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
Generic Equivalent - Zyrtec (Cetrizine)
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Product Details
Description
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.
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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