Difference Between Zyrtec and Zyrtec-D

Zyrtec vs Zyrtec-D

Sometimes, medications are being experimented on and combined together to perform numerous effects in just one tablet. These 2-in-1 or 3-in-1 tablets are useful to prevent drug-drug interactions with other medications and to prevent taking a lot of medications. So by just taking one pill, different symptoms are being treated. Isn’t that cool?

Sometimes when we have allergies, we do not just manifest one symptom. Sometimes it becomes multiple symptoms. So in order for us to counteract these symptoms, we take an antihistamine and another drug for other symptoms. Isn’t that costly and time consuming finding and taking another drug for such symptoms?

Zyrtec and Zyrtec-D are one of the many innovative medications that allow alleviating lots of symptoms of allergy that cannot be treated by just an ordinary antihistamine. So in such cases, taking one of these drugs is really helpful. Let us try to differentiate both drugs from each other.

The generic name of Zyrtec is Cetirizine while the generic name of Zyrtec-D is Cetirizine plus pseudoephedrine. Zyrtec-D is a tablet that contains 5 mg of Cetirizine hydrochloride and 120 mg of pseudoephedrine hydrochloride. The 5 mg of Cetirizine is for immediate release while the 120 mg of pseudoephedrine is for extended release. Zyrtec-D also contains other ingredients such such magnesium stearate, hypromellose, etc. Zyrtec, on the other hand, only contains Cetirizine. It is available in 5 mg and 10 mg capsules and chewable tablets as well as 1mg/ml syrup. It can be taken with or without food.

Zyrtec-D is indicated for treatment of allergic rhinitis, nasal congestion, sneezing and rhinorrhea while Zyrtec is indicated for allergic rhinitis, nasal pruritus, chronic idiopathic urticaria, and non-nasal symptoms associated with conjunctivitis.

The manufacturer of Zyrtec-D is GlaxoSmithKline while the manufacturer of Zyrtec is Duncan. Zyrtec-D should not be given to those with severe hypertension, people with coronary artery disease, patients taking MAOIs, uncontrolled hyperthyroidism, severe arrhythmias, pheochromocytoma, and a history of stroke. Zyrtec, on the other hand, cannot be given to those with severe renal impairment, galactose intolerance, glucose and fructose intolerance.

Adverse effects of Zyrtec include: fatigue, dizziness, and headache as well as dry mouth, and abnormal hepatic function. Zyrtec-D adverse reactions include: tachycardia, dry mouth, nausea, vertigo, dizziness, nervousness, and insomnia. If all of these are not tolerable already, better call your physician.

Summary:

1. The generic name of Zyrtec is Cetirizine while the generic name of Zyrtec-D is Cetirizine plus pseudoephedrine.
2. The manufacturer of Zyrtec-D is GlaxoSmithKline while the manufacturer of Zyrtec is Duncan.

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