Cetirizine And Pseudoephedrine: What Should I Discuss With My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Cetirizine And Pseudoephedrine

Content provided by Cerner Multum, Inc.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking cetirizine and pseudoephedrine?

Do not use cetirizine and pseudoephedrine if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) within the past 14 days. Serious side effects can occur if you take pseudoephedrine before the MAO inhibitor has cleared from your body.

You should not use cetirizine and pseudoephedrine if you are allergic to either drug, or if you have:

• narrow-angle glaucoma;
• severe high blood pressure (hypertension);
• severe coronary artery disease;
• if you are unable to urinate; or
• if you are allergic to hydralazine (Atarax, Vistaril).

Before taking cetirizine and pseudoephedrine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• heart disease, coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, or heart rhythm disorder;
• diabetes;
• a thyroid disorder;
• glaucoma;
• kidney or liver disease;
• an enlarged prostate; or
• problems with urination.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Cetirizine and pseudoephedrine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Older adults may be more likely to have side effects from cetirizine and pseudoephedrine.

Last updated:	June 24, 2008