Skip to content
ppharmaranks
Menu

CETIRIZINE HYDROCHLORIDE vs ZYRTEC ALLERGY

Independent side-by-side comparison.

Rated against independent regulatory sources·Last updated August 17, 2026·How we rate

Rating

68/100
70/100

Pharmacy pays

$0.06 /mL
$0.06 /mL

Type

OTC
OTC

Active ingredient

CETIRIZINE HYDROCHLORIDE
CETIRIZINE HYDROCHLORIDE

Dosage forms

Solution, Tablet
Capsule, Tablet, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Kit

Drug class

Histamine-1 Receptor Antagonist
Histamine-1 Receptor Antagonist

Boxed warning

None
None

Half-life

about 8.3 hours (mean in healthy adults)
about 8.3 hours (mean in healthy adults)

Treats

Perennial Allergic Rhinitis, Urticaria
Perennial Allergic Rhinitis, Urticaria

Get zyrtec allergyhigher-rated option

Advertising disclosure: Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This never affects our independent ratings.

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 better-rated, Cetirizine Hydrochloride or Zyrtec Allergy?

By our independent rating, Zyrtec Allergy scores higher — 3.5 vs 3.4 out of 5 for Cetirizine Hydrochloride. Ratings are based on FDA regulatory (recall-safety) data.

Which is cheaper, Cetirizine Hydrochloride or Zyrtec Allergy?

Pharmacies pay about the same to acquire either one — roughly $0.06 per ml, per the CMS NADAC survey. That is not what you will be charged: your price is set by your insurer and the pharmacy, not by what the drug cost them.

What is the difference between Cetirizine Hydrochloride and Zyrtec Allergy?

Both Cetirizine Hydrochloride and Zyrtec Allergy share the active ingredient Cetirizine Hydrochloride.

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.