Cetirizine+pseudoephedrine
About
Cetirizine+pseudoephedrine is a respiratory medication primarily used to treat symptoms of the common cold, flu, and allergies, such as sneezing, runny nose, nasal and sinus congestion, stuffy nose, or watery eyes. The common cold is a respiratory illness that affects the nose and throat and is caused by viruses known as 'rhinoviruses'. The virus enters the body through the nose, mouth or eyes and spreads quickly through air droplets when a sick person sneezes, coughs or talks.
Cetirizine+pseudoephedrine consists of two medicines: Cetirizine (antihistamine) and Pseudoephedrine (decongestant). Cetirizine belongs to the class of antihistamines or anti-allergic that works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance responsible for causing allergic reactions. It helps to provide relief from allergy symptoms such as sneezing, running nose, watery eyes, itching, swelling, and congestion or stiffness. On the other hand, Pseudoephedrine belongs to the class of decongestant drugs. Works by narrowing small blood vessels in your nose. This helps mucus and airflow freely in the cavities in your nose (sinuses), helping you breathe more easily. Altogether Cetirizine+pseudoephedrine relieves the symptoms from common cold symptoms.
Take Cetirizine+pseudoephedrine as prescribed. Your doctor will recommend how often you take Cetirizine+pseudoephedrine based on your medical condition. Do not stop taking Cetirizine+pseudoephedrine on your own until the doctor advises you. Some people may experience headaches, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, tiredness, sleepiness, and drowsiness. Most of these side effects of Cetirizine+pseudoephedrine do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Inform your doctor if you are allergic to Cetirizine+pseudoephedrine or other medicines. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is advised to inform your doctor before using Cetirizine+pseudoephedrine. Cetirizine+pseudoephedrine is not recommended for children below 12 years of age. Do not take Cetirizine+pseudoephedrine if you suffer from severe kidney disease. Drink plenty of fluids while taking Cetirizine+pseudoephedrine to loosen mucus. Before taking Cetirizine+pseudoephedrine, inform your doctor if you have kidney, or severe liver problems, thyroid disorder, blocked arteries, prostate problems, diabetes, glaucoma, or heart disease. Avoid alcohol while taking Cetirizine+pseudoephedrine since it can worsen the side effects like dizziness and sleepiness.
Uses of Cetirizine+pseudoephedrine
Medicinal Benefits
Cetirizine+pseudoephedrine is a combination of two drugs: Cetirizine and Pseudoephedrine primarily used to treat symptoms of allergy and the common cold. Cetirizine belongs to the class of antihistamines (anti-allergic drugs) that works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance responsible for causing allergic reactions. It helps provide relief from allergy symptoms such as sneezing, running nose, watery eyes, itching, swelling, congestion, or stiffness. Pseudoephedrine belongs to the class of decongestant drugs. Works by narrowing small blood vessels in your nose. This helps mucus and airflow more freely in the cavities in your nose (sinuses), helping you to breathe more easily. Altogether Cetirizine+pseudoephedrine relieves the symptoms from common cold symptoms.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Cetirizine+pseudoephedrine
- Sleepiness
- Drowsiness
- Nausea
- Tiredness
- Nasopharyngitis (sore throat)
- Fatigue
- Dry mouth
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Inform your doctor if you are allergic to Cetirizine+pseudoephedrine or any other medicines. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is advised to inform your doctor before using Cetirizine+pseudoephedrine. Cetirizine+pseudoephedrine is not recommended for children below 12 years of age. Drink plenty of fluids while taking Cetirizine+pseudoephedrine to loosen mucus. If you have glaucoma, prostate problems, thyroid disorder, blocked arteries or veins, diabetes, heart disease, inform your doctor before taking Cetirizine+pseudoephedrine. Before taking Cetirizine+pseudoephedrine, inform your doctor if you are already taking medicines like high blood pressure medications such as guanethidine, and methyldopa; drugs used to control heart rhythms or contractions such as digoxin; Oxytocin (a drug used to help contractions during childbirth). Do not take Cetirizine+pseudoephedrine if you are already taking, or have taken in the last two weeks, medicines for depression known as Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs).
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Cetirizine+pseudoephedrine have interactions with pain killers (aspirin), antibiotics (azithromycin, erythromycin), antacids (cimetidine), anti-fungal (ketoconazole), mental illness medicine (alprazolam), respiratory disease medicine (albuterol, theophylline), anti-viral or anti-HIV drugs (ritonavir).
Drug-Food Interactions: Alcohol and St John's wort plant (a plant used as an anti-depressant) should not be used along with Cetirizine+pseudoephedrine.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Cetirizine+pseudoephedrine is contraindicated in kidney disease, epilepsy (fits), urinary bladder problems and alcoholism.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionIt is advised to avoid consuming alcohol with Cetirizine+pseudoephedrine as it could lead to increased drowsiness or dizziness.
