Zyrtec is a prescription and over-the-counter antihistamine medication available as tablets, chewable tablets and syrup. An antihistamine reduces levels of histamine in the body, which reduces symptoms of sneezing, runny nose and watery eyes. The active ingredient in Zyrtec is cetirizine hydrochloride, which was approved by the FDA in 1995, according to Drugs.com. A variety of generic versions of Zyrtec became available in 2007. The inactive ingredients of the generic Zyrtec formulations often differ from the original brand-name formulation.
Tablets
A generic version of Zyrtec tablets is produced by the company Supervalu Inc. According to DailyMed, they are formulated as white, film-coated, oval-shaped tablets for oral administration, and are available in 10 mg strengths. The inactive ingredients include corn starch, FD&C blue #1 dye, hypromellose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, polydextrose, polyethylene glycol, povidone, titanium dioxide and triacetin.
Chewable Tablets
A generic over-the-counter version of Zyrtec chewable tablets is produced by the company Sandoz Inc. According to DailyMed, they are formulated as oval yellow tablets for oral administration, and are available in 10 mg strengths. The inactive ingredients include acesulfame potassium, artificial tutti frutti flavors, benzyl alcohol, betadex, colloidal silicon dioxide, dl-alpha-tocopherol, ferric oxide red, ferric oxide yellow, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, maltodextrin, microcrystalline cellulose, propylene glycol and talc powder.
Syrup
A generic version of Zyrtec syrup is produced by Dr. Reddy's Laboritories Ltd. According to DailyMed, the syrup is a colorless to slightly yellow liquid that has a pH of between 4 and 5. The inactive ingredients include artificial banana or grape flavorings, acetic acid, glycerin, methyparaben, propylene glycol, propylparaben, sodium acetate, sucrose and water.
