Stopcold in Spain: Cetirizine Pseudoephedrine Tablets
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera, MD
Licensed Physician No. 484814280 · Official Medical College of Bizkaia (Spain)Last reviewed: 29 October 2026
Stopcold is cetirizine with pseudoephedrine, prescription-only in Spain, for allergic rhinitis. Who should avoid it and why it is not a cold remedy.
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Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera is an independent, bilingual GP licensed in Spain. Book a 15-minute video consultation in English or Spanish for €50, with a private electronic prescription issued under Spanish law when clinically appropriate.
Stopcold is a Spanish tablet that combines cetirizine and pseudoephedrine. Cetirizine is an antihistamine and pseudoephedrine is a decongestant. In Spain it needs a prescription. It is licensed for a blocked nose, sneezing and itch from hay fever and other allergies. It is not a cold and flu remedy: it has no paracetamol for fever or aches.
- Stopcold is cetirizine plus pseudoephedrine, in slow-release tablets.
- It needs a prescription in Spain. Its licence is for allergic rhinitis, not for colds or flu.
- The decongestant can raise blood pressure and heart rate. It is not for people with severe high blood pressure, serious heart disease, an enlarged prostate or angle-closure glaucoma.
- Do not take it with other cold remedies that also contain a decongestant.
Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera is a GP licensed in Spain (Colegiado No. 484814280).
For a medical emergency, call 112 or go to the nearest local emergency department. Do not wait for a video consultation or an online reply.
What is in Stopcold, and what is it licensed for?
Each tablet holds two medicines. Cetirizine blocks histamine, which drives sneezing, a runny nose and itchy eyes. Pseudoephedrine narrows swollen blood vessels in the nose, so it feels less blocked. The tablet releases them slowly, so it must be swallowed whole, not chewed, split or crushed.
On the Spanish product sheet, Stopcold treats the symptoms of seasonal and year-round allergic rhinitis. It is meant for times when a blocked nose is a main problem. It is for adults and teenagers from 12. It is not advised from 2 to 12, and must not be given under 2. Your doctor and the leaflet set how to take it and for how long. Use it only while you have the symptoms.
Why is Stopcold not a cold and flu tablet?
The name suggests colds, but the licence is about allergy. Typical cold and flu tablets sold in Spanish pharmacies contain paracetamol for fever and aches. Many also add a decongestant, an antihistamine or a cough medicine. Stopcold has no painkiller at all.
| Stopcold | Typical cold and flu products | |
|---|---|---|
| Contains | Cetirizine and pseudoephedrine | Often paracetamol, plus other ingredients |
| Licensed for | Allergic rhinitis | Cold and flu symptoms |
| Helps fever or aches | No | Yes, if they contain paracetamol |
| Prescription in Spain | Yes | Many are sold without one |
Some Spanish products, such as Frenadol Descongestivo, contain pseudoephedrine too. Taking two products with a decongestant doubles the strain on the heart and blood pressure. Check every label. If you take a paracetamol product, do not add another cold remedy that also contains paracetamol.
Is there a UK or US version of Stopcold?
In the US, the same pair of medicines is sold as Zyrtec-D, without a prescription. We could not confirm a UK product with this exact pair. In the UK, the two parts are known on their own.
| Name | What it is | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Stopcold | Cetirizine + pseudoephedrine, slow-release | Spain (prescription) |
| Zyrtec-D | Cetirizine + pseudoephedrine | US (no prescription) |
| Sudafed | Pseudoephedrine decongestant | UK |
| Cetirizine (Zyrtec) | Antihistamine only | Spain, UK, US |
Our cetirizine guide explains the antihistamine on its own.
Do you need a prescription for Stopcold in Spain?
Yes. The AEMPS CIMA database lists Stopcold as a medicine that needs a prescription. A pharmacy cannot hand it over without one. This is stricter than in the US. Our prescription status guide covers other common medicines.
Blocked nose every spring, or not sure a combined tablet is safe for you?
You can book a video visit with a GP licensed in Spain, in English or Spanish. He checks your blood pressure history and other medicines first.
Who should not take Stopcold?
The decongestant is the part that needs most care. The leaflet says not to take it if you:
- Have severe or poorly controlled high blood pressure, serious heart disease or a severe heart rhythm problem.
