseudoephedrine both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • lomitapide

              lomitapide increases levels of cetirizine by P-glycoprotein (MDR1) efflux transporter. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Consider reducing dose when used concomitantly with lomitapide.

            • lurasidone

              lurasidone, cetirizine. Either increases toxicity of the other by Other (see comment). Use Caution/Monitor. Comment: Potential for increased CNS depressant effects when used concurrently; monitor for increased adverse effects and toxicity.

            • metaproterenol

              metaproterenol and pseudoephedrine both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • methamphetamine

              methamphetamine and pseudoephedrine both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • methenamine

              methenamine decreases effects of pseudoephedrine by unknown mechanism. Use Caution/Monitor. Urinary excretion of indirect acting alpha/beta agonists (eg, pseudoephedrine) may increase when administered concomitantly with urinary acidifying agents, resulting in lower serum concentrations.

            • methyldopa

              methyldopa increases effects of pseudoephedrine by unknown mechanism. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • methylenedioxymethamphetamine

              methylenedioxymethamphetamine and pseudoephedrine both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • midazolam intranasal

              midazolam intranasal, cetirizine. Either increases effects of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Concomitant use of barbiturates, alcohol, or other CNS depressants may increase the risk of hypoventilation, airway obstruction, desaturation, or apnea and may contribute to profound and/or prolonged drug effect.

            • midodrine

              midodrine and pseudoephedrine both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • nateglinide

              pseudoephedrine decreases effects of nateglinide by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. Coadministration may reduce nateglinide's hypoglycemic action.

            • norepinephrine

              norepinephrine and pseudoephedrine both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • olodaterol inhaled

              pseudoephedrine and olodaterol inhaled both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor. Caution with coadministration of adrenergic drugs by any route because of additive sympathetic effects

            • oxytocin

              oxytocin increases effects of pseudoephedrine by pharmacodynamic synergism. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • perphenazine

              perphenazine, pseudoephedrine. Mechanism: unknown. Use Caution/Monitor. Consider avoiding use of pseudoephedrine in patients receiving phenothiazines (especially thioridazine) due to the potential risk of cardiac arrhythmia or sudden death. Monitor for evidence of ventricular arrhythmias during concomitant use.

            • phendimetrazine

              phendimetrazine and pseudoephedrine both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • phenelzine

              phenelzine increases effects of cetirizine by Other (see comment). Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Comment: Coadministration of phenelzine and antihistamines may result in additive CNS depressant effects. MAO inhibitors also prolong and intensify anticholinergic effects of antihistamines. .

            • phentermine

              phentermine and pseudoephedrine both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • phenylephrine

              phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • phenylephrine PO

              phenylephrine PO and pseudoephedrine both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • pirbuterol

              pirbuterol and pseudoephedrine both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • ponatinib

              ponatinib increases levels of cetirizine by P-glycoprotein (MDR1) efflux transporter. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • potassium phosphate

              potassium phosphate decreases effects of pseudoephedrine by unknown mechanism. Use Caution/Monitor. Urinary excretion of indirect acting alpha/beta agonists (eg, pseudoephedrine) may increase when administered concomitantly with urinary acidifying agents, resulting in lower serum concentrations.

            • pregabalin

              pregabalin, cetirizine. Either increases effects of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Coadministration of CNS depressants can result in serious, life-threatening, and fatal respiratory depression. Use lowest dose possible and monitor for respiratory depression and sedation.

            • prochlorperazine

              prochlorperazine, pseudoephedrine. Mechanism: unknown. Use Caution/Monitor. Consider avoiding use of pseudoephedrine in patients receiving phenothiazines (especially thioridazine) due to the potential risk of cardiac arrhythmia or sudden death. Monitor for evidence of ventricular arrhythmias during concomitant use.

            • promazine

              promazine, pseudoephedrine. Mechanism: unknown. Use Caution/Monitor. Risk of cardiac arrhythmia or sudden death, more likely w/thioridazine than other phenothiazines. Interaction more likely in certain predisposed pts. only.

            • promethazine

              promethazine, pseudoephedrine. Mechanism: unknown. Use Caution/Monitor. Risk of cardiac arrhythmia or sudden death, more likely w/thioridazine than other phenothiazines. Interaction more likely in certain predisposed pts. only.

            • propylhexedrine

              propylhexedrine and pseudoephedrine both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • ritonavir

              ritonavir increases levels of cetirizine by decreasing metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • safinamide

              pseudoephedrine and safinamide both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor. Monitor patients for hypertension if safinamide is prescribed concomitantly with prescription or nonprescription sympathomimetics, including nasal, oral, or ophthalmic decongestants and cold remedies.

            • salmeterol

              salmeterol and pseudoephedrine both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • sarecycline

              sarecycline will increase the level or effect of cetirizine by P-glycoprotein (MDR1) efflux transporter. Use Caution/Monitor. Monitor for toxicities of P-gp substrates that may require dosage reduction when coadministered with P-gp inhibitors.

