Zyrtec was formerly a prescription-only allergy relief medication that is now available without a prescription. According to the Zyrtec website, Zyrtec is the fastest allergy relief over-the-counter medication. Zyrtec comes in many formulas, from 12 to 24 hour, and adult and children formulas. Zyrtec is a second generation antihistamine, made with certirizine, with the all the benefits of allergy relief and without the drowsiness that comes with first generation allergy medications like diphenhydramine or chlorpheniramine.
Cetirizine
Zyrtec has one active ingredient in their allergy relief formulas. It is cetirizine, a second generation antihistamine that relieves itchy eyes and sneezing. Cetirizine works as most antihistamines, by blocking histamine from attaching to receptor cells in the body, and stops allergy symptoms.
The cetirizine in Zyrtec is put into adult versions in doses of 5 to 10 mg depending on the formula. Zyrtec in tablet or liquid gels contain 10 mg of cetirizine and works for 24 hours.
Zyrtec-D
Zyrtec-D is an allergy and decongestant formula for adults that works for 12 hours. It contains 5 mg of cetirizine for allergy symptom relief, and also contains 120 mg of pseudoephedrine for sinus congestion relief. The National Institutes of Health lists pseudoephedrine as a decongestant that is added to allergy medications to alleviate congestion and reduce inflammation of sinus membranes. Pseudoephedrine works by narrowing nasal passage blood vessels and helps to remove fluid in the ear canals that cause sinus pressure.
Children's Formula
Zyrtec has two distinct formulas in three different carrier methods for children who suffer from allergies. The children's versions come in liquid form, chewable tablet, or pre-measured liquid spoons. Each contain cetirizine like the adult version, but is measured at 5 mg for 24-hour relief of children's allergy symptoms.
The children's formulas are intended for children ages 2 to 12 years old. The liquid formulas and chewables come in grape and bubblegum flavors, to make taking the medication easier for children.
Mentioned on the Zyrtec website, the children's formulas are not available as of April 30, 2010, due to a nationwide recall.
Eye Drops
Zyrtec has recently expanded their allergy relief offerings to include something specifically designed to reduce itchy eyes. It is called Zyrtec Itchy Eye Drops and contains a liquid called ketotifen. Drugs.com lists ketotifen as an antihistamine used for the temporary relief of itchy eyes.
