Is Generic Zyrtec Available?

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 25, 2024.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

Need more info about the generic availability of Zyrtec. Thanks.

Yes, generic versions of Zyrtec are available. The patent for Zyrtec expired in 2007.

Zyrtec (cetirizine hydrochloride) is a nonprescription antihistamine. It is used to prevent or treat symptoms of hay fever and to treat cold or allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, watery eyes, or runny nose. It is also used to treat itching and swelling caused by chronic urticaria (hives).

Generic Zyrtec is made by many different manufacturers including
Actavis Elizabeth
Apotex Corp.
Caraco Pharmaceutical Labs
Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, Inc.
Mylan Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Par Pharmaceutical, Inc.
Perrigo
Ranbaxy
Sandoz
Wockhardt USA.

Generic Zyrtec comes in the following strengths and forms:
Cetirizine 5 mg tablets
Cetirizine 10 mg tablets
Children's cetirizine 5 mg chewable tablets
Children's cetirizine 10 mg chewable tablets
Children's cetirizine syrup, 1 mg per mL (5 mg per teaspoonful).

Not all of the generic Zyrtec products have been called their usual "generic" name, "Cetirizine". You can check if a product contains generic Zyrtec by looking for "cetirizine hydrochloride" in the active ingredients section of the package label.

Because non prescription products are regulated differently to prescription medicines FDA equivalence ratings are not assigned to generic Zyrtec products. Therefore, it is difficult to say with certainty that a "generic" non prescription medication is completely equivalent to the brand-name product.

What cold medicine can you take with diabetes?

If you have diabetes and you catch a cold or flu, there are over-the-counter (OTC) medicines that are safe for you to take to help alleviate your symptoms. Check out our suggestions for pain and fever relievers, cough and congestion medications and more.

Remember to look for cold and flu medicines that are less likely to affect your blood sugar (glucose) levels, including sugar-free and alcohol-free options, or worsen any diabetes complications you may have.

Is it OK to take antihistamines every day?

Yes, most people can take antihistamines every day, if they have daily symptoms of their allergies. If you have chronic allergies with daily symptoms, you may take a daily antihistamine. Continue reading

Does Zyrtec cause weight gain?

A study has shown that Zyrtec (generic name: cetirizine) is associated with weight gain if taken over the long-term. This may occur because antihistamines can block histamine-1 (H-1) receptors which will increase your appetite. Zyrtec may also cause drowsiness in some people and lower their energy expenditure, causing weight gain.

Is Generic Zyrtec Available?

Read next

What cold medicine can you take with diabetes?

Is it OK to take antihistamines every day?

Does Zyrtec cause weight gain?

See also:

Aimovig

Botox

Xolair

Nurtec ODT

Depakote

Topamax

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