Zyrtec-D, which combines the antihistamine cetirizine with a nasal decongestant, pseudoephedrine, is available as a prescription drug since 2001.
It will now be approved as an over-the-counter drug for the relief of symptoms due to hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies such as runny nose; sneezing; itchy, watery eyes; itchy nose or throat; and nasal congestion.
Zyrtec-D is also approved to reduce swollen nasal passages, relieve sinus congestion and pressure, and restore freer breathing through the nose, WebMD reports.
Andrea Leonard-Segal, director of the Division of Nonprescription Clinical Evaluation in the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research said in an FDA news release, "The approval of this widely used drug for nonprescription use will enable many people to have access to another effective treatment for their allergy symptoms."
However, a customer will still be required to show identification, among other steps, before buying the decongestant in limited amount.
Zyrtec-D is distributed by McNeil Consumer Healthcare. Its common side effects include drowsiness, fatigue, and dry mouth, according to the FDA.
