What is the difference between sudafed and zyrtec

Health Information Library. What is the most important information I should know about cetirizine and pseudoephedrine? What is cetirizine and pseudoephedrine? What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking cetirizine and pseudoephedrine? How should I take cetirizine and pseudoephedrine? Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow it whole. What happens if I miss a 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? Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase some of the side effects of cetirizine. What are the possible side effects of cetirizine and pseudoephedrine? Stop using cetirizine and pseudoephedrine and call your doctor at once if you have:. What other drugs will affect cetirizine and pseudoephedrine?

Where can I get more information? Your pharmacist can provide more information about cetirizine and pseudoephedrine. Copyright Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 4. Do not give any over-the-counter OTC cough and cold medicine to a baby or child under 4 years of age. Using these medicines in very young children might cause serious or possibly life-threatening side effects.

There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Sign up for free, and stay up-to-date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID, plus expert advice on managing your health.

Error Email field is required. Error Include a valid email address. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information and to understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your e-mail and website usage information with other information we have about you. If you can't, consider an allergy medication with an added decongestant.

Claritin-D, Allegra-D, and Zyrtec-D all contain a decongestant called pseudoephedrine, the same active ingredient that powers Sudafed.

It makes your nose feel less stopped up by narrowing the blood vessels inside your nostrils. Pseudoephedrine's usefulness when making methamphetamine means that in the United States, these drugs need to be purchased directly from the pharmacist with a government ID. If your primary symptom is a stuffed up nose, you can also ask your doctor about decongesting nasal sprays.

Most require a prescription, but Nasacort is one that recently became available over the counter. With or without a decongestant, Allegra, Claritin, and Zyrtec are all antihistamines, meaning they calm down your body's immune reaction to allergens like pollen or animal dander. Sakina Bajowala, an Illinois-based allergist, explains. That said, they do have some very slight differences — which probably aren't noticeable to every user.

Allegra is the least likely to make you drowsy. Claritin is long-acting, with effects that last for 24 hours. Zyrtec acts the fastest — usually within one hour — but is also the most likely to make you drowsy, so avoid driving, alcohol, and sedatives as you figure out how you react. Pseudoephedrine stimulates the sympathetic nervous system and can raise blood pressure. While pseudoephedrine is generally safe, its use may increase the risk of abnormal heart rhythms, heart attack, and stroke, especially if you have other cardiovascular conditions like heart disease or diabetes.

Those with known coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, or a history of stroke should use caution. Cetirizine is processed through the liver and kidneys. In those with kidney disease or liver problems, cetirizine use should be monitored or avoided. The risk of adverse effects may be increased in the elderly, who are more prone to kidney or liver problems.

Zyrtec and Zyrtec-D are not the same drug. Although they can both be used for allergy relief, one contains a decongestant and the other does not. Zyrtec-D contains pseudoephedrine, a decongestant that can help relieve nasal congestion. If one of your primary symptoms is a stuffy nose, Zyrtec-D may be a better option than regular Zyrtec.

Zyrtec is generally safe for use during pregnancy. Zyrtec-D contains pseudoephedrine, which is not recommended during the first trimester or while breastfeeding. Pseudoephedrine can pass through breast milk.

Consult your doctor for the best allergy medicine to take while pregnant. Drinking alcohol in moderation may not be a life-threatening concern with the occasional use of Zyrtec. Because alcohol can cause CNS depression, you may want to avoid drinking alcohol while on Zyrtec or Zyrtec-D because of the increased risk of drowsiness and sedation.

Zyrtec-D is good for symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Because it contains a decongestant, Zyrtec-D is especially good for sinus congestion.

Zyrtec-D can also relieve itchy, watery eyes, and a runny nose. Zyrtec-D can be taken at any time of the day. Those who experience drowsiness after taking Zyrtec-D may want to take it in the evening. Zyrtec-D also contains pseudoephedrine, which, on its own, is known to cause trouble sleeping. Zyrtec-D is recommended for short-term use only.