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Drugs A–Z

Cetirizine

Cetirizine is a prescription medicine (Histamine-1 Receptor Antagonist). The sections below reproduce one FDA label for it, named under "Label". Products in other forms, strengths or from other makers have their own labels, which can differ.

Type
Prescription only (Rx)
Brand names
Zerviate
Drug class
Histamine-1 Receptor Antagonist
Taken
Ophthalmic
Label
Harrow Eye, LLC, revised August 3, 2026 · full label on DailyMed
Generic
FDA-approved (30 companies) · details

What it is used for

ZERVIATE ® (cetirizine ophthalmic solution) 0.24% is indicated for the treatment of ocular itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis. ZERVIATE ® (cetirizine ophthalmic solution) 0.24% is a histamine-1 (H1) receptor antagonist indicated for treatment of ocular itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis. ( 1 )

Forms and strengths

Cetirizine ophthalmic solution, 0.24% is a sterile, buffered, clear, colorless aqueous solution containing cetirizine 0.24% (equivalent to cetirizine hydrochloride 0.29%). Ophthalmic solution: 2.4 mg cetirizine in 1 mL sterile solution (0.24%). ( 3 )

Who should not take it (contraindications)

None. None. ( 4 )

Warnings and precautions

Contamination of Tip and Solution. To prevent contaminating the dropper tip and solution, advise patients not to touch the eyelids or surrounding areas with the tip of the single-use container. ( 5.1 )

5.1 Contamination of Tip and Solution As with any eye drop, care should be taken not to touch the eyelids or surrounding areas with the tip of the single-use container in order to avoid injury to the eye and to prevent contaminating the tip and solution. Discard the single-use container after using in each eye.

5.2 Contact Lens Wear Patients should be advised not to wear a contact lens if their eye is red. ZERVIATE ® should not be instilled while wearing contact lenses. Remove contact lenses prior to instillation of ZERVIATE ® . The preservative in ZERVIATE ® , benzalkonium chloride, may be absorbed by soft contact lenses. Lenses may be reinserted 10 minutes following administration of ZERVIATE ® .

Side effects (adverse reactions)

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trial of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates in practice. In seven clinical trials, patients with allergic conjunctivitis or those at a risk of developing allergic conjunctivitis received one drop of either cetirizine (N=511) or vehicle (N=329) in one or both eyes. The most commonly reported adverse reactions occurred in approximately 1–7% of patients treated with either ZERVIATE ® or vehicle. These reactions were ocular hyperemia, instillation site pain, and visual acuity reduced. The most common adverse reactions (1–7%) were ocular hyperemia, instillation site pain, and visual acuity reduced. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Harrow at 1-833-4HARROW(427769) or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, children and older adults

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary There were no adequate or well-controlled studies with ZERVIATE ® in pregnant women. Cetirizine should be used in pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Data Animal Data Cetirizine was not teratogenic in mice, rats, or rabbits at oral doses up to 96, 225, and 135 mg/kg, respectively (approximately 1300, 4930, and 7400 times the maximum recommended human ophthalmic dose (MRHOD), on a mg/m 2 basis).

8.2 Lactation Risk Summary Cetirizine has been reported to be excreted in human breast milk following oral administration. Multiple doses of oral dose cetirizine (10 mg tablets once daily for 10 days) resulted in systemic levels (Mean C max = 311 ng/mL) that were 100 times higher than the observed human exposure (Mean C max = 3.1 ng/ mL) following twice daily administration of cetirizine ophthalmic solution 0.24% to both eyes for one week [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . Comparable bioavailability has been found between the tablet and syrup dosage forms. However, it is not known whether the systemic absorption resulting from topical ocular administration of ZERVIATE ® could produce detectable quantities in human breast milk. There is no adequate information regarding the effects of cetirizine on breastfed infants, or the effects on milk production to inform risk of ZERVIATE ® to an infant during lactation. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for ZERVIATE ® and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from ZERVIATE ® .

8.4 Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of ZERVIATE ® (cetirizine ophthalmic solution) 0.24% has been established in pediatric patients two years of age and older. Use of ZERVIATE ® in these pediatric patients is supported by evidence from adequate and well-controlled studies of ZERVIATE ® in pediatric and adult patients.

