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Zyrtec-D vs. Advil Cold and Sinus

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Zyrtec-D (cetirizine/pseudoephedrine) and Advil Cold and Sinus (ibuprofen/pseudoephedrine) are both over-the-counter medications that contain pseudoephedrine, a decongestant. However, they serve different primary purposes. Zyrtec-D combines an antihistamine (cetirizine) with pseudoephedrine to relieve allergy symptoms like sneezing, itchy/watery eyes, and nasal congestion. In contrast, Advil Cold and Sinus combines an NSAID (ibuprofen) with pseudoephedrine to treat symptoms of the common cold or flu, such as headaches, body aches, fever, and sinus pressure. Zyrtec-D is typically taken every 12 hours, while Advil Cold and Sinus is taken every 4-6 hours. Both medications can cause trouble sleeping due to pseudoephedrine, but Advil Cold and Sinus also carries risks of stomach ulcers and heart problems due to ibuprofen. Additionally, Zyrtec-D is not recommended for people with certain health conditions like heart problems or high blood pressure, while Advil Cold and Sinus should be avoided by those with a history of stomach bleeding or heart issues.

Zyrtec-D

(cetirizine / pseudoephedrine)

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Advil Cold and Sinus

(ibuprofen / pseudoephedrine)

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Summary for Zyrtec-D

Over-the-counter

Zyrtec-D is a combination medication containing cetirizine (an antihistamine) and pseudoephedrine (a decongestant). It's taken by people ages 12 years and older to relieve allergy symptoms, like runny nose and nasal congestion. This medication comes as an extended-release tablet that's taken by mouth every 12 hours. Zyrtec-D is available as a brand-name and generic medication. Side effects can include trouble sleeping and dry mouth.

Indications for Zyrtec-D

Short-term relief of allergy symptoms in adults and children ages 12 years and older:

  • Itchy nose or throat
  • Sneezing
  • Itchy or watery eyes
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Sinus congestion or pressure

Pros and Cons for Zyrtec-D

Pros

  • Starts working within an hour
  • Easier to take a combination pill instead of two separate pills to treat congestion and other allergy symptoms
  • Available over the counter (behind the counter)

Cons

  • Might need to take twice daily
  • Tablets can't be crushed or chewed and there isn't a liquid version available
  • Not the safest choice if you have certain conditions, like heart problems and trouble urinating

Common Side Effects for Zyrtec-D

Warnings for Zyrtec-D

  • Fast heart rate and high blood pressure
  • Worsening of certain medical conditions
  • Accidentally taking too much medication

Summary for Advil Cold and Sinus

Over-the-counter

Advil Cold and Sinus contains ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), and pseudoephedrine, a decongestant. It's for adults and children ages 12 years and older to treat common cold or flu symptoms, like headaches, body aches, and nasal congestion. Advil Cold and Sinus (ibuprofen / pseudoephedrine) is taken by mouth every 4-6 hours. This medication is available without a prescription in most states, but you'll have to purchase it from behind the pharmacy counter because it contains pseudoephedrine. It's non-drowsy, but can cause side effects like difficulty sleeping and nausea.

Indications for Advil Cold and Sinus

Short-term relief of symptoms from the common cold or flu:

  • Headache
  • Fever
  • Sinus pressure
  • Stuffy nose
  • Minor body aches and pains

Pros and Cons for Advil Cold and Sinus

Pros

  • Treats pain and congestion with one pill
  • No prescription needed (in most states)
  • Available as lower-cost generics

Cons

  • Needs to be taken every 4 to 6 hours
  • Raises risk of stomach ulcers
  • Not for children younger than 12 years old

Common Side Effects for Advil Cold and Sinus

  • Nervousness
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Stomach upset
  • Heartburn
  • Nausea
  • Skin rashes

Warnings for Advil Cold and Sinus

  • Stomach bleeding
  • Heart attack and stroke
  • Worsening of medical conditions
  • Severe allergic reactions
  • Potential harm to unborn baby

Prices with our coupons for Zyrtec-D vs. Advil Cold and Sinus

Price Card Drug Icon
Cetirizine/Pseudoephedrine24 tablets / 12 hour
$21.40-
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Price Card Drug Icon
Ibuprofen/Pseudoephedrine30 tablets / 200mg/30mg
$5.84$5.84
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