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Antihistamine and Decongestant Combinations
Histamine stimulates the production of mucus and the dilation of blood
vessels. Allergy sufferers recognize histamine's effects as a runny nose and swollen nasal passages. Antihistamines block this "histamine
reaction".
Decongestants constrict blood vessels. Therefore, when you use a
decongestant, the blood vessels in your nose tighten causing the linings of your nose to be less swollen. This makes your nose feel less stuffy.
Recently, some over-the-counter (OTC) allergy medicines have been moved behind the counter at pharmacies nationwide as part of the fight against illegal drug production. Pseudoephedrine is a drug found in both OTC and prescription products used to relieve a stuffy nose caused by nasal allergies. The drug is also a key ingredient in making methamphetamine?a powerful, highly addictive stimulant often made illegally in ?meth labs?.
According to the new law, all drug products that contain the ingredient pseudoephedrine must be kept behind the pharmacy counter and must be sold in limited quantities to consumers after they show identification and sign a logbook (the products still do not require a prescription). These safeguards make it more difficult for drug abusers to obtain pseudoephedrine in bulk and help pharmacists and law enforcement track sales of the drug.
The new law affects several hundred OTC products for children and adults. Some drug companies are making changes to their products to eliminate pseudoephedrine and make their products more accessible to consumers. Always read the label each time you buy and use an OTC product for allergies. Look for special "flags" or "banners" on the label alerting you to changes. If you read the label and still have questions, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Drugs in the class
Cetirizine and Pseudoephedrine (Zyrtec-D)
Desloratadine and Pseudoephedrine ER (Clarinex-D 24 Hour)
Fexofenadine and Pseudoephedrine (Allegra-D)
Loratadine and Pseudoephedrine (Claritin-D 12 Hour, Claritin-D 24 Hour) | 
