Dosing & Uses
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
Interactions
Interaction Checker
No Results

Contraindicated
Serious - Use Alternative
Significant - Monitor Closely
Minor

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 (118)
- 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.
- buprenorphine, long-acting injection
buprenorphine, long-acting injection 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.
- fentanyl
fentanyl and cetirizine both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- fentanyl intranasal
fentanyl intranasal and cetirizine both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- fentanyl iontophoretic transdermal system
fentanyl iontophoretic transdermal system and cetirizine both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- fentanyl transdermal
fentanyl transdermal and cetirizine both increase sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Adverse Effects
1-10%
Insomnia (4%)
Xerostomia (4%)
Fatigue/somnolence (2%)
Pharyngitis (2%)
Dizziness (1%)
Epistaxis (1%)
Sinusitis (1%)
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
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.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