citimed cd tablet - Cetirizine (NA) + Pseudoephedrine (NA) medicine

Citimed CD Tablet: Complete Guide to Uses, Side Effects, and Safety

No reviews yet
🏭 Zydus Cadila 📦 Varies by brand 💊 Allopathy 📅 Updated: Oct 21, 2026
📋 Prescription Required 💊 Generic Available
Medically Reviewed
11 min read
Evidence: Well-established for allergic rhinitis and common cold symptom relief.
Reviewed by
SaathiMed Expert Panel | Oct 21, 2026
🩺
Medically Fact-Checked & Clinically Verified by SaathiMed Clinical Review Board
Clinical Reference Standards: CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation), Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) & WHO | Last Updated: September 2026

When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY

  • Chest pain, palpitations, or irregular heartbeat.
  • Difficulty breathing or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Severe headache with blurred vision or confusion.
  • Inability to urinate or severe lower abdominal pain.
  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or severe nausea.
  • Seizures or loss of consciousness.
  • Severe rash or blistering of the skin.

If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.

What is citimed cd tablet used for?

This medicine is a combination of cetirizine (an antihistamine) and pseudoephedrine (a decongestant) used to treat symptoms of allergic rhinitis and the common cold, such as sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion. It is taken orally, usually every 12 hours, and may cause drowsiness.

  • Generic Name: Cetirizine + Pseudoephedrine
  • Manufacturer: Zydus Cadila
  • Form: Allopathy
  • Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
  • Prescription Required: Yes

🇮🇳 citimed cd tablet के बारे में (Hindi Summary)

उपयोग: यह दवा सेटिरिज़िन और स्यूडोएफेड्रिन का संयोजन है, जिसका उपयोग एलर्जी राइनाइटिस और सामान्य सर्दी के लक्षणों जैसे छींक, नाक बहना, आंखों में खुजली और नाक बंद होने के इलाज के लिए किया जाता है। यह मौखिक रूप से ली जाती है और आमतौर पर हर 12 घंटे में ली जाती है। यह दवा नींद ला सकती है, इसलिए वाहन चलाते समय सावधानी बरतें।

साइड इफेक्ट्स: इस दवा के सामान्य दुष्प्रभावों में नींद आना, मुंह सूखना, सिरदर्द, थकान और जी मिचलाना शामिल हैं। कुछ लोगों को बेचैनी या अनिद्रा भी हो सकती है। गंभीर दुष्प्रभाव दुर्लभ हैं, लेकिन यदि सांस लेने में कठिनाई, चेहरे या गले में सूजन, या दिल की धड़कन अनियमित हो, तो तुरंत डॉक्टर से मिलें।

सुरक्षा सलाह: इस दवा को डॉक्टर के निर्देशानुसार ही लें। निर्धारित मात्रा से अधिक न लें। शराब और अन्य नींद लाने वाली दवाओं से बचें। यदि आपको उच्च रक्तचाप, हृदय रोग, मधुमेह, थायरॉइड, ग्लूकोमा या पेशाब में कठिनाई है, तो डॉक्टर को बताएं। गर्भावस्था या स्तनपान के दौरान डॉक्टर से सलाह लें। बच्चों की पहुंच से दूर रखें।

💡 Did You Know? India has the highest number of USFDA-compliant plants outside the USA.

💊 citimed cd tablet Uses & Benefits

[{"condition":"Allergic rhinitis","description":"Relieves sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and nasal congestion associated with seasonal or perennial allergies.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Common cold","description":"Provides symptomatic relief of nasal congestion, sneezing, and runny nose due to viral upper respiratory infections.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Vasomotor rhinitis","description":"May help reduce nasal congestion and sneezing in non-allergic rhinitis.","evidence":"Limited"}]

Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Eustachian tube dysfunction","description":"Sometimes used to relieve congestion and pressure in the middle ear.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"Sinusitis","description":"May be used as an adjunct to reduce nasal swelling and improve sinus drainage.","evidence":"Limited"}]

Primary treatment for: Allergic rhinitis

Also treats: Common cold, Vasomotor rhinitis, Sinusitis

📋 Drug Information

Generic Name(s)Cetirizine + Pseudoephedrine
Brand NameAlcold
ManufacturerZydus Cadila
Packaging / FormVaries by brand (Allopathy)
Therapeutic ClassRESPIRATORY
Action ClassAntihistamine + Decongestant
Route of AdministrationOral
StorageStore at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C (59°F to 86°F). Protect from moisture and direct sunlight. Keep in the original container.
Shelf Life24 months from the date of manufacture.
WHO GuidelineNot established from the available information.
ICMR GuidelineNot established from the available information.

