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Zyrtec generic availability, cost, and dosage

Understand the similarities and differences between Zyrtec and cetirizine, including dosing, side effects, and savings
Karen Berger medical writer and reviewer headshot
By | Updated on Dec. 9, 2025 Medically reviewed by Keith Gardner, R.Ph.
Blisterpack of generic tablets: Zyrtec generic

Key takeaways

  • Zyrtec is an over-the-counter, second-generation antihistamine used to treat allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy, watery eyes.

  • Cetirizine, the generic for Zyrtec, was approved by the FDA and made available in 2008.

  • Both Zyrtec and cetirizine have the same active ingredient, dosage forms, and effectiveness, however, the primary difference between Zyrtec and generic cetirizine is the cost.

In this article:

If you have allergies, with symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and itchy, watery eyes, you may have heard of or taken a medication called Zyrtec (generic name cetirizine). Zyrtec is available over-the-counter (OTC) and is in the class of medications known as second-generation antihistamines. First-generation antihistamines, such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine), are more likely to cause side effects like drowsiness than second-generation antihistamines. An additional advantage of second-generation antihistamines is that they are long-acting and typically dosed just once daily. Zyrtec is available as a capsule, tablet, oral solution, chewable tablet, and orally disintegrating tablet (ODT). Continue reading to learn more about Zyrtec and its generic, cetirizine. 

Is there a generic for Zyrtec?

The generic for Zyrtec, cetirizine, was approved for sale by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2008 when Zyrtec was still a prescription-only medication. Now Zyrtec is available without a prescription as both the brand-name products as well as the generic versions. Generic cetirizine is made by various pharmaceutical manufacturers. 

What are the differences between brand-name Zyrtec and generic cetirizine?

There is no difference between the active ingredient in the brand-name drug Zyrtec and generic cetirizine. Generic medications, just as the trade name products, are approved by the FDA and must meet the same strict standards for safety and effectiveness. A clinical study has shown that generic cetirizine is comparable in efficacy to brand-name Zyrtec. 

In terms of appearance, generic cetirizine may appear different from the brand name, but in all cases, they contain the same active ingredient and work the same way. Both are available as a capsule, tablet, oral solution, chewable tablet, and orally disintegrating tablet.

Because generics offer significant cost savings, many patients opt to take generics, and find them to be just as effective as the brand. 

Drug information Zyrtec (cetirizine)
Uses
  • Relieves allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy and watery eyes, and an itchy nose and/or throat
Standard dosage
  • Follow directions on the product package label for appropriate instructions based on specific product and age of the patient
  • Adults and children 6 years and older generally will take 5 or 10 mg by mouth once a day
  • Children ages 2 to 6 years old will generally take the liquid form of this medication: 2.5 mL or 5 mL once daily, or 2.5 mL every 12 hours. Zyrtec is not recommended for anyone under 2 years of age for OTC use. 
Common side effects
  • Drowsiness 
  • Tiredness
  • Dry mouth
  • Stomach problems like stomach pain, vomiting, or diarrhea
Contraindications
  • Do not use if you are allergic to cetirizine or hydroxyzine, or any ingredient in the medication.
  • Do not use cetirizine if you are breastfeeding. 
  • If you are 65 years or older, pregnant, or have kidney disease, liver problems, or any other serious medical problem, consult a healthcare provider before using. 
Other considerations
  • This medication may cause drowsiness. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how Zyrtec affects you.
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Zyrtec. 
  • Other medications may increase drowsiness caused by Zyrtec, such as medicines used for anxiety or sleep. Before taking Zyrtec, tell your healthcare provider or pharmacist about all the medications you take to ensure that there are no drug interactions.
  • Always measure the dose of the liquid formulation with a special measuring device for medication—not a household or kitchen device.
  • If you have symptoms of a serious allergic reaction or anaphylaxis, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, get emergency medical help.
  • In case of overdose, get medical help or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.

How much is generic Zyrtec?

The table below shows the significant cost savings from brand-name Zyrtec to generic cetirizine. Because Zyrtec is over-the-counter, you will need a prescription from a healthcare provider in order to apply the SingleCare discount. For maximum savings, choose generic cetirizine and present a prescription so you can use a free SingleCare card. 

Brand vs. generic Zyrtec prices
Price information Brand-name Zyrtec Zyrtec generic (cetirizine)
Average cost without insurance $27 per 30, 10 mg tablets of brand-name Zyrtec $26 per 30, 10 mg tablets of generic cetirizine
SingleCare’s lowest price $19.89 per 30, 10 mg tablets of brand-name Zyrtec at Kroger (must present prescription to apply SingleCare savings) $3.15 per 30, 10 mg tablets of generic cetirizine at Walgreens (must present prescription to apply SingleCare savings)
Free coupons Zyrtec coupons Cetirizine coupons

Prescription drug prices often change. These are the most accurate medication prices at the time of publishing in ZIP code 23666 as of 12/9/2025. The listed price without insurance references the price of brand-name drugs (unless otherwise specified). The listed SingleCare price references the price of generic drugs if available.

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Is Zyrtec covered by insurance?

Because it is an OTC medication, Zyrtec and generic cetirizine are generally not covered by insurance plans or Medicare Part D. There is, however, a potential exception. The most common way to get coverage is if a healthcare provider gives you a written prescription. This may partially or fully cover the cost, depending on your insurance plan’s formulary. 

What are the off-label uses for Zyrtec?

Off-label prescribing or off-label uses are when a medication is prescribed or used for an indication that is not approved by the FDA. Some off-label uses of Zyrtec or cetirizine include atopic dermatitis (the most common type of eczema) and hives.

Generic alternatives to Zyrtec 

The generic alternative to the brand-name medication Zyrtec is cetirizine. Other alternative generic OTC second-generation antihistamines include: 

Long-term use of Zyrtec

Zyrtec is generally safe to take on a daily basis. However, you may want to check with a healthcare provider such as an allergist, who can tell you the best timeframe for your medication. 

For example, people who only have allergy symptoms in April and May may be advised to take Zyrtec from March through June. However, those with allergies that are year-round may be advised to take Zyrtec year-round, and possibly try other treatments such as immunotherapy or allergy shots. 

You can also ask your healthcare provider about lifestyle changes you can make that are specific to your type of allergies. For example, if you have a pollen allergy, you may want to monitor weather reports and keep windows closed in the home and car when pollen levels are high. 

Consult your healthcare provider for more information about Zyrtec use and its benefits and risks. Make sure your provider knows about all of your medical conditions, medical history, medication use, and family history.

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