Allergy-D is an over-the-counter medication indicated for the treatment of cold and allergy symptoms such as nasal and sinus congestion, sneezing, itching, watery eyes, runny nose and airway inflammation. The active ingredients in Allergy-D are cetirizine and pseudoephedrine. Cetirizine is an antihistamine that reduces inflammation from allergies and the common cold. Cetirizine is also effective as a cold medicine because it inhibits replication of the human rhinovirus. Pseudoephedrine works by constricting swollen blood vessels in the nose, allowing for drainage and easier breathing. The combination of these two drugs can cause dose dependent side effects in users.
Nervous System
Allergy-D can have several side effects on the nervous system. Cetirizine is an antihistamine, which is a central nervous system depressant, while pseudoephedrine is a central nervous system stimulant. Taken together, these medications can cause an imbalance in the regulation of the central nervous system. According to Drugs.com, some of the nervous system effects of Allergy-D include daytime sleepiness, insomnia, headache, fatigue, nervousness, anxiety, tremor, aggression and dizziness. Up to 30 percent of patients taking pseudoephedrine can experience insomnia, the inability to fall asleep and stay asleep. Up to 20 percent of patients taking cetirizine have experienced somnolence, which is excessive sleepiness during the day. Patients may also feel sleepy during the day due to insomnia the previous night. Patients who are already light sleepers may benefit by taking their last dose no later than 6 hours before bedtime.
Cardiovascular Effects
Allergy-D can also lead to cardiovascular side effects. Patients with pre-existing heart problems should consult their physician before taking this medication. According to eMedTV, cetirizine can cause high blood pressure, chest pain and rapid heart rate, or the feeling of a forcefully beating heart. Cetirizine may also cause flushing, which is the pooling of blood in places such as the face, chest and limbs. According to eMedTV, pseudoephedrine can cause low blood pressure, rapid heart rate and the feeling of a forcefully beating heart. These two ingredients combined may cause the cardiovascular side effects to become even more pronounced. Dr. Italo Biaggioni and researchers at Vanderbilt University state that pseudoephedrine can cause significant increases in blood pressure and may lead to life-threatening strokes in patients who have pre-existing heart problems.
Gastrointestinal Problems
Patients taking Allergy-D may also experience several digestive and gastrointestinal upsets. According to eMedTV, some of the reported digestive side effects of the Allergy-D ingredients are changes in appetite, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, dry or swollen mouth and throat, difficulty passing urine, abdominal pain, gas, hemorrhoids, bladder infections, dehydration and changes in weight. One of the opposing side effects between pseudoephedrine and cetirizine is the impact on appetite. Pseudoephedrine is linked to a significant loss of appetite and is a common ingredient in over-the-counter weight loss supplements. Cetirizine has the side effect of increased appetite and weight gain. Patients taking Allergy-D may experience an increase or loss of appetite, or may not be affected in this area at all.
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