What Is Zyrtec D Used For?

Allergies can be triggered by airborne allergens, including pollen, weeds and some types of grasses. Some people find that they have allergy problems during certain seasons, while others have problems throughout the year. Inside allergens, such as pet dander, mold and dust, can also wreak havoc on the respiratory system. Zyrtec-D is an antihistamine designed to help relieve the symptoms that result from both indoor and outdoor allergies.

What is Zyrtec-D?

Zyrtec-D is an oral medication, manufactured in tablet form. The tablets contain a decongestant, plus the active ingredient cetirizine hydrochloride. Each Zyrtec-D tablet contains 5 mg of immediate-release cetirizine hydrochloride.

Runny Nose and Sneezing

Zyrtec-D helps treat allergy symptoms, including a runny nose and sneezing, which are also cold symptoms. Because of these similar symptoms, common colds and allergies are sometimes mistaken for one another. In general, achiness, a runny nose with thick discharge and a fever are not symptoms of an allergy, and should be treated accordingly.

Itchiness

The irritants that cause allergies can also make you feel itchy, particularly if your allergies cause you to break out in hives. Another common problem for allergy sufferers is itchy, watery or bloodshot eyes. Allergen irritants cause your eyes to go into "defensive" mode, producing excess tears for protection. Zyrtec-D can help relieve hives and irritated eyes, and may also soothe the itchy nose and throat that can accompany allergies.

Congestion

Unlike the original Zyrtec medication, Zyrtec-D has an added ingredient that helps with the nasal congestion often associated with allergies. The "D" refers to pseudoephedrine hydrochloride, a decongestant that Drugs.com describes as a treatment for varying types of congestion that is commonly used in combination with analgesics and antihistamines.

Not for Everyone

Although Zyrtec-D has been available by prescription since 2001, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has given Zyrtec-D the green light to be sold over the counter. According to FDA.gov, Zyrtec-D is approved as an allergy treatment for adults and children older than 12.
Zyrtec-D is not recommended for women who are pregnant or breast-feeding, people who take an MAOI drug, or anyone who has experienced an allergic reaction to any of either of Zyrtec-D's active ingredients or to antihistamines containing hydroxyzine.
Moreover, people with certain health conditions---including heart or thyroid disease, diabetes, glaucoma, high blood pressure, or liver or kidney problems---should consult their doctor. As with all medications, read the package insert carefully before taking Zyrtec-D.

References

• Zyrtec.com
• All About Vision.com
• Drugs.com

Resources

• FDA.gov