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What Is in Zyrtec-D?

Zyrtec-D in a non-prescription (in most states) antihistamine and nasal decongestant. It provides relief for 12 hours with a time-released decongestant. It is referred to as a behind-the-counter drug due to FDA legislation that decongestant medications with pseudoephedrine cannot be sold on store shelves. It is produced and marketed by the company Zyrtec, a drug company that specializes in allergy relief. Generic versions are made by several other manufacturers. Zyrtec-D contains two active ingredients, Cetirizine HCl and Pseudoephedrine HCl.

  1. Cetirizine HCl

    • Cetirizine HCl, or cetirizine hydrochloride, is found in 5mg within Zyrtec-D is an antihistamine, considered the immediate release portion of the compound. It is a white, crystalline powder that is water-soluble. Cetirizine HCL is a selective H1-receptor antagonist, that is, it binds to the same receptor binding-site but reverses constitutive activity of the receptors. Therefore, if an H1 receptor is preparing to receive a molecule that will result in raising adrenaline, increasing heart rate and perspiration, Cetirizine HCl will bond to that H1 receptor and lower adrenaline, decrease heart rate and perspiration.

    Pseudoephedrine HCl

    • Pseudoephedrine HCl, or pseudoephedrine hydrochloride is found within Zyrtec-D in the amount of 120mg. It is an extended release nasal decongestant. Pseudoephedrine HCl is an extremely fine, white crystal or powder, with a unique odor. It is very water-soluble, but not in chloroform or alcohol. Pseudoephedrine HCl causes muscles lining the walls of blood vessels to constrict, causing less fluid to leave the vessels and enter sinus linings the throat and nose. This decreases inflammation of nasal membranes and reduces mucus production, serving to lessen the symptoms of nasal congestion. However, one side effect that has been noticed in Pseudoephedrine HCl is hypertension.

    Inactive Ingredients

    • The other ingredients of Zyrtec-D include microcrystalline cellulose, lactose monohydrate, colloidal silicon dioxide, hypromellose, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, titanium dioxide, and polyethylene glycol. These are all inactive, meaning they do not cause or hinder the intended effect for taking the drug and have no relation to side effects. They are put into a compound mainly to aid in drug delivery and to make the medicine look or taste appealing.

    Side Effects

    • The side effects of Zyrtec-D are reported as minor with some patients reporting drowsiness, fatigue, dry mouth and insomnia.

    Additional Information About Zyrtec-D

    • Zyrtec-D can be found at multiple drug and pharmacutical sites as well as stores such as CVS, Rite Aid and Sav-On. Zyrtec-D is made by McNeil Consumer Healthcare, now a subsidiary of health care giant Johnson & Johnson, the largest producer of over the counter drugs in the world.

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