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Compare Zyrtec-D vs. Advil Congestion

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

Key takeaways

Zyrtec-D (cetirizine/pseudoephedrine) and Advil Congestion (ibuprofen/phenylephrine) are both over-the-counter medications, but they have different active ingredients and uses. Zyrtec-D contains an antihistamine (cetirizine) and a decongestant (phenylephrine) to treat nasal congestion caused by seasonal allergies. On the other hand, Advil Congestion combines a different decongestant (pseudoephedrine) with an NSAID (ibuprofen) to relieve symptoms of the common cold or flu, such as headache, fever, and sinus pressure. Zyrtec-D is taken every 12 hours and can cause trouble sleeping if taken too close to bedtime. Advil Congestion needs to be taken every 4 hours and may cause stomach bleeding or ulcers if used for too long. Zyrtec-D is not recommended for people with heart problems or high blood pressure, while Advil Congestion should be avoided by those with a history of stomach issues or heart disease. Both medications have specific restrictions for use in children and during pregnancy.

  • Zyrtec-d (cetirizine / pseudoephedrine)
    Ibuprofen/phenylephrine
  • Zyrtec-d (cetirizine / pseudoephedrine)
    Ibuprofen/phenylephrine

  • Summary of Zyrtec-D vs. Advil Congestion

    Summary for Antihistamine / Decongestant

    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.

    Summary for NSAID / Decongestant

    Ibuprofen/phenylephrine is a combination of two medications used to treat pain and congestion, which are symptoms of the common cold or flu. It's available over the counter (OTC) and as a lower-cost generic medication. Using it longer than recommended can put you at risk for side effects such as stomach bleeds.

  • Indications of Zyrtec-D vs. Advil Congestion

    Indications for

    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
    Indications for
    •Short-term relief of symptoms from the common cold or flu: headache, fever, sinus pressure, nasal congestion, minor body aches and pains
    •Lowers swelling in nasal passages
    •Improves freer breathing through the nose

  • Pros and Cons of Zyrtec-D vs. Advil Congestion

    Pros and Const for Antihistamine / Decongestant
    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
    Pros and Const for NSAID / Decongestant
    Pros
    •Can treat a wide variety of common cold or flu symptoms
    •More convenient to take two medications in one pill
    •Available over the counter
    •Available as lower-cost generics
    Cons
    •Needs to be taken every 4 hours
    •More difficult to customize the dose since ibuprofen/phenylephrine is a combination of two medications
    •Can cause stomach bleeding or stomach ulcers
    •Can't be used in children younger than 12 years old, right before or after heart surgery, or with current or recent (within the last 14 days) use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

  • Common Side Effects of Zyrtec-D vs. Advil Congestion

    Common Side Effects for
    •Trouble sleeping (4%)
    •Dry mouth(4%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness
    •Difficulty sleeping
    •Restlessness
    •Stomach upset
    •Heartburn
    •Nausea
    •Skin rashes

  • Warnings of Zyrtec-D vs. Advil Congestion

    Common Side Effects for
    •Fast heart rate and high blood pressure
    •Worsening of certain medical conditions
    •Accidentally taking too much medication
    Common Side Effects for
    •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 Congestion

    Learn more about Zyrtec-d
    Learn more about Ibuprofen/phenylephrine

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