8.5 Geriatric Use No overall differences in safety or effectiveness have been observed between elderly and younger patients.

How it works

ZERVIATE ® , an antihistamine, is a histamine-1 (H1) receptor antagonist. Its effects are mediated via selective inhibition of H1 histamine receptors. The antihistaminic activity of cetirizine has been documented in a variety of animal and human models. In vivo and ex vivo animal models have shown negligible anticholinergic and antiserotonergic activity. In vitro receptor binding studies have shown no measurable affinity for other than H1 receptors.

Is there a generic Cetirizine?

Yes. The FDA has approved generic Cetirizine from 30 companies whose approvals are active. The earliest of these was approved in 2007.

An FDA approval does not always mean the generic is already in pharmacies: patent disputes and settlements can delay a launch for years. Your pharmacist can tell you whether a generic is actually available and covered by your plan.

The FDA rates these generics as therapeutically equivalent to the brand ("A" rating): same active ingredient, strength, dosage form and effect. Pharmacists can usually substitute them unless the prescriber says otherwise.

Companies with an approved generic

Amneal Pharms, Apotex Inc, Aurobindo Pharma, Aurobindo Pharma Ltd, Bajaj, Bionpharma, Catalent, Chartwell Molecular, Contract Pharmacal, Dr Reddys Labs Ltd, Glenmark Pharms, Granules, Hetero Labs Ltd Iii, Jubilant Generics, Mylan, Novel Labs Inc, Onesource, Orbion Pharms, Padagis Us, Perrigo R And D, Pharm Assoc, Pharmazone, Pld Acquisitions, Quagen, Regcon Holdings, Rubicon Research, Sandoz, Sun Pharm Inds Ltd, Taro, Unique

Brand-name versions

Source: Drugs@FDA (via openFDA), checked October 29, 2026. Marketing status is what companies report to the FDA; whether a pharmacy stocks a product, and what your insurance covers, can differ.

Dosage:
we do not reproduce dosing instructions. The right dose depends on the person and the condition and is set by the prescriber or pharmacist. Dosage section of the full label.

Cetirizine in the news

We have not covered this medicine yet. Latest news

Recalls

  • Class II Ongoing

    Cetirizine Hydrochloride Tablets, USP, 10mg, 365-count packs, Rx Only, Manufactured for: Glenmark Therapeutics Inc., Distributed by: Amazon. NDC# 72657-129-35

    Reason: CGMP Deviations

    Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Inc., USA

    Lots, distribution and details
    Lots / codes
    Lot # 17231980, ep.. date Aug-25 Amazon 17232044, ep.. date Aug-25 Walmart 17241436, ep.. date Jul-26 Amazon 17241437, ep.. date Jul-26 Amazon 17241455, ep.. date Jul-26 Amazon 17241456, ep.. date Aug-26 Amazon 17241457, ep.. date Aug-26 Amazon 17241892, ep.. date Oct-26 Amazon 17241893, ep.. date Oct-26 Amazon
    Distribution
    U.S. Nationwide
    Quantity
    N/A
    Recall started
    March 13, 2025 (Voluntary: Firm initiated)
    Severity
    Could cause temporary or medically reversible health problems; serious harm is unlikely.
    FDA recall number
    D-0348-2025

Have this medicine at home? Compare the lot number and expiry date on your package with the recall. Do not stop taking a prescribed medicine on your own — stopping suddenly can be riskier than the recalled lot. Your pharmacist can check it and usually swap it for an unaffected one.

Get alerts for Cetirizine

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Source: FDA structured product labeling, retrieved through openFDA. Label text is shown as published by the FDA, without editing; long sections are shortened, marked […]. openFDA data are not validated for clinical use — always check the current label and ask a doctor or pharmacist about your own treatment. Set ID 6fc5ef4e-4aea-4c34-8d51-0c07ab9aad59.


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Important: this content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice, a prescribing instruction, or a recommendation to act. Consult a licensed healthcare professional before taking any medication.

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