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Compare Zyrtec-D vs. Mucinex D

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

Key takeaways

Zyrtec-D (cetirizine/pseudoephedrine) and Mucinex D (guaifenesin/pseudoephedrine) are both combination medications containing pseudoephedrine, a decongestant, and are used to relieve nasal congestion and sinus pressure. However, they differ in their other active ingredients and specific uses. Zyrtec-D combines cetirizine, an antihistamine, with pseudoephedrine to treat allergy symptoms like itchy or watery eyes and runny nose. Mucinex D, on the other hand, combines guaifenesin, an expectorant, with pseudoephedrine to help loosen mucus and relieve chest congestion. Zyrtec-D is typically taken as one tablet every 12 hours, while Mucinex D can be taken as two tablets every 12 hours, depending on the strength. Both medications are available over-the-counter and have generic versions. Common side effects for both include trouble sleeping, but Zyrtec-D may also cause dry mouth, while Mucinex D can cause headaches and anxiety. Check with your pharmacist or prescriber before taking either one.

  • Zyrtec-d (cetirizine / pseudoephedrine)
    Mucinex d (guaifenesin / pseudoephedrine)
  • Zyrtec-d (cetirizine / pseudoephedrine)
    Mucinex d (guaifenesin / pseudoephedrine)

  • Summary of Zyrtec-D vs. Mucinex D

    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 Expectorant / Decongestant

    Mucinex D is a combination medication containing two active ingredients: guaifenesin (an expectorant) and pseudoephedrine (a decongestant). It's used to help temporarily relieve stuffy nose, chest congestion, and sinus pressure. This medication can be used for people 12 years of age and older. It's an extended-release tablet that's taken by mouth every 12 hours and is also available as a lower-cost generic. Side effects can include trouble sleeping and headache.

  • Indications of Zyrtec-D vs. Mucinex D

    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 stuffy nose due to allergies or the common cold
    •Loosens mucus to ease chest congestion
    •Sinus congestion and pressure

  • Pros and Cons of Zyrtec-D vs. Mucinex D

    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 Expectorant / Decongestant
    Pros
    •Helps with stuffy nose, chest and sinus congestion, and wet cough
    •Combines two medications in a single product for convenience
    •Available over the counter without a prescription (in most states)
    •Doesn't cause drowsiness or sleepiness
    Cons
    •More difficult to customize the dose since it's a fixed combination of two medications
    •Only available as an extended-release tablet, which can't be cut or crushed
    •Might not be the best choice for people with certain medical conditions, such as high blood pressure
    •Not the best choice if you're pregnant or breastfeeding

  • Common Side Effects of Zyrtec-D vs. Mucinex D

    Common Side Effects for
    •Trouble sleeping (4%)
    •Dry mouth(4%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Trouble sleeping
    •Headache
    •Anxiety
    •Dry mouth

  • Warnings of Zyrtec-D vs. Mucinex D

    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
    •Worsening of certain medical conditions
    •Accidentally taking too much medication

  • Prices with our coupons for Zyrtec-D vs. Mucinex D

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