👨‍⚕️ Doctor's Practical Tips

Evidence-based practical advice from experienced clinicians

1
Take this medicine with food to reduce the chance of stomach upset.
2
Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how this medicine affects your alertness.
3
Do not take this medicine for more than 7 days without consulting your doctor.
4
If you have high blood pressure or heart disease, inform your doctor before taking this medicine.
5
Avoid alcohol and other sedatives while taking this medicine to prevent excessive drowsiness.
6
Stay well hydrated throughout the day to help relieve congestion and dry mouth.
7
Do not use this medicine if you are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or have taken them in the last 14 days.

🔍 Is This Medicine Right for Your Symptom?

Educational reference. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis.

✅
Sneezing and runny nose
This medicine is commonly prescribed for allergic rhinitis and cold symptoms.
Likely Use
✅
Nasal congestion
Pseudoephedrine helps relieve nasal stuffiness.
Likely Use
❌
Fever
This medicine is not a primary fever reducer.
Not Primary
✅
Itchy, watery eyes
Cetirizine helps relieve allergic eye symptoms.
Likely Use

🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)

Pharmacokinetics

AbsorptionCetirizine is rapidly absorbed after oral administration, with peak plasma concentrations reached in about 1 hour. Pseudoephedrine is also well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, with peak levels occurring in 1 to 2 hours.
DistributionCetirizine is widely distributed throughout the body, including into the skin and nasal mucosa. Pseudoephedrine distributes into various tissues and crosses the blood-brain barrier to a limited extent.
Protein BindingCetirizine is approximately 93% bound to plasma proteins. Pseudoephedrine is not significantly protein-bound.
MetabolismCetirizine undergoes minimal hepatic metabolism and is primarily excreted unchanged in the urine. Pseudoephedrine is partially metabolized in the liver by N-demethylation to inactive metabolites.
Half-LifeThe elimination half-life of cetirizine is approximately 8 to 10 hours in adults with normal kidney function. The elimination half-life of pseudoephedrine is approximately 5 to 8 hours.
ExcretionCetirizine is primarily excreted unchanged in the urine. Pseudoephedrine and its metabolites are excreted mainly in the urine, with about 55 to 75% of a dose excreted unchanged.
BioavailabilityThe oral bioavailability of cetirizine is high, approximately 70% or more. Pseudoephedrine has an oral bioavailability of approximately 90%.
Onset of ActionCetirizine begins to relieve allergic symptoms within 1 hour. Pseudoephedrine starts reducing nasal congestion within 30 to 60 minutes.
Peak Plasma TimeCetirizine reaches peak plasma levels in about 1 hour. Pseudoephedrine reaches peak plasma levels in 1 to 2 hours.
Duration of ActionCetirizine provides relief for up to 24 hours. Pseudoephedrine's decongestant effect lasts for 4 to 6 hours, so the combination may require dosing every 12 hours or as directed.

How It Works

This medicine combines two active ingredients with complementary actions. Cetirizine is a selective peripheral H1-receptor antagonist that blocks histamine released from mast cells, reducing allergic symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and rhinorrhea. Pseudoephedrine is a sympathomimetic amine that stimulates alpha-adrenergic receptors on nasal blood vessels, causing vasoconstriction and reduced mucosal swelling, which relieves nasal congestion.

Mechanism Steps

1
Histamine H1 receptor blockade: Cetirizine binds to H1 receptors on blood vessels and nerve endings, preventing histamine from triggering allergic symptoms.
2
Alpha-adrenergic receptor stimulation: Pseudoephedrine stimulates alpha-adrenergic receptors on nasal blood vessels, causing them to constrict.
3
Reduced nasal congestion: Vasoconstriction decreases blood flow and swelling in the nasal passages, making breathing easier.
4
Combined symptomatic relief: The two actions together alleviate sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and nasal stuffiness.

💡 How to Take citimed cd tablet

Strength: Immediate-release tablet containing cetirizine and pseudoephedrine. Strength not specified in the available information.

