Can You Take Zarbee’s Cough Syrup with Zyrtec?  

In this article, the pharmacist explains whether it is safe for you to take or give Zarbee’s cough syrup with Zyrtec or not. Keep reading as we have a very insightful discussion together.

Is It Safe to Give Zarbee’s Cough and Mucus Syrup with Zyrtec?

Yes, you can safely take or give Zarbee’s cough syrup with Zyrtec (Cetirizine) because there is no documentation of any form of interaction between the ingredients in Zarbee’s and Cetirizine, the active ingredient in Zyrtec. 

Zarbee’s cough syrups are quite different from the traditional cough syrups we are all familiar with. The difference here stems from the ingredients used in providing relief to cough symptoms. 

While traditional cough syrups like Mucinex, Robitussin, and Benadryl use active pharmaceutical ingredients such as guaifenesin, dextromethorphan, diphenhydramine, etc. 

Zarbee’s rely solely on natural ingredients like dark honey, grapefruit seed extract, elderberry, and ivy leaf extract among others, to provide symptomatic relief to uncomplicated coughs. 

Thankfully, despite their cough syrup being a blend of natural substances, they seem to record no clinically significant interaction with a vast range of pharmaceutical drugs, especially when taken at recommended doses. 

This means that the safety of co-using Zarbee’s cough syrup is not limited to just Zyrtec. It can also be safely used with other medications like Benadryl, Tylenol, Motrin, etc.

Brief Overview of Zarbee’s Cough Syrup and Zyrtec

About Zyrtec

Zyrtec is a brand name for the antihistamine medication cetirizine. It is effective in providing relief to symptoms of allergy such as sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, itching, hives, etc. 

Unlike other antihistamines such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine) which are known for causing sedation, drowsiness, and dizziness due to their ability to cross into the brain and bind to the receptors found there. 

Zyrtec does not produce these effects because their entry into the brain is very minimal. It belongs to the second generation of antihistamines which have this advantage over the first generation.

This doesn’t mean that the first-generation antihistamines are bad. No, not all! In fact, their ability to cause sedation is actually what necessitates their use as sleep aids and also in cough syrups intended to be taken at night. 

While Zyrtec is safe to use with Zarbee’s cough syrup, it shouldn’t be combined with other medications that contain cetirizine or any other antihistamine. Combining drugs containing similar active ingredients can lead to overdose. It can also increase your risk of experiencing side effects. 

Also, Zyrtec should not be taken with alcohol because it can depress the central nervous system immensely. This can throw you into confusion, impair your thinking and judgment, make you drowsy, dizzy, sleepy and very difficult to concentrate.  

This is not a concern in this case since Zarbee’s cough syrup does not contain any alcohol.

About Zarbee’s Cough Syrup

Zarbee’s cough syrup is an all-natural cough formulation intended to provide symptomatic relief to coughs that are associated with irritation, hoarseness, and dry throat. 

It exploits the natural cough-calming ability of dark honey which is just a variant of the regular honey you and I know. 

Dark honey is usually rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. It is actually not difficult to see why Zarbee’s have resorted to its use in cough relief because a quick Google search will display to you that honey has been used for this purpose right from time immemorial.

Zarbee’s have over a dozen cough formulations targeting different age groups; spanning through babies, children, and adults.

The ingredients in their various cough syrups are also different. One notable difference is the replacement of dark honey with agave syrup in cough formulations intended for use in children below 12 months.

This of course is precautionary, as honey has been identified to be contributory to children in this age group coming down with infant botulism. A rare condition that affects the muscles of babies, their cries, and their ability to breathe.

Other Commonly Used Ingredients in Zarbee’s include:

• Ivy leaf extract
• Elderberry
• Marshmallow root extract
• Grapefruit seed extract
• Turmeric
• Chamomile
• Vitamin C and D
• Zinc
• Melatonin
• Thyme
• Pectin

Note that this is not an all-inclusive list of all the ingredients used in Zarbee’s cough syrup. Rather, what’s listed above are the important ones to know. You can always check the supplement facts section of the product label to see the full list of actives present in your version of Zarbee’s cough syrup.

Potential Benefits of Taking Zarbee’s Cough Syrup with Zyrtec

While one drug does not have a direct influence on how better or faster the other drug works to provide relief. You can still benefit from taking Zarbee’s cough syrup alongside Zyrtec as the two drugs will work independently to resolve the symptoms troubling you or your child.

Zarbee’s will help provide relief to cough and also soothe irritated throat. Depending on the particular variant of the cough syrup, you could also reap additional benefits.

For example, you can gain an additional immune system boost by giving your child or taking Zarbee’s cough syrup + Immune boost. This product typically contains Vitamin D and other ingredients rich in antioxidants.

You can also enjoy a better and more peaceful night’s sleep by taking their chamomile-laden Cough + Mucus Night formulation. Chamomile has a calming effect on the body and can help you feel relaxed, thus fostering improved night sleep.

Zyrtec being an antihistamine can help provide relief to symptoms of colds and allergies. It can take care of any itching, sneezing, watery eyes, runny nose, or other allergic symptoms you may be experiencing. 

Using the two together will ensure that you get a comprehensive resolution to some if not all of the most troubling cold and flu symptoms that can can disrupt your normal quality of life.

Final Thoughts

There is no study or research pointing to a clinically significant or any level of interaction between the various ingredients in Zarbee’s cough and Mucus and Zyrtec (cetirizine). However, you should be careful not to take Zyrtec immediately after drinking or consuming alcohol-based beverages. It is a safe practice to always consult your doctor or check with your pharmacist before taking or giving two or more over-the-counter medications together. 

References

• Arnon SS, Midura TF, Damus K, Thompson B, Wood RM, Chin J. Honey and other environmental risk factors for infant botulism. J Pediatr. 1979 Feb;94(2):331-6. doi: 10.1016/s0022-3476(79)80863-x. PMID: 368301. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/368301/ 
• Naqvi A, Gerriets V. Cetirizine. [Updated 2023 Jan 30]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549776/ 
• Zarbee’s, Inc. (n.d.). Products. Zarbee’s. Retrieved November 27, 2023, from https://www.zarbees.com/products