Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Zyrtec-D vs. Sudafed PE Pressure and Pain

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

Key takeaways

Zyrtec-D (cetirizine/pseudoephedrine) and Mucinex Sinus-Max Severe Congestion and Pain (acetaminophen/guaifenesin/phenylephrine) are both over-the-counter medications used to relieve symptoms of allergies and the common cold, but they work differently. Zyrtec-D combines an antihistamine (cetirizine) and a decongestant (pseudoephedrine) to clear sinuses and reduce inflammation caused by allergies, making it effective for sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, and nasal congestion. In contrast, Mucinex Sinus-Max includes a pain reliever (acetaminophen), an expectorant (guaifenesin), and a decongestant (phenylephrine) to address sinus congestion or pressure, headaches, minor aches, and mucus in the lungs. Zyrtec-D is typically taken every 12 hours, while Mucinex Sinus-Max is taken every 4 hours. Zyrtec-D can cause trouble sleeping and may raise blood pressure, especially in people with heart conditions. Mucinex Sinus-Max has a risk of liver damage (if taken in excess) and can also raise blood pressure. Both medications should be used with caution if you have certain health conditions or are taking other medications.

  • Zyrtec-d (cetirizine / pseudoephedrine)
    Sudafed pe pressure and pain (acetaminophen / phenylephrine)
  • Zyrtec-d (cetirizine / pseudoephedrine)
    Sudafed pe pressure and pain (acetaminophen / phenylephrine)

  • Summary of Zyrtec-D vs. Sudafed PE Pressure and Pain

    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 Analgesic / Decongestant

    Sudafed PE Pressure and Pain is an over-the-counter, brand-name product containing two active ingredients: acetaminophen (an analgesic that relieves pain) and phenylephrine (a decongestant that clears the sinuses). This combination medication is also available as lower-cost generics and under other brand names, such as Tylenol Sinus Plus Headache. In general, it's used to relieve symptoms from allergies and the common cold, such as pain and nasal and sinus congestion. This medication can also lower fevers. The caplets are taken by mouth every 4 hours as needed. Side effects aren't common but can include headache and dizziness.

  • Indications of Zyrtec-D vs. Sudafed PE Pressure and Pain

    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 allergy and common cold symptoms, such as sinus congestion and pressure, nasal congestion (stuffy nose), headache, and minor aches and pains
    •Short-term relief of fever

  • Pros and Cons of Zyrtec-D vs. Sudafed PE Pressure and Pain

    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 Analgesic / Decongestant
    Pros
    •Can treat a wide variety of allergy and common cold symptoms
    •More convenient to take two medications in one pill
    •Available over the counter
    •Available as lower-cost generics
    Cons
    •Might need to take every 4 hours to relieve symptoms
    •More difficult to customize the dose since it's a combination of two medications
    •Risk for liver damage if you take too much

  • Common Side Effects of Zyrtec-D vs. Sudafed PE Pressure and Pain

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

  • Warnings of Zyrtec-D vs. Sudafed PE Pressure and Pain

    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
    •Liver damage
    •Accidentally taking too much medication
    •Worsening of certain medical conditions
    •Allergic skin reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Zyrtec-D vs. Sudafed PE Pressure and Pain

    Learn more about Zyrtec-d
    Learn more about Sudafed pe pressure and pain

Compare other Nasal Congestion drugs

Zyrtec D vs Advil Allergy And Congestion ReliefZyrtec D vs Advil Cold And SinusZyrtec D vs Advil Congestion ReliefZyrtec D vs Alka Seltzer Plus Night Cold And FluZyrtec D vs Allegra DZyrtec D vs BenadrylZyrtec D vs Claritin DZyrtec D vs FlonaseZyrtec D vs Mucinex DZyrtec D vs Nasacort AqZyrtec D vs NasonexZyrtec D vs Nyquil Cold And FluZyrtec D vs PhenylephrineZyrtec D vs Rhinocort AquaZyrtec D vs SudafedZyrtec D vs Tylenol SinusAllegra vs BenadrylBenadryl vs AtaraxBenadryl vs ClaritinBenadryl vs DayquilBenadryl vs Nasacort AqBenadryl vs SudafedBenadryl vs ZyrtecFlonase vs BenadrylMucinex Dm vs BenadrylNyquil Cold And Flu vs Advil Congestion ReliefPhenylephrine vs Advil Congestion ReliefSudafed Pe Pressure Pain And Cough vs Advil Congestion ReliefSudafed vs Advil Congestion ReliefTheraflu Daytime Severe Cold And Cough vs Advil Congestion Relief
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.