Nonprescription Zyrtec-D for Allergies, FDA-Approved

Filed in archive Allergies , FDA Approvals , Treatment on November 10, 2007

A combination of antihistamine with a nasal decongestant, Zyrtec-D (cetirizine HCl 5 mg and pseudoephedrine HCl 120 mg) is a prescription allergy drug from Pfizer.

Now, the FDA has approved a Zyrtec-D (cetirizine HCl 5 mg and pseudoephedrine HCl 120 mg) for nonprescription use in adults and children aged 12 and older. This drug combines an antihistamine with a nasal decongestant.

Available as a prescription drug since 2001, Zyrtec-D is now approved as a nonprescription drug for the relief of symptoms due to hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies such as, runny nose, sneezing, itchy, watery eyes, itching of the nose or throat, and Nasal congestion.

Zyrtec-D is also for reducing swelling of nasal passages, for relief of sinus congestion and pressure, and for restoring freer breathing through the nose.

Hay fever and other allergies are the sixth leading cause of chronic disease, with about 50 million sufferers each year in the United States, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

Zyrtec-D is distributed by McNeil Consumer Healthcare (Fort Washington, Pa.).

Find more details from FDA News.