Zyrtec-D

Zyrtec-D is an over-the-counter drug used to treat several allergy symptoms, including nasal congestion, sneezing, and runny nose. The drug contains an antihistamine and a decongestant. Zyrtec-D comes in tablet form and is taken twice a day, with about 12 hours in between doses. Common side effects include insomnia, dry mouth, and fatigue.

What Is Zyrtec-D?

Zyrtec-D® (cetirizine and pseudoephedrine) is a non-prescription ("over-the-counter") medication approved to treat the following allergy symptoms:
 
  • Nasal congestion
  • Runny nose
  • Sneezing
  • Itchy or watery eyes
  • Itchy nose or throat.
     
Zyrtec-D contains cetirizine (an antihistamine) and pseudoephedrine (a decongestant). Although the drug was originally a prescription product, it is now available without a prescription. However, because Zyrtec-D contains pseudoephedrine, it is kept "behind the counter" at pharmacies, due to laws that regulate the sale of pseudoephedrine. These laws were put in place to prevent the use of pseudoephedrine for making methamphetamine ("crystal meth"). You do not need a prescription, but you will need to show ID and sign for the medication.
 
(Click Zyrtec-D Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes It?

Brand-name Zyrtec-D is made by McNeil Consumer Healthcare.
 Generic versions are made by several different manufacturers.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
 
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