1Take this medicine orally with a glass of water.
2Swallow the tablet whole; do not crush or chew.
3Take with or without food, but taking with food may reduce stomach upset.
4Follow the prescribed dose and frequency exactly.
5Do not take more than the recommended dose.
6If you miss a dose, follow the missed dose instructions.

Dosage Information

Adult DosageThe usual adult dose of this medicine is one tablet taken orally every 12 hours, or as directed by your doctor. Do not exceed two tablets in 24 hours. The dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on indication, age, weight, renal and hepatic function, and response to treatment. Do not self-medicate or adjust the dose without medical advice.
Pediatric DosagePediatric dosing is not established from available information. Consult a pediatrician.
Elderly DosageElderly patients may be more sensitive to the side effects of this medicine, especially drowsiness, confusion, and urinary retention. Use with caution and consult a doctor for appropriate dosing.
Renal ImpairmentDose adjustment may be required in patients with renal impairment. Cetirizine is primarily excreted by the kidneys; reduced clearance may increase side effects. Consult a doctor for individualized dosing.
Hepatic ImpairmentNo specific dose adjustment is established for hepatic impairment. Use with caution and consult a doctor.
Maximum Daily DoseThe maximum recommended daily dose is two tablets in 24 hours, or as prescribed by a doctor. Do not exceed this limit.

Dosage Timeline

🌅 Morning ❌ ☀️ Afternoon ❌ 🌆 Evening ❌ 🌙 Night ❌

🍽️ Food Timing Guide

With food
Take with meals
Reduces stomach upset.
Grapefruit juice
Avoid
May increase cetirizine levels.
Caffeine
Limit
May increase nervousness and insomnia.

⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose

📌 Less than 6 hours since missed dose
→ Take the missed dose as soon as you remember.
💡 Continue with the regular schedule.
📌 More than 6 hours since missed dose
→ Skip the missed dose.
💡 Do not double dose to catch up.

⚠️ Side Effects of citimed cd tablet

✅ Common Side Effects

Drowsiness (Common (10-15%))
Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. If drowsiness persists, consult your doctor.
Dry mouth (Common (5-10%))
Sip water frequently or chew sugar-free gum. If it becomes bothersome, talk to your doctor.
Headache (Common (5-10%))
Usually resolves on its own. If severe or persistent, consult your doctor.
Nervousness or restlessness (Uncommon (1-5%))
Reduce caffeine intake. If symptoms are bothersome, contact your doctor.
Insomnia (Uncommon (1-5%))
Avoid taking this medicine close to bedtime if it keeps you awake. Consult your doctor if it persists.

🚨 Serious Side Effects

Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) (Rare (<0.1%))
Seek emergency medical help immediately if you experience swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing, or a severe rash.
Irregular heartbeat or palpitations (Rare (<0.1%))
Stop the medicine and seek immediate medical attention if you notice a fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat.
Severe high blood pressure (Rare (<0.1%))
Seek medical help if you experience severe headache, blurred vision, or chest pain.
Urinary retention (Rare (<0.1%))
If you are unable to urinate, seek immediate medical attention.

⚠️ Rare Side Effects

Hallucinations or confusion
Discontinue and seek medical advice promptly.
Seizures
Seek emergency medical care immediately.
Liver enzyme elevation
Report to your doctor if you notice yellowing of eyes or skin, dark urine, or persistent nausea.

Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.

🔬 Drug Interactions

Drug Severity Effect
MAOIs Major
Beta-blockers Moderate
CNS depressants Moderate
Anticholinergics Moderate
Theophylline Moderate
Antacids Minor
Ketoconazole Minor
Alcohol Moderate
Grapefruit juice Minor
Other sympathomimetics Major

🚨 Major Interactions

  • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
  • Other sympathomimetics (e.g., decongestants, stimulants)
  • Beta-blockers

⚡ Moderate Interactions

  • CNS depressants (e.g., alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids)
  • Anticholinergic drugs (e.g., tricyclic antidepressants, oxybutynin)
  • Theophylline

🍷 Alcohol Interaction

Alcohol can increase the drowsiness and sedation caused by cetirizine. It is best to avoid alcohol while taking this medicine.

🔎 Check Your Other Medicines

Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.

