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Key takeaways
You may be able to get a prescription for Zyrtec. However, it will be the same as the over-the-counter allergy medicine.
A Zyrtec prescription can save you money if it’s covered by your health insurance. If not, you can save with a drug coupon from SingleCare.
There are several over-the-counter alternatives for Zyrtec, including Allegra, Claritin, and Zyxal.
Zyrtec, sold under the generic name cetirizine, is one of the most popular over-the-counter allergy medicines on the market. That’s because it provides hours of relief for common allergy symptoms, including indoor allergies and outdoor seasonal allergies. Plus, Zyrtec is approved for adults and children ages six months and older.
While you can buy Zyrtec directly from the shelves of your pharmacy, you can also get a prescription for Zyrtec. As a prescription medication, Zyrtec may be partially or fully covered by your medical insurance to help save money.
Can you get a prescription for Zyrtec?
“Zyrtec (cetirizine) is available over-the-counter in the United States, so a prescription isn’t necessary for the standard formulation,” said Dr. Manan Shah MD, ENT, allergy specialist and Chief Medical Officer at Wyndly. He went on, “However, some patients may prefer a prescription because they may get insurance coverage.”
Not all health insurance plans will cover a Zyrtec prescription, but there are still ways to save when picking up your prescription—specifically by using SingleCare’s discount drug card program.
For those unfamiliar with the brand’s drug-saving program, SingleCare works directly with pharmacies to negotiate low prices for customers. To score these extra savings, all you have to do is tell your pharmacist you have a SingleCare coupon card and they’ll input the coupon code to apply your discount. SingleCare works with many popular pharmacies like Walgreens, Walmart and CVS.
Related: Learn more about how SingleCare works for OTC medications
Zyrtec is a product from Johnson & Johnson, and it comes in several different versions. There are tablets, chewable tablets, liquid gels, and even liquid medicine. Plus, there are a few different formulations, like Zyrtec Allergy Relief and Zyrtec-D. According to the FDA, Zyrtec lasts 24 hours. As with all medications, there is a risk of side effects, and those with kidney disease may be at higher risk of serious side effects.
To get a prescription for Zyrtec, visit your primary care healthcare provider or a telehealth site.
Is there a prescription version of Zyrtec?
If your healthcare provider gives you a prescription for Zyrtec, it will have the same drug formulation and strength as the over-the-counter version.
In 1995, the FDA approved Zyrtec by prescription to treat allergies. In 2008, the brand became available over-the-counter with the same formulation. It is the same medication that is available today. However, there is one caveat:
“Sometimes the doctor may prescribe more than the recommended dose for certain conditions, i.e. twice a day versus once a day,” explained Dr. Purvi Parikh an immunologist with Allergy & Asthma Network. “However, you shouldn’t take more than the recommended dose unless advised by a physician.”
Alternatives to Zyrtec
“There are no prescription alternatives for Zyrtec,” said Dr. Shah. “Most similar antihistamines like Claritin or Allegra are also over-the-counter. Zyrtec-D is a stronger version but is often behind the counter because of the pseudoephedrine content.”
If you want to try different over-the-counter oral antihistamines, these are additional options:
Claritin
While Claritin and Zyrtec are both over-the-counter allergy medicines, they contain different antihistamines. Claritin uses loratadine and Zyrtec uses cetirizine. They both treat symptoms like itchy eyes, watery eyes, runny nose, and itchy throat caused by allergens. Some people may notice a difference in side effects or onset time (when the medicines begin working).
Allegra
Allegra is another over-the-counter allergy medication. Allegra contains the antihistamine fexofenadine. Some people may find they feel less drowsy or have a different side-effect profile while taking Allegra.
Xyzal
Xyzal, or generic levocetirizine, is another over-the-counter medication used to treat seasonal allergies and hives.
Benadryl
Benadryl, or generic diphenhydramine, is a first generation antihistamine. It’s a popular treatment for bug bites, hives, rashes, and other acute allergy symptoms. If someone does not have an Epi-pen, it may be used as a first defense against a serious allergic reaction before medical help is available. Most people won’t take Benadryl daily because drowsiness is a common side effect.
Flonase
While not an oral medication, nasal sprays are also a popular alternative or addition to oral antihistamines. These sprays treat nasal allergy symptoms and don’t cause drowsiness. Other popular over-the-counter nasal sprays for allergies include Astepro, Nasonex, and Nasacort.
There are some older-generation and shorter-acting antihistamines that are available by prescription. But they aren’t prescribed as much anymore “due to shorter efficacy and increased side effects, such as drowsiness and cognitive impairment,” said Dr. Parikh.
This includes hydroxyzine, which is often used to treat skin allergies and itchiness, and doxepin, which is a tricyclic antidepressant medication used in the past as an alternative to antihistamines.
If you’d like to try different allergy medications, speak with your healthcare provider for medical advice to find the best solution for you.
Sources
Information and FAQs about Zyrtec, Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc.’s McNeil Consumer Healthcare Division (2024)