- Have had a stroke, or have a high risk of one.
- Have an enlarged prostate or trouble passing urine.
- Have angle-closure glaucoma.
- Have an overactive thyroid that is not under control, or severe kidney disease.
- Take an MAOI antidepressant, or dihydroergotamine for migraine.
- Are allergic to cetirizine, pseudoephedrine, ephedrine or similar medicines.
Take extra care, and ask first, if you have diabetes, milder heart or blood pressure problems, liver disease or are older. Our high blood pressure page explains why decongestants matter. It is not advised in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Which medicines clash with it?
- Other decongestants, in tablets, sachets or nose sprays.
- Diet pills and stimulants.
- Some blood pressure and heart medicines, such as beta-blockers and digoxin.
- Anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen, if you have high blood pressure.
- Linezolid, an antibiotic, and some migraine and Parkinson's medicines.
Avoid alcohol while you take it. It can also affect skin allergy tests, so tell the allergy clinic first. Athletes should know it can give a positive doping test.
What Stopcold does not treat
- Fever, aches and a sore throat from a cold or flu. It has no painkiller.
- The infection itself. Colds and flu are viruses, and they clear on their own.
- A severe allergic reaction with swelling of the face or trouble breathing. That is an emergency.
Our cold page, flu page and hay fever page explain what helps each one.
Side effects and warning signs
Common side effects are a fast heartbeat, dry mouth, feeling sick, tiredness, dizziness, headache, nervousness and poor sleep. Some people feel drowsy. See how it affects you before you drive. Stop it and get urgent help if you notice:
- Sudden belly pain or bleeding from the bottom.
- Sudden loss of sight.
- A sudden, very bad headache, confusion, being sick or a fit.
- Fever with a red rash covered in small pus spots.
- A pounding heart, chest pain or trouble passing urine.
Call 112 for chest pain, a fit, weakness on one side, or swelling of the face and throat with trouble breathing.
Talking it through with a doctor by video
Dr. Yelamo is a GP licensed in Spain. He sees adults, children and pregnant patients by video, every day from 07:30 to 20:30 (Spain time). In the visit he will:
- Ask whether your symptoms point to allergy, a cold or something else.
- Check your blood pressure, heart, prostate and eye history before any decongestant.
- Go through every medicine and cold remedy you already take.
- Explain the options, such as an antihistamine alone, a steroid nose spray or simple steps at home.
He does not promise any test or prescription before the visit. Where clinically appropriate, following a genuine evaluation. Treatment and prescriptions are issued solely at the doctor's discretion based on evidence-based clinical guidelines.
A prescription is never guaranteed: it is issued only where clinically appropriate after a genuine evaluation, as a private electronic prescription under Spanish law. This service is for urgent, non-emergency care. In an emergency, call 112.
See how the Urgent Care video visit works. It lasts 15 minutes and costs €50.
This guide is general information. It does not replace the package leaflet or the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.
Frequently asked questions
What is Stopcold?
A Spanish prescription tablet that combines cetirizine, an antihistamine, with pseudoephedrine, a decongestant. It is licensed for allergic rhinitis.
Is Stopcold a cold and flu tablet?
No. Despite the name, it has no paracetamol and is licensed for allergy symptoms. It does not ease fever or aches.
Can I buy Stopcold without a prescription in Spain?
No. CIMA lists it as prescription-only, so a Spanish pharmacy needs a prescription to supply it.
Is Stopcold the same as Zyrtec-D?
It has the same two medicines as Zyrtec-D in the US. The product, strength and rules may differ, so follow the Spanish leaflet.
Can I take Stopcold with high blood pressure?
Not if it is severe or poorly controlled. Even with milder high blood pressure, ask a doctor first, as the decongestant can raise it.
Can I take it with Frenadol or paracetamol?
Do not mix it with other products that contain a decongestant, such as Frenadol Descongestivo. Ask a pharmacist before adding any cold remedy.
Sources
- AEMPS CIMA: Stopcold package leaflet
- NHS: Pseudoephedrine
- NHS: Common cold
- Mayo Clinic: Cetirizine and pseudoephedrine
Related guides
Medical Citations & Sources
This content is written and reviewed by a licensed physician with reference to the following official health authorities.
