Zyrtec vs Allegra 120: price, salt & differences
Zyrtec is cetirizine 10 mg and Allegra 120 is fexofenadine 120 mg – both once-a-day antihistamines for sneezing, runny nose, itching and hives. Cetirizine is cheaper and slightly stronger for hives but can make some people drowsy; fexofenadine is the least sedating choice, preferred for drivers and students, though it costs much more – ₹27.3 per tablet against ₹2.01. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching.
Zyrtec
Cetirizine 10 mg · Dr Reddy's Laboratories Ltd
MRP ₹30.22 for 15
₹2.01 / tablet
Cetirizine 10 mg detailsAllegra 120
Fexofenadine 120 mg · Sanofi India Ltd
MRP ₹272.99 for 10
₹27.30 / tablet
Fexofenadine 120 mg detailsKey differences
| Aspect | Zyrtec | Allegra 120 |
|---|---|---|
| Salt / composition | Cetirizine | Fexofenadine |
| Strength | 10 mg | 120 mg |
| Manufacturer | Dr Reddy's Laboratories Ltd | Sanofi India Ltd |
| Pack size | 15 tablets | 10 tablets |
| MRP | ₹30.22 for 15 tablets | ₹272.99 for 10 tablets |
| ₹ per tablet | ₹2.01 per tablet | ₹27.3 per tablet |
| Prescription status | Schedule H – prescription required | Schedule H – prescription required |
| Main use | Allergic rhinitis – sneezing, runny or blocked nose, itchy eyes from dust, pollen or pollution. | Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) – sneezing, runny or blocked nose, itchy watery eyes from dust, pollen or pollution. |
| Who it suits / key caution | Sneezing, runny nose, hives and itching. Can cause drowsiness in some people – be careful driving; cheap and widely used. | Allergic rhinitis and hives in people who must stay alert (drivers, students) – least sedating option. Avoid taking with fruit juice. |
MRPs as printed/listed on the date shown; actual price may vary.
Frequently asked questions
Zyrtec और Allegra 120 में क्या अंतर है?
Zyrtec में cetirizine 10 mg है – सस्ती, असरदार, पर कुछ लोगों को नींद ला सकती है। Allegra 120 में fexofenadine 120 mg है – नींद लगभग नहीं आती, पर कीमत ज़्यादा (₹27.3 बनाम ₹2.01 per tablet)।
Which causes less sleepiness?
Fexofenadine (Allegra). It barely enters the brain, so it is the standard choice when you must stay alert.
Which works better for hives?
Cetirizine is often a little more effective for urticaria and itching; fexofenadine is equally good for nasal allergy symptoms.
Can I take Allegra with fruit juice?
Avoid it – grapefruit, orange and apple juice reduce fexofenadine absorption. Take it with water.
Which is cheaper?
Zyrtec at ₹2.01 per tablet, with an NPPA ceiling of ₹1.92 per 1 tablet, is far cheaper than Allegra 120 at ₹27.3. Jan Aushadhi fexofenadine 120 is ₹22.5 for 10 tablets (₹2.25 per tablet).
Can I take both?
No – they are both antihistamines. Taking both adds side effects without extra benefit.
Sources
- NHS – Cetirizine (19 October 2026)
- MedlinePlus – Cetirizine (19 October 2026)
- NPPA Pharma Sahi Daam (ceiling prices) (19 October 2026)
- PMBI Jan Aushadhi Product & MRP List (19 October 2026)
- NHS – Fexofenadine: how and when to take it (19 October 2026)
- NHS – Fexofenadine: side effects (19 October 2026)
- NHS – Fexofenadine: common questions (19 October 2026)
Medyzen Editorial Team · Last updated
This page is general information, not medical advice. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without asking a doctor or pharmacist. Terms