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AZELASTINE HYDROCHLORIDE vs CETIRIZINE HYDROCHLORIDE

Independent side-by-side comparison.

Rated against independent regulatory sources·Last updated August 23, 2026·How we rate

Rating

New
68/100

Pharmacy pays

$0.58 /mL
$0.06 /mL

Type

RX
OTC

Active ingredient

AZELASTINE HYDROCHLORIDE
CETIRIZINE HYDROCHLORIDE

Dosage forms

Drops, Spray/Inhaler, metered
Solution, Tablet

Drug class

Histamine-1 Receptor Antagonist
Histamine-1 Receptor Antagonist

Boxed warning

None
None

Half-life

about 8.3 hours (mean in healthy adults)

Treats

Allergic Conjunctivitis, Perennial Allergic Rhinitis, Vasomotor Rhinitis
Perennial Allergic Rhinitis, Urticaria

Get cetirizine hydrochloridehigher-rated option

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Get treatment online

Licensed online providers — consult & get prescribed if eligible.

Where to buy

Buy over-the-counter from trusted retailers.

Frequently asked questions

Which is cheaper, Azelastine Hydrochloride or Cetirizine Hydrochloride?

Cetirizine Hydrochloride costs pharmacies less to acquire — about $0.06 vs $0.58 per ml, per the CMS NADAC survey. That gap is in the pharmacy's cost of goods, not necessarily in what you pay: your price is set afterwards by your insurer and the pharmacy.

What is the difference between Azelastine Hydrochloride and Cetirizine Hydrochloride?

Azelastine Hydrochloride contains Azelastine Hydrochloride, while Cetirizine Hydrochloride contains Cetirizine Hydrochloride — they have different active ingredients.

Ratings are based on FDA regulatory (recall-safety) data. This comparison is for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional before choosing or switching a medication.