Can you take zyrtec and cough medicine together

Published Sep 15, 2022
Last updated Sep 15, 2022

Key points

  • There is no known drug interaction between Zarbee's products and Zyrtec (cetirizine).

Zarbee's Cough and Mucus syrup is considered safe to take with Zyrtec (cetirizine), an antihistamine, as there is no known interaction between them.

When considering drug interactions, it is important to take note of all of the active ingredients in question.

For example, Zarbee's cough syrup contains multiple active ingredients, all of which need to be considered when looking for drug interactions.

Zarbee's Cough And Mucus

There are two Zarbee's Cough and Mucus products available, a children's version and a 'baby' version.

The children's version contains the following ingredients:

  • Dark honey
  • English Ivy Leaf Extract
  • Grapefruit Seed Extract
  • Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
  • Zinc (zinc gluconate)

The baby version contains the following:

  • Organic Agave Syrup
  • English Ivy Leaf Extract

The notable exclusion from the baby product is honey since most sources recommended against the use of honey in infants due to the risk of botulism.

Zyrtec With Zarbee's

None of the ingredients used in Zarbee's Cough and Mucus are known to interact with Zyrtec.

In fact, all of the active ingredients in Zarbee's products have few known drug interactions.

English ivy has no known drug interactions and while grapefruit juice is notorious for its potential effects on many drugs, grapefruit seed extract isn't thought to have the same precautions (although it has been reported to affect the blood thinner warfarin).

Additionally, taking Zyrtec and Zarbee's together isn't thought to increase the incidence of side effects for either.

Final Words

To answer your question specifically, there shouldn't be a problem giving your 3-year-old daughter Zyrtec and Zarbee's together. Using both may help to improve the symptoms your daughter is experiencing more than either alone.

References

  • Zarbee's Manufacturer Website, Zarbee's
  • Zarbee's Children's Cough And Mucus Product Information, Zarbee's
  • Therapeutic Research Center Natural Standard: English Ivy Monograph, Natural Standard (Subscription Required)
  • Therapeutic Research Center Natural Standard: Grapefruit Monograph, Natural Standard (Subscription Required)
  • Adverse effects by artificial grapefruit seed extract products in patients on warfarin therapy, PubMed

  • Can you take zyrtec and cough medicine together
    Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
  • 2 months ago
  • 2260 views

How to use Zyrtec

If you are taking the over-the-counter product to self-treat, read all directions on the product package before taking this medication. If you have any questions, consult your pharmacist. If your doctor has prescribed this medication, take it as directed, usually once daily.

If you are using the chewable tablets, chew each tablet well and swallow. If you are using the rapidly-dissolving tablet, allow the tablet to dissolve on the tongue and then swallow, with or without water. If you are using the liquid form of this medication, measure the dose carefully using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose.

The dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or take this medication more often than directed.

Tell your doctor if your allergy symptoms do not improve, if your hives do not improve after 3 days of treatment, or if your hives last more than 6 weeks. Get medical help right away if your condition worsens or if you think you have a serious medical problem (such as a very serious allergic reaction/anaphylaxis).

Side Effects

Drowsiness, tiredness, and dry mouth may occur. Stomach pain may also occur, especially in children. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

If your doctor has prescribed this medication, remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: difficulty urinating, weakness.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

Before taking cetirizine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to hydroxyzine; or to levocetirizine; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: difficulty urinating (such as due to an enlarged prostate), kidney disease, liver disease.

If you are using this medication to treat hives, tell your doctor right away if you have any of these other symptoms because they may be signs of a more serious condition: hives that are an unusual color, hives that look bruised or blistered, hives that do not itch.

This drug may make you drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

Liquid products may contain sugar. Caution is advised if you have diabetes. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this product safely.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products that cause drowsiness such as opioid pain or cough relievers (such as codeine, hydrocodone), alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (such as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), or other antihistamines (such as chlorpheniramine, diphenhydramine).

Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.

Do not use with any other antihistamines applied to the skin (such as diphenhydramine cream, ointment, spray) because increased side effects may occur.

Cetirizine is very similar to hydroxyzine and levocetirizine. Do not use these medications while using cetirizine.

This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests (including allergy skin testing), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

Does Zyrtec interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe drowsiness. In children, mental/mood changes (such as restlessness, irritability) may occur before drowsiness.

Keep all regular medical and laboratory appointments.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Different brands of this medication may have different storage needs. Check the product package for instructions on how to store your brand, or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Images

You Might Also Like

  • List Zyrtec side effects by likelihood and severity
  • Who should not take Zyrtec?
  • Does Zyrtec interact with other medications?
  • Should I avoid certain foods while taking Zyrtec?
  • What should I know regarding pregnancy, nursing and administering Zyrtec to children or the elderly?
  • What conditions does Zyrtec treat?

  • Common Searches
  • Adderall
  • Celexa
  • Cipro
  • Cymbalta
  • Flexeril
  • Hydrocodone
  • Prilosec
  • Prozac
  • Seroquel
  • Synthroid
  • Tramadol
  • Trazodone
  • Lexapro
  • Lisinopril
  • Mobic
  • Naproxen
  • Neurontin
  • Pradaxa
  • Prednisone
  • Vicodin
  • Warfarin
  • Wellbutrin
  • Xanax
  • Zocor
  • Zoloft

Drug Survey

Have you ever purchased Zyrtec?

Yes, In the past 3 months

Yes, In the past 6 months

Yes, In the past year

Haven't purchased but considering

Don't plan to purchase

This survey is being conducted by the WebMD marketing sciences department.

Free RX Coupon

Save up to 80% on your prescriptions.

Available coupons

Save up to 80% on your prescription with WebMDRx

Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

Can you take allergy medicine and cough medicine together?

What Issues Are There from Combining Cough Medicine & Antihistamines? Common over-the-counter medications like cough suppressants and antihistamines are generally though to be perfectly safe – and if taken as directed, they usually are.

What should Zyrtec not be taken with?

Loratadine and cetirizine may also increase the depressant effects of central nervous system depressants such as opioid agonists and benzodiazepines. They should not be combined with azelastine, benzodiazepines, bromperidol, orphenadrine, oxomemazine, and paraldehyde.

Can you combine cold medicine with Zyrtec?

Interactions between your drugs No interactions were found between Daytime Cold and Flu Relief and Zyrtec.

Is it OK to take allergy medicine and cold medicine at the same time?

Don't mix cold and allergy meds, warns FDA It's sometimes hard to tell if your child's runny nose and sneezes are coming from their allergies or possibly a winter cold. But knowing the difference is critical to avoid over-medication, warns the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).