Can you take Zyrtec and Sudafed together?
By
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii, PhD, is a Pharmacist with expertise in Drug Design and Development, Enzymes, Molecular Modelling, and Photodynamic Therapy. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii’s Highlights:
- Postdoctoral fellow at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo, emphasizing therapy of neglected diseases using light.
- PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Six months as an international researcher at the Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases (University of California San Diego)
- Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes – São Paulo / Brazil
Professional Experience:
2012 – 2018 Project manager at University of São Paulo – Pharmacy Department
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii has worked with computational studies, synthesis, biological evaluation, design, and development of new inhibitor candidates for Chagas Disease and Leishmaniasis.
2017 – 2017 International research fellow at University of California San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences – Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases.
She used Virtual Screening (VS) and High-Throughput Screening (HTS) Integration in the Discovery of new drugs against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
2018 – 2019 Faculdades Oswaldo Cruz
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a professor in the Faculty of Pharmacy, teaching the subjects of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Drug Development.
2019 – 2021 Researcher in Biochemistry University of São Paulo – Biochemistry Department
She applied Photodynamic Therapy in Leishmaniasis Treatment, mentored undergraduate students in scientific activities, and wrote, executed, translated, and reported scientific projects with funding agencies.
2023-2023 UniPiaget – University Center.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a Biology, Nutrition, Physiotherapy, and Pharmacy professor.
Education:
2018 -2021 Postdoctoral at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo
2013 -2018 PhD of Science: Drugs and Medicines at Department of Pharmacy at University of São Paulo
2012 -2013 M.Sc. of Sciences: Drugs and Medicines at the Department of Pharmacy at the University of São Paulo
2005-2008 Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes
The leading publications of Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii are:
Vital-Fujii, D.G, Baptista, M.S. (2021). Progress in the photodynamic therapy treatment of Leishmaniasis. Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research, 54, 1-11.
Gatti, F. M., Gomes, R.A., da Fonseca, A.L., Lima, E.J.C., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Taranto, A.G., Varotti, F.P., Trossini, G.H.G. (2020). Antiplasmodial activity of sulfonylhydrazones: in vitro and in silico approaches. Future medicinal chemistry, 13, 233-250.
Silva, E.J., Bezerra-Souza, A., Passero, L.F., Laurenti, M.D., Ferreira, G.M., Fujii, D.G.V., et al. (2018). Synthesis, leishmanicidal activity, structural descriptors and structure-activity relationship of quinoline derivatives. Future medicinal chemistry, 10, 2069-2085.
Leite, F.H.A., Froes, T.Q., da Silva, S.G., de Souza, E.I.M., Vital-Fuji,i D.G., Trossini, G.H.G., et al. (2017). An integrated approach towards the discovery of novel non-nucleoside Leishmania major pteridine reductase 1 inhibitors. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 132, 322-332.
Vital, D.G., Damasceno, F.S., Rapado, L.N., Silber, A.M., Vilella, F.S., Ferreira, R.S., et al. (2017). Application of bioisosterism in design of the semicarbazone derivatives as cruzain inhibitors: a theoretical and experimental study. Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, 35, 1244–1259.
Mello, J. F.R., Gomes, R.A., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Ferreira, G.M., Trossini, G.H.G. (2017). Fragment-based drug discovery as alternative strategy to the drug development for neglected diseases. Chemical Biology & Drug Design, 90, 1067-1078.
Pantaleao, S.Q., Fujii, D.G.V., Maltarollo, V.G., da C. Silva, D., Trossini, G.H.G., Weber, K.C., et al. (2017). The Role of QSAR and Virtual Screening Studies in Type 2 Diabetes Drug Discovery. Medicinal Chemistry, 13, 706-720.
Vital, D., Arribas, M., Trossini, G. (2014). Molecular Modeling and Docking Application to Evaluate Cruzain Inhibitory Activity by Chalcones and Hydrazides. Letters in Drug Design and Discovery, 11, 249-255.
Blau, L., Menegon, R.F., Trossini, G.H.G., Molino, J.V.D., Vital, D.G., Cicarelli, R.M.B., et al. (2013). Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of new aryl thiosemicarbazone as antichagasic candidates. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 67, 142-151.
You can view some of Dr Drielli’s work below and links to her professional profile.
Orcid: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9270-0466
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Drielli-Gomes-Vital-Fujii
Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=55829534000
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=F9U50AEAAAAJ&hl=pt-BR
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/driellivital
Escavador: https://www.escavador.com/sobre/6101380/drielli-gomes-vital
CDIPD: https://cdipd.org/index.php/about-us/visiting-scientists
Can you take Zyrtec and Sudafed together?
Yes, you can take Zyrtec and Sudafed together as there is no known interaction between these two meds. Zyrtec is Cetirizine, a second-generation antihistamine medication. Cetirizine can be used to control a number of allergy symptoms (1).
Sudafed, on the other hand, is pseudo-ephedrine, which is a decongestant (2). It helps release the pressure in your sinus and helps unclog your airways. The concomitant use of Zyrtec and Sudafed can actively control a number of disturbing symptoms of cold and flu-like: (1,2)
- Runny nose
- Watery eyes
- Pressure in your nose, eyes, and head
- Chest congestion
- Sneezing
Make sure you use the meds properly and avoid overusing them. The side effects of these two are mild and insignificant when used carefully. Sudafed can also be taken with other antihistamines, like Benadryl. Just make sure you take these meds as properly as you can to avoid any disturbing side effects.
Who should not take Zyrtec and Sudafed together?
Zyrtec and Sudafed should not be taken together by certain individuals, including (1,2):
- Children under the age of 2 should not take these medications unless specifically advised by a healthcare professional.
- Individuals with allergies.
- People with certain health conditions, such as severe hypertension, heart disease, glaucoma, or thyroid problems.
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women
- Individuals taking other medications, especially monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or certain antidepressants, should not take Zyrtec and Sudafed together due to potential interactions.
How to ensure the proper use of Zyrtec and Sudafed together?
If you plan to use Zyrtec (cetirizine) and Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) together, it’s crucial to ensure their proper use to manage your symptoms effectively and safely (1,2).
Firstly, consult with a healthcare provider or pharmacist before combining these medications, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking other medications. They can provide advice based on your medical history and help you determine if it’s safe for you to take them together.
Always follow the recommended dosages for each medication as indicated on their labels or as directed by your healthcare provider. Do not exceed the recommended doses, as doing so may increase the risk of side effects without providing additional benefits.
Keep in mind that both medications can cause side effects, and using them together may increase the risk of certain adverse reactions. Common side effects may include drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, and increased heart rate (1,2).
Lastly, pay attention to any potential interactions with other medications you might be taking. Some drugs can interact with Zyrtec and Sudafed, leading to harmful effects (1,2).
Inform your healthcare provider or pharmacist about all the medications you are currently using to ensure there are no contraindications or drug interactions.
By taking these precautions and seeking professional advice, you can use Zyrtec and Sudafed together more safely and effectively to manage your allergies and congestion.
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References
1.-
Naqvi A, Gerriets V. Cetirizine. 2023 Jan 30. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 31747183. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549776
2.-
Głowacka K, Wiela-Hojeńska A. Pseudoephedrine-Benefits and Risks. Int J Mol Sci. 2021 May 13;22(10):5146. doi: 10.3390/ijms22105146. PMID: 34067981; PMCID: PMC8152226. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8152226/
