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What is a Generic Drug?

A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.

Zyrtec (Cetrizine)

Also Known as Reactine,Cirrus

Brand

Zyrtec (Cetrizine)

Strength
Qty
10mg
Syrup
Generic

What is a Generic?

Generic Equivalent - Zyrtec (Cetrizine)

Strength
Qty
10mg

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  • Product Details

    Description

    Zyrtec (cetrizine)

    Zyrtec is used to alleviate symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis, or hay fever. 

    Zyrtec is also used to alleviate symptoms of chronic allergies caused by dust mites, animal dander, and molds. 

    Zyrtec is also used to treat hives.

    Zyrtec is available in 5 mg and 10 mg oral tablets. It's also available in a 5 mg/5 mL oral syrup.

    The generic name for Zyrtec is cetirizine.

    Directions

    Take Zyrtec as your doctor has prescribed. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.

    Each patient's dose is based on age and severity of symptoms.

    Recommended starting dose:

    • Adults and children who are at least 12 years old: 5 mg to 10 mg by mouth once daily
    • Children 6 to 11 years old: 5 to 10 mg (1 to 2 teaspoons of Zyrtec syrup) by mouth once daily
    • Children 2 to 5 years old: 2.5 mg (½ teaspoon) of Zyrtec syrup by mouth once daily, up to a maximum dose of 5 mg (1 teaspoon) per day or 2.5 mg (½ teaspoon) twice daily
    • Children 6 months to less than 2 years old: 2.5 mg (½ teaspoon) of Zyrtec syrup by mouth once daily. Children who are between 12 and 23 months old may take a maximum dose of 2.5 mg (½ teaspoon) every 12 hours

    Ingredients

    Cetirizine hydrochloride, an antihistamine, is the active ingredient contained in Zyrtec.

    Inactive ingredients in the tablets include lactose, magnesium stearate, povidone, titanium dioxide, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, polyethylene glycol, and corn starch.

    Inactive ingredients in the syrup include banana flavor, glacial acetic acid, glycerin, grape flavor, methylparaben, propylene glycol, propylparaben, sodium acetate, sugar syrup, and water.

    Contraindications

    Do not take Zyrtec if you are allergic to any of its ingredients.


    Fact Table

    Formula

    C21H25ClN2O3

    License

    US FDA

    Bioavailability

    Well-absorbed (greater than 70%)

    Legal status

    OTC

    Chemical Name

    Cetirizine

    Elimination half-life

    Mean: 8.3 houts, Range: 6.5-10 hours

    Dosage (Strength)

    10mg (40 or 100 tablets), Syrup (100mL)

    Pregnancy

    Consult a doctor

    Brands

    Zyrtec, Zyrtec Allergy, Children's Zyrtec Allergy, Children's Zyrtec Hives Relief

    Protein binding

    88-96%

    PubChem CID

    2678

    MedlinePlus

    a698026

    ChEBI

    3561

    ATC code

    R06AE07

    DrugBank

    DB00341

    KEGG

    D07662

    Routes of administration

    By mouth

    Cautions

    • Before you start treatment with Zyrtec, be sure to tell your doctor about:
      • All the medications you take
      • Your allergies
      • Your health history and current health problems
      • Your pregnancy or breastfeeding status
    • Zyrtec can make you feel drowsy; therefore, you should not drive or operate machinery until you know how the medication affects you.

    Side Effects

    Zyrtec side effects include drowsiness, fatigue, and dry mouth. If you develop any bothersome or persistent side effects, contact your doctor right away. 

    Reference:

    Zyrtec. New York, NY: Pfizer Labs; 2002.



    Dr Savannah Muncy
    About Dr. Savannah Muncy (Page Author)


    Dr. Muncy (PharmD) studied science and education as an undergraduate before attending the Appalachian College of Pharmacy where she completed her PharmD in three years. She is currently using her pharmacy and healthcare expertise to write medical content for clients all around the world. She is focused on delivering the most current, accurate, and engaging information to healthcare professionals and patients. Read More....


    IMPORTANT NOTE: The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.

    Product Code : 19

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