Patient Medication Information: uses, side effects, how to take - Reactine Complete
What is REACTINE® COMPLETE used for?
REACTINE® COMPLETE is indicated for the fast, long lasting relief of itchy watery eyes, sneezing, runny nose and nasal congestion caused by seasonal allergies (hay fever, trees, grass, pollen and ragweed) and perennial allergies (dust mites, animal dander and molds).
How does REACTINE® COMPLETE work?
Your allergy symptoms are simply your body’s overreaction in trying to protect you from allergens such as dust, ragweed, grass and tree pollen, animal dander or mold. When allergens are detected, your body rushes a substance called histamine to histamine receptor sites in your skin and tissues. The resulting reaction causes itchy, watery eyes, sneezing and runny nose. REACTINE® (cetirizine hydrochloride) helps relieve your allergy symptoms by blocking these receptor sites before histamine binds there. The pseudoephedrine component of REACTINE® COMPLETE is recognized as an effective agent for the relief of nasal congestion caused by your allergies.
What are the ingredients in REACTINE® COMPLETE?
Medicinal ingredients: 5 mg cetirizine hydrochloride, 120 mg pseudoephedrine hydrochloride.
Non-medicinal ingredients: Croscarmellose sodium, hypromellose, lactose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, silicon dioxide, titanium dioxide.
REACTINE® COMPLETE comes in the following dosage forms:
Tablets containing 5 mg cetirizine hydrochloride in an immediate release layer and, 120 mg pseudoephedrine hydrochloride in an extended release layer.
Do not use REACTINE® COMPLETE if:
- you are allergic to cetirizine hydrochloride, to its parent compound, hydroxyzine, or to piperazine derivatives
- you have a known hypersensitivity or history of unusual reactions to pseudoephedrine hydrochloride, to other stimulants, or to any of the ingredients in the formulation or components of the container
- you have any of the following conditions: glaucoma, problems urinating, if you are taking some antidepressant medications, or within 14 days of stopping such treatment
- you have high blood pressure, heart disease, problems with blood circulation, or an overactive thyroid gland
in children under 12 years of age
To help avoid side effects and ensure proper use, talk to your healthcare professional before you take REACTINE® COMPLETE. Talk about any health conditions or problems you may have, including if you:
- have or have had narrow-angle glaucoma
- have or have had urinary retention due to prostate gland enlargement
- have or have had severe hypertension (high blood pressure)
- have or have had severe coronary artery disease (heart disease)
- have or have had thyroid disease
- have or have had diabetes
- are receiving a Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor or within 14 days of stopping such treatment
- are taking any prescription drugs, non-prescription drugs, or natural health products
are pregnant or breast feeding
- have liver or kidney disease
Other warnings you should know about:
- If signs and symptoms such as formation of small pimples occur, with or without fever or redness, then treatment with REACTINE® COMPLETE should be discontinued and a doctor should be consulted
Some people can experience drowsiness due to allergies or antihistamine use. If drowsiness does occur, do not drive or operate machinery.
- If symptoms persist or worsen, or if new symptoms occur, stop use and consult a doctor
Tell your healthcare professional about all the medicines you take, including any drugs, vitamins, minerals, natural supplements or alternative medicines.
The following may interact with REACTINE® COMPLETE:
Do not use REACTINE® COMPLETE with sedating substances such as alcohol and some other medications, including: anti-anxiety medications, sleep aids, antihistamines, antidepressants, muscle relaxants, or prescription analgesics. Drugs that may interact with pseudoephedrine include: Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, methyldopa, mecamylamine, guanethidine, reserpine, veratrum alkaloids, beta-adrenergic blocking agents, digitalis, furazolidone, other sympathomimetic amines, antacids and kaolin.
How to take REACTINE® COMPLETE:
Do not exceed recommended dosage unless directed by a doctor. The tablets should be swallowed with liquid and should not be divided, chewed or crushed. May be taken with or without food. Prolonged use only as directed by a doctor.
Usual dose:
Adults and children 12 years of age and over: The recommended dose of REACTINE® COMPLETE is one tablet every 12 hours.
Adults 65 years of age and over and in patients with moderate liver and/or kidney disease: A dose of one tablet once daily is recommended.
Overdose:
Acute overdosage with REACTINE® COMPLETE may produce abnormally rapid beating of the heart, other abnormal heartbeat, high blood pressure, signs of CNS depression (for example: sleepiness, breathing disturbances, unconsciousness, bluish colouration of the skin or mucous membranes, and cardiovascular collapse) or stimulation (insomnia, hallucinations, tremor, seizures), which could be fatal.
If you think you, or a person you are caring for, have taken too much REACTINE® COMPLETE, contact a healthcare professional, hospital emergency department, or regional poison control centre immediately, even if there are no symptoms.
Treatment in a hospital setting is preferred. Notify of any other medications you may have been taking. If emergency help is not available, vomiting should be induced at once by Syrup of Ipecac. VOMITING SHOULD NEVER BE INDUCED IN UNCONSCIOUS INDIVIDUALS OR IN CHILDREN UNDER 1 YEAR WITHOUT MEDICAL HELP.
Missed Dose:
If you missed a dose of this medication, you do not need to make up the missed dose. Skip the missed dose and continue with your next scheduled dose. Do not take two doses at the same time. Do not exceed the maximum daily dose.
What are possible side effects from using REACTINE® COMPLETE?
These are not all the possible side effects you may have when taking REACTINE® COMPLETE. If you experience any side effects not listed here, tell your healthcare professional.
The most common side effects associated with cetirizine hydrochloride use are headache, sleepiness and dry mouth. If these side effects do not go away, call your doctor or pharmacist.
Serious side effects and what to do about them
| Symptom / effect | Talk to your healthcare professional | Stop taking drug and get immediate medical help | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Only if severe | In all cases | ||
| RARE | |||
| Restlessness with increased body movement | √ | ||
| Difficulty urinating | √ | ||
| New rash or itching after stopping drug | √ | ||
| Liver dysfunction (inflammation of the liver, appearance of jaundice, i.e. yellowing of the skin) | √ | ||
The following side effects have been reported very rarely: aggression, agitation, hallucination, memory impairment/ amnesia, insomnia, dizziness, loss of taste, erectile dysfunction, eye pain or swelling and blurred vision.
If you have a troublesome symptom or side effect that is not listed here or becomes bad enough to interfere with your daily activities, tell your healthcare professional.
Reporting Side Effects
You can report any suspected side effects associated with the use of health products to Health Canada by:
- Visiting the Web page on Adverse Reaction Reporting (https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/medeffect-canada.html) for information on how to report online, by mail or by fax; or
- Calling toll-free at 1-866-234-2345.
NOTE: Contact your health professional if you need information about how to manage your side effects. The Canada Vigilance Program does not provide medical advice.
Storage:
Store at temperatures between 15°C and 30°C. Keep out of reach and sight of children.
If you want more information about REACTINE® COMPLETE:
- Talk to your healthcare professional
- Find the full product monograph that is prepared for healthcare professionals and includes this Patient Medication Information by visiting the Health Canada website: (https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/drug-products/drug-product-database.html); the manufacturer’s website https://www.reactine.ca, or by calling 1-877-322-8463.
Date of Authorization March 12, 2026