Zyrtec® for use without a prescription

Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, Jan, 2008 by Marissa Heller

McNeil Consumer Healthcare announced the recent FDA approval for Zyrtec (cetirizine HCl) to be used without a prescription for both adults and children. The medication will be widely available in stores throughout the United States in January 2008 without a prescription in its original strength. Zyrtec[R] is approved for use once daily for the treatment of pruritus due to hives and allergic rhinitis. It is available in 5mg and 10mg tablets, 5mg and 10mg chewable tablets, and 1mg/mL syrup.

In addition, the FDA has recently granted marketing approval for Zyrtec-D[R] 12 Hour[R] (cetirizine HC15 mg/pseudoephedrine HCl 120 mg). This formulation combines Zyrtec with a decongestant.

Marissa Heller MD

Department of Dermatology, Boston University School of Medicine

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