Updated: January 25, 2026

What Is Zyrtec-D XR? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

Author

Peter Daggett

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What Is Zyrtec-D XR?
What Conditions Does Zyrtec-D XR Treat?
How Is Zyrtec-D XR Different from Regular Zyrtec?
Dosage and How to Take It
What to Expect When It Starts Working
Who Should NOT Take Zyrtec-D XR?
Where to Buy Zyrtec-D XR

A complete patient guide to Zyrtec-D XR (cetirizine/pseudoephedrine extended-release): what it treats, how to take it, dosage, who should avoid it, and where to find it.

Zyrtec-D XR is a combination over-the-counter allergy and congestion medication. The "D" stands for decongestant, and the "XR" refers to its extended-release formulation that delivers 12 hours of relief per tablet. Here's everything you need to know about it.

What Is Zyrtec-D XR?

Zyrtec-D XR is the brand name for an extended-release combination tablet containing:

Cetirizine hydrochloride 5 mg — a second-generation antihistamine

Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride 120 mg — a nasal decongestant

It's manufactured by Kenvue Brands LLC (formerly Johnson & Johnson Consumer) and is available OTC, but must be kept behind the pharmacy counter due to the pseudoephedrine component. Generic versions (cetirizine/pseudoephedrine ER 5mg/120mg) are also widely available.

What Conditions Does Zyrtec-D XR Treat?

Zyrtec-D XR is FDA-approved to temporarily relieve symptoms of

seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and the

common cold when nasal congestion is present. Specifically, it relieves:

Runny nose

Sneezing

Itchy, watery eyes

Itching of the nose or throat

Nasal congestion and sinus pressure

How Is Zyrtec-D XR Different from Regular Zyrtec?

Regular Zyrtec contains only cetirizine (10 mg) and is taken once daily for allergy symptoms. Zyrtec-D XR adds pseudoephedrine (120 mg extended-release) to address nasal congestion — a symptom that antihistamines alone don't fully treat. If you're dealing with a stuffy, congested nose along with your allergies, Zyrtec-D XR addresses both problems with one tablet.

Dosage and How to Take It

Adults and children 12 years and older: 1 tablet by mouth every 12 hours; do not take more than 2 tablets in 24 hours

With or without food: May be taken with or without food; taking with food may delay onset slightly

Important: Do NOT cut, crush, or chew the extended-release tablet — swallow whole

Children under 12: Not recommended without healthcare provider guidance

Patients with kidney problems: Take only 1 tablet per day (not 2) due to reduced elimination of both active ingredients

What to Expect When It Starts Working

Cetirizine starts working in about 20–60 minutes for most patients. The nasal decongestant pseudoephedrine peaks around 4 hours after taking the tablet (extended-release formulation). Most patients notice relief from sneezing, runny nose, and eye itching within the first hour; congestion relief typically builds over the first 2–4 hours.

Who Should NOT Take Zyrtec-D XR?

Anyone currently taking or who took an MAOI in the last 14 days

Patients with severe high blood pressure, severe coronary artery disease, narrow-angle glaucoma, or urinary retention

Anyone allergic to cetirizine, pseudoephedrine, or hydroxyzine

See our full guide to

Zyrtec-D XR side effects for a complete breakdown of risks and warning signs.

Where to Buy Zyrtec-D XR

You can purchase Zyrtec-D XR at any pharmacy counter in the US (with photo ID required). You cannot buy it online. If your local pharmacy is out of stock,

medfinder is a paid service that calls pharmacies near you to find which ones have it in stock.

Frequently Asked Questions

Zyrtec-D XR is used to relieve symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and nasal congestion. It treats runny nose, sneezing, itchy/watery eyes, itching of the nose or throat, and nasal and sinus congestion. Each extended-release tablet provides up to 12 hours of relief.

Regular Zyrtec contains only cetirizine (10 mg, once daily) for allergy symptoms. Zyrtec-D XR adds pseudoephedrine (120 mg, extended-release) to provide nasal decongestant action. Zyrtec-D XR is taken twice daily (every 12 hours) and must be purchased from behind the pharmacy counter with ID due to the pseudoephedrine content.

Yes, essentially. Zyrtec-D XR refers to the extended-release 12-hour formulation of Zyrtec-D, containing cetirizine HCl 5 mg and pseudoephedrine HCl 120 mg in an extended-release bilayer tablet. This is the same as the standard Zyrtec-D 12 Hour product.

Cetirizine typically begins working within 20–60 minutes, providing rapid relief from sneezing, itching, and runny nose. The extended-release pseudoephedrine component reaches peak concentration around 4 hours, so full congestion relief builds over the first 2–4 hours after taking the tablet.

Zyrtec-D XR is not recommended for children under 12 years of age without healthcare provider guidance, as clinical trials have not been conducted in patients under 12. Children 12 and older can follow adult dosing instructions. For younger children with allergies, consult a pediatrician about appropriate alternatives.

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