            • serdexmethylphenidate/dexmethylphenidate

              serdexmethylphenidate/dexmethylphenidate and pseudoephedrine both decrease sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.

              serdexmethylphenidate/dexmethylphenidate and pseudoephedrine both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • silodosin

              pseudoephedrine decreases effects of silodosin by sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • sodium bicarbonate

              sodium bicarbonate will increase the level or effect of pseudoephedrine by passive renal tubular reabsorption - basic urine. Use Caution/Monitor. Caution advised with frequent or high dose antacids

            • sodium citrate/citric acid

              sodium citrate/citric acid will increase the level or effect of pseudoephedrine by passive renal tubular reabsorption - basic urine. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • sodium lactate

              sodium lactate will increase the level or effect of pseudoephedrine by passive renal tubular reabsorption - basic urine. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • sodium phosphates, IV

              sodium phosphates, IV decreases effects of pseudoephedrine by unknown mechanism. Use Caution/Monitor. Urinary excretion of indirect acting alpha/beta agonists (eg, pseudoephedrine) may increase when administered concomitantly with urinary acidifying agents, resulting in lower serum concentrations.

            • solriamfetol

              pseudoephedrine and solriamfetol both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • spironolactone

              spironolactone decreases effects of pseudoephedrine by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • stiripentol

              stiripentol will increase the level or effect of cetirizine by P-glycoprotein (MDR1) efflux transporter. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Consider reducing the dose of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) substrates, if adverse reactions are experienced when administered concomitantly with stiripentol.

              stiripentol, cetirizine. Either increases effects of the other by sedation. Use Caution/Monitor. Concurrent use of medications with CNS depressant effects together with thalidomide should be avoided due to the risk for additive sedative effects.

            • tamsulosin

              pseudoephedrine decreases effects of tamsulosin by sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • terazosin

              pseudoephedrine decreases effects of terazosin by sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • terbutaline

              terbutaline and pseudoephedrine both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • thioridazine

              thioridazine, pseudoephedrine. Mechanism: unknown. Use Caution/Monitor. Consider avoiding use of pseudoephedrine in patients receiving phenothiazines (especially thioridazine) due to the potential risk of cardiac arrhythmia or sudden death. Monitor for evidence of ventricular arrhythmias during concomitant use.

            • trifluoperazine

              trifluoperazine, pseudoephedrine. Mechanism: unknown. Use Caution/Monitor. Consider avoiding use of pseudoephedrine in patients receiving phenothiazines (especially thioridazine) due to the potential risk of cardiac arrhythmia or sudden death. Monitor for evidence of ventricular arrhythmias during concomitant use.

            • tucatinib

              tucatinib will increase the level or effect of cetirizine by P-glycoprotein (MDR1) efflux transporter. Use Caution/Monitor. Consider reducing the dosage of P-gp substrates, where minimal concentration changes may lead to serious or life-threatening toxicities.

            • vemurafenib

              vemurafenib increases levels of cetirizine by P-glycoprotein (MDR1) efflux transporter. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • xylometazoline

              pseudoephedrine and xylometazoline both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.

            Minor (2)

            • desmopressin

              desmopressin increases effects of pseudoephedrine by pharmacodynamic synergism. Minor/Significance Unknown.

            • theophylline

              theophylline increases levels of cetirizine by decreasing elimination. Minor/Significance Unknown.

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            Adverse Effects

            1-10%

            Insomnia (4%)

            Xerostomia (4%)

            Fatigue/somnolence (2%)

            Pharyngitis (2%)

            Dizziness (1%)

            Epistaxis (1%)

            Sinusitis (1%)

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            Warnings

            Contraindications

            Hypersensitivity

            Within 14 days of taking MAOIs

            Cautions

            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

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            Pregnancy & Lactation

            Pregnancy

            Ask a healthcare professional

            Lactation

            Ask a healthcare professional

            Pregnancy Categories

            A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.

            B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.

            C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.

            D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.

            X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.

            NA: Information not available.

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            Pharmacology

            Mechanism of Action

            Cetirizine: Histamine H1-receptor antagonist

            Pseudoephedrine: Alpha adrenergic agonist; decongestant in respiratory tract mucous membranes

            Pharmacokinetics

            Half-Life: 7.9 hr (cetirizine); 6 hr (pseudoephedrine)

            Onset: 20-60 min (cetirizine); 30 min (pseudoephedrine)

            Vd: 2.6-3.3 L/kg (cetirizine)

            Peak Plasma Time:2.2 hr (cetirizine); 4.4 hr (pseudoephedrine)

            Peak Plasma Concentration: 422 ng/mL (pseudoephedrine)

            Protein Bound: 93% (cetirizine)

            Metabolism: Liver, low first-pass (cetirizine)

            Clearance: 7.3-7.6 mL/min/kg (pseudoephedrine)

            Excretion: Cetirizine: feces (10%), urine (70%); pseudoephedrine: urine

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            Images

            No images available for this drug.
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            Patient Handout

            A Patient Handout is not currently available for this monograph.
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            Medscape prescription drug monographs are based on FDA-approved labeling information, unless otherwise noted, combined with additional data derived from primary medical literature.