Cetirizine is a prescription and over-the-counter antihistamine use to relieve allergies and cold symptoms. Learn about side effects, drug interactions, dosages, warnings, and more. Find Zyrtec generic options like Cetirizine and Levocetirizine in 10mg, 5mg, and more. Discover softgels, chewables, and dissolving tablets for affordable 24-hour allergy relief for adults and children. Discover the same powerful allergy relief as Zyrtec with our cetirizine hydrochloride tablets. Enjoy 24-hour relief from sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. What it is: Cetirizine (Zyrtec)—second-generation antihistamine for hay fever and hives. Typical dose: 10 mg once daily; 5 mg may suffice for mild symptoms or kidney impairment. Zyrtec (cetirizine) provides rapid symptom relief for seasonal/perennial allergic rhinitis and hives. It is generally well tolerated; however, mild drowsiness can occur in some patients compared with fexofenadine or loratadine. Learn about cetirizine (Zyrtec) usage and dosing. Read the latest news and reviews about the drug as well as potential side effects and popular alternatives. Cetirizine, the generic for Zyrtec, was approved by the FDA and made available in 2008. Both Zyrtec and cetirizine have the same active ingredient, dosage forms, and effectiveness, however, the primary difference between Zyrtec and generic cetirizine is the cost. Discover if generic Zyrtec provides the same effective allergy relief as its brand-name counterpart, with insights into their equivalence. Overview: Cetirizine is an antihistamine that is taken to help treat allergy symptoms, such as a runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, sneezing, or an itchy nose or throat. It may also be used to. Zyrtec is used in adults and children to treat cold or allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, watery eyes, or runny nose. Zyrtec is also used to treat itching and swelling caused by chronic urticaria (hives).