Cetirizine and Pseudoephedrine ( Systemic).(Drug overview)

 
In the U.S. -- 
     Zyrtec-D 12 hour 
     Antihistaminic, H(1)-receptor -- decongestant 
Description 

Cetirizine and pseudoephedrine se-TEER-a-zeen and su-do-a-FED-rin is a combination of an antihistamine and a decongestant used to treat the symptoms of seasonal or yearly allergies. Antihistamines work by preventing the effects of a substance called histamine, which is produced by the body. Histamine can cause itching, sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes. Decongestants produce a narrowing of blood vessels. This leads to clearing of nasal congestion, but it may also cause an increase in blood pressure in patients who have high blood pressure. This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage forms:

 
     Oral 
          Extended-release tablets (U.S.) 
Before Using This Medicine 

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For cetirizine and pseudoephedrine, the following should be considered:

 
Allergies -- 

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to cetirizine or other antihistamines (especially hydroxyzine [e.g. Atarax]) or pseudoephedrine, or to amphetamine, dextroamphetamine (e.g., Dexedrine), ephedrine (e.g., Ephed II), epinephrine (e.g., Adrenalin), isoproterenol (e.g., Isuprel), metaproterenol (e.g., Alupent), methamphetamine (e.g., Desoxyn), norepinephrine (e.g., Levophed), phenylephrine (e.g., Neo-Synephrine), phenylpropanolamine (e.g., Dexatrim), or terbutaline (e.g., Brethine). Also tell your health care professional …