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CETIRIZINE HYDROCHLORIDE vs KARBINAL ER

Independent side-by-side comparison.

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

Rating

68/100
New

Pharmacy pays

$0.06 /mL
$0.44 /mL

Type

OTC
RX

Active ingredient

CETIRIZINE HYDROCHLORIDE
CARBINOXAMINE MALEATE

Dosage forms

Solution, Tablet
Suspension, extended release

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
Angioedema, Allergic Conjunctivitis, Perennial Allergic Rhinitis

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Licensed online providers — consult & get prescribed if eligible.

Where to buy

Buy over-the-counter from trusted retailers.

Frequently asked questions

Which is cheaper, Cetirizine Hydrochloride or Karbinal ER?

Cetirizine Hydrochloride costs pharmacies less to acquire — about $0.06 vs $0.44 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 and Karbinal ER?

Cetirizine Hydrochloride contains Cetirizine Hydrochloride, while Karbinal ER contains Carbinoxamine Maleate — 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.