Pregnancy
cautionThe safety of Cetirizine+pseudoephedrine in pregnant women is unknown. Therefore, it is given to pregnant women only if the doctor thinks the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionThe safety of Cetirizine+pseudoephedrine in breast-feeding women is unknown. Therefore, it is given to breast-feeding women only if the doctor thinks the benefits outweigh risks.
Driving
cautionDo not drive or operate machinery if you experience sleepiness, or dizziness while using Cetirizine+pseudoephedrine. This may affect your ability to drive. Seek medical attention if the symptoms persist longer.
Liver
cautionLet your doctor know if you have any history of liver diseases or hepatic impairment. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Cetirizine+pseudoephedrine.
Kidney
cautionLet your doctor know if you have any history of kidney diseases. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Cetirizine+pseudoephedrine.
Children
safe if prescribedGenerally, Cetirizine+pseudoephedrine is not recommended for children below six years with or without a doctor's prescription. In case it has to be given, then the dose has to be adjusted and recommended by a child specialist only.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Avoid dairy products such as milk as they may increase mucus production. Also, avoid processed or refined foods to have relief from cough. Instead replace baked foods, fried foods, white bread, white pasta, French fries, sugary desserts, and chips with green leafy vegetables.
- Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dry throat while you have a cough and loosen mucus.
- Avoid citrus fruits as they may worsen the cough. Eat fruits rich in water content such as pears, watermelon, peaches, and pineapples.
- Know your triggers like allergens, such as pollen, dust, and food items that make your asthma and other respiratory diseases severe.
- Quit smoking and avoid passive smoking. Smoking may reduce the effectiveness of the medicine.
- Drink warm fluids while you take Cetirizine+pseudoephedrine to help loosen congestion and lubricate the throat.
- Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly to strengthen your breathing muscles and boost your immune system.
- Learning breathing exercises will help you move more air in and out of your lungs.
- Avoid consumption of alcohol with Cetirizine+pseudoephedrine as it may cause tiredness, drowsiness, or lack of concentration.
Special Advise
- Regular eye checkups in patients with glaucoma.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Common cold: The common cold is an infection caused by viruses, mainly 'rhinovirus' affecting your nose and throat (upper respiratory tract). Children younger than six years of age are at the most significant risk of colds, but healthy adults can also be affected to have 2-3 colds annually. In most cases, cold symptoms are recovered within a week or ten days. However, symptoms might last longer in people who smoke or are exposed to allergens like dust, pollutants, etc. Symptoms of a common cold might include a stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, cough, congestion, mild body pain or a mild headache, sneezing, low-grade fever, and feeling unwell (malaise).
Allergy: An allergy is an immune system response to foreign elements typically not harmful to your body. These foreign elements are known as allergens.’ Allergic condition varies from person to person. Some might be allergic to certain foods and seasonal allergies like hay fever. At the same time, others might be allergic to pollen or pet dander. Cetirizine+pseudoephedrine is a non-drowsy antihistamine which makes it less likely to make you feel sleepy compared to other antihistamines or antiallergics.
FAQs
Cetirizine+pseudoephedrine consists of two medicines: Cetirizine and Pseudoephedrine. Cetirizine belongs to the class of antihistamines or anti-allergic that works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance responsible for causing allergic reactions. It helps provide relief from allergy symptoms such as sneezing, running nose, watery eyes, itching, swelling, congestion, or stiffness. On the other hand, Pseudoephedrine belongs to the class of decongestant drugs. Works by narrowing small blood vessels in your nose. This helps mucus and airflow freely in the cavities in your nose (sinuses), helping you breathe more easily. Altogether it relieves the symptoms from common cold symptoms.
No, Cetirizine+pseudoephedrine should not be taken if you are intolerant to sugar, please contact your doctor before taking Cetirizine+pseudoephedrine to avoid any unpleasant side-effects.
Depending upon the severity of allergic conditions due to allergens Cetirizine+pseudoephedrine can be safely taken daily until you get complete relief and as long as your doctor has advised you to take it.
Cetirizine+pseudoephedrine contains Cetirizine which is an antihistamine providing instant relief from allergic conditions however, in some people it may cause sleepiness and induce some drowsiness in the day. Hence you are recommended to take it in the night time in case you are experiencing excessive drowsiness in the day.
You should not take Cetirizine+pseudoephedrine if you have had an allergic reaction to Cetirizine+pseudoephedrine, intolerant to lactose or sorbitol, have liver or kidney failure, epilepsy (fits), difficulty in peeing. Tell your doctor that you are taking Cetirizine+pseudoephedrine and have booked an allergy test as it might affect the diagnostic result.
Yes, the Cetirizine+pseudoephedrine may cause dry mouth as a temporary side effect in some people. It is not necessary for everyone taking Cetirizine+pseudoephedrine to experience this side effect. However, to avoid such side effects, drink plenty of water, regularly rinse your mouth, practice good oral hygiene and suck on sugarless candy. However, if the condition persists or worsens, please consult a doctor.