🛡️ Safety & Warnings

🚫 Contraindications

["Known hypersensitivity to cetirizine, pseudoephedrine, or any component of the formulation.","Severe hypertension or severe coronary artery disease.","Hyperthyroidism.","Narrow-angle glaucoma.","Urinary retention or prostatic hypertrophy with residual urine.","Use within 14 days of monoamine oxidase inhibitor therapy.","Children under 12 years of age (unless directed by a physician)."]

⚠️ Warnings & Precautions

["May cause drowsiness; avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.","Avoid alcohol and other central nervous system depressants.","Use with caution in patients with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or thyroid disorders.","Do not exceed the recommended dose or duration of use.","Consult a doctor if symptoms persist beyond 7 days or are accompanied by fever.","Not recommended for children under 12 years without medical advice.","Pseudoephedrine may cause urinary retention; use with caution in men with enlarged prostate."]

🤱 Lactation Safety

Cetirizine and pseudoephedrine may pass into breast milk. Pseudoephedrine may reduce milk supply. Consult your doctor before use.

💊 Overdose Management

Overdose may cause severe drowsiness, agitation, hallucinations, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, and difficulty urinating. Seek emergency medical attention immediately. Treatment is supportive and symptomatic. There is no specific antidote. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a healthcare professional.

⏰ Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Additional Safety Advice

General Safety

Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not exceed the recommended dose or duration. Avoid alcohol and other sedatives while taking this medicine, as they can increase drowsiness. Inform your doctor if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, thyroid problems, glaucoma, or difficulty urinating. Do not use this medicine for more than 7 days without medical advice. If you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before use. Keep this medicine out of reach of children. Store at room temperature away from moisture and direct sunlight. Do not use if the tablet is broken or discolored.

👴 Special Considerations for Elderly

💡 For Patients Above 65

Elderly patients are more sensitive to the side effects of this medicine, especially drowsiness, confusion, dry mouth, and urinary retention. Use with caution and consult a doctor for appropriate dosing. Monitor blood pressure regularly.

🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)

If you are planning pregnancy or are pregnant, consult your doctor before taking this medicine. The safety of cetirizine and pseudoephedrine in pregnancy is not fully established. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and risks.

🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations

This medicine may interact with anesthetics and other medications used during surgery. Inform your surgeon and anesthesiologist that you are taking this medicine. It may need to be stopped before surgery as advised by your doctor.

🦷 Dental Procedures

Inform your dentist if you are taking this medicine, as it may cause dry mouth and interact with other medications used during dental procedures. It may also increase drowsiness if sedatives are used.

💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results

🏃
Stay hydrated to help thin mucus and relieve congestion.
🥗
Use a humidifier or steam inhalation to ease nasal stuffiness.
😴
Avoid known allergens such as dust, pollen, and pet dander.
💧
Get plenty of rest to support your immune system.
🧘
Wash your hands frequently to prevent the spread of cold viruses.
🌞
Avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke.

🏋️ Exercise Considerations

This medicine may cause drowsiness and dizziness. Avoid strenuous exercise or activities that require full alertness until you know how it affects you. If you feel dizzy or lightheaded, stop exercising and rest.

🥗 Diet Recommendations

Include warm fluids like soups and herbal teas to soothe the throat and loosen congestion.
Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables to support immunity.
Limit caffeine and alcohol, which can worsen side effects.
Avoid heavy, spicy meals if you have a sensitive stomach.

💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life

This medicine can cause drowsiness, which may affect your ability to drive, operate machinery, or perform tasks requiring mental alertness. It is best to avoid such activities until you know how the medicine affects you. Inform your employer if your job involves operating heavy equipment.

🛑 When to Stop This Medicine

Stop taking this medicine and consult your doctor if your symptoms do not improve within 7 days, if they worsen, or if you experience any serious side effects. Do not stop abruptly if you have been taking it regularly for a long time without medical advice.

📅 Long-Term Use Effects

Long-term use of this medicine is not recommended without medical supervision. Prolonged use of pseudoephedrine can lead to rebound congestion, increased blood pressure, and heart rhythm disturbances. Cetirizine may cause persistent drowsiness. Regular monitoring of blood pressure and renal function may be needed if used for extended periods.

🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches

These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.

Saline nasal irrigation

Helps clear nasal passages and reduce congestion without medication.

