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CETIRIZINE HYDROCHLORIDE ALLERGY vs DIPHENHYDRAMINE HYDROCHLORIDE

Independent side-by-side comparison.

Rated against independent regulatory sources·Last updated June 7, 2026·How we rate

Rating

New
New

Pharmacy pays

$0.06 /mL
$0.04 /mL

Type

OTC
RX

Active ingredient

CETIRIZINE HYDROCHLORIDE
DIPHENHYDRAMINE HYDROCHLORIDE

Dosage forms

Tablet
Injectable, Solution, Capsule, 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

Perennial Allergic Rhinitis, Urticaria
Anxiety Disorders, Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders, Motion Sickness

Get cetirizine hydrochloride allergyhigher-rated option

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Where to buy

Buy over-the-counter from trusted retailers.

Frequently asked questions

Which is cheaper, Cetirizine Hydrochloride Allergy or Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride?

Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride costs pharmacies less to acquire — about $0.04 vs $0.06 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 Cetirizine Hydrochloride Allergy and Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride?

Cetirizine Hydrochloride Allergy contains Cetirizine Hydrochloride, while Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride contains Diphenhydramine 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.