Evidence: Well-established
Allergen avoidance

Reducing exposure to allergens can decrease the need for medication.

Evidence: Well-established
Intranasal corticosteroid sprays

Effective for allergic rhinitis and may be used as an alternative or add-on.

Evidence: Well-established

💉 Vaccination Considerations

💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated

There are no known interactions between this medicine and vaccines. However, if you are scheduled for vaccination, inform your healthcare provider about all medicines you are taking.

📦 Storage Guide

✅ DO

Store at room temperature (15-30°C)

❌ DON'T

Do not refrigerate unless specified

✅ DO

Keep in original container

❌ DON'T

Do not transfer to unmarked containers

✅ DO

Keep away from direct sunlight

❌ DON'T

Do not store in bathroom cabinet

✈️ Traveling with This Medicine

Carry this medicine in its original packaging with a copy of your prescription. Store it at room temperature and protect it from moisture and direct sunlight. If traveling across time zones, adjust dosing intervals as advised by your doctor. Check customs regulations for carrying prescription medicines. Do not leave it in a hot car or checked luggage.

💰 Cost Analysis & Savings

👥 Real Patient Stories

Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.

👤 A 35-year-old woman with seasonal allergic rhinitis.
She was prescribed this medicine for sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion. After taking it as directed, her symptoms improved within an hour. She experienced mild drowsiness, so she avoided driving until she knew how it affected her. She was advised to take it with food to prevent stomach upset.
💡 Lesson: Taking this medicine as prescribed and being aware of drowsiness helps manage symptoms safely.
👤 A 50-year-old man with a common cold and nasal congestion.
He took this medicine for 3 days and found significant relief from congestion and sneezing. He was cautioned not to exceed the recommended dose and to avoid alcohol. He also monitored his blood pressure as he had mild hypertension.
💡 Lesson: Short-term use as directed is effective, but monitoring blood pressure is important in patients with hypertension.

💬 Questions Patients Often Ask

Q: How long does it take to work?

A: This medicine usually starts relieving symptoms within 1 hour, with peak effects in 1 to 2 hours.

Q: Can I take this medicine with food?

A: Yes, you can take it with or without food. Taking it with food may reduce stomach upset.

Q: Is it safe to drive after taking this medicine?

A: This medicine may cause drowsiness. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.

Q: How long can I take this medicine?

A: Do not use it for more than 7 days without consulting your doctor.

Q: Can I take this medicine if I am pregnant?

A: Consult your doctor before use. The safety profile in pregnancy is not well established.

🤔 Common Patient Concerns

💭 These are the concerns patients most commonly raise

  • Can I take this medicine long-term?
  • Will it affect my blood pressure?
  • Can I drive after taking this medicine?
  • Does it interact with my blood pressure medicine?
  • What if I miss a dose?
  • Can I drink alcohol while taking this?

🔄 Substitutes for citimed cd tablet

View All

Alternative brands with exact same active ingredient:

Medical Note: Always consult your doctor before switching medications.

🛑 Myths vs. Facts

  • Myth: This medicine can cure allergies permanently.
    Fact: This medicine only relieves symptoms; it does not cure allergies.
  • Myth: It is safe to take this medicine for weeks without a doctor's advice.
    Fact: Prolonged use without medical supervision can lead to side effects and is not recommended.
  • Myth: This medicine is safe for everyone.
    Fact: It is not safe for people with certain conditions like severe hypertension, heart disease, or glaucoma.

🔄 Alternative Options

Generic Alternatives

  • Cetirizine + Pseudoephedrine combination tablets from other manufacturers

📊 Comparison with Similar Medicines

[{"medicine":"Cetirizine + Pseudoephedrine","onset":"1 hour","duration":"12-24 hours","sedation":"Moderate","key_feature":"Combined antihistamine and decongestant"},{"medicine":"Loratadine + Pseudoephedrine","onset":"1-3 hours","duration":"12-24 hours","sedation":"Low","key_feature":"Less sedating antihistamine"},{"medicine":"Fexofenadine + Pseudoephedrine","onset":"1-2 hours","duration":"12-24 hours","sedation":"Low","key_feature":"Non-sedating antihistamine"}]

😊 Was this information helpful?

Browse Medicines A-Z

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Back to Medicines Directory