Cetirizine 10 mg: uses, price & cheaper substitutes
Prescription required (Schedule H)
Common uses: Allergic rhinitis – sneezing, runny or blocked nose, itchy eyes from dust, pollen or pollution; Hives (urticaria) and itchy skin rashes.
Listed MRPs range from ₹2.00 to ₹2.02 per tablet across 5 listings. Use only on a doctor's prescription.
Price comparison
| Brand | Manufacturer | Pack | MRP | ₹ / tablet | As on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Okacet | Cipla Ltd | 10 | ₹20.05 | ₹2.00 | 19 October 2026 |
| Cetcip | Cipla Ltd | 10 | ₹20.05 | ₹2.00 | 19 October 2026 |
| Zyrtec | Dr Reddy's Laboratories Ltd | 15 | ₹30.22 | ₹2.01 | 19 October 2026 |
| Cetzine | Dr Reddy's Laboratories Ltd | 15 | ₹30.22 | ₹2.01 | 19 October 2026 |
| Alerid | Cipla Ltd | 10 | ₹20.16 | ₹2.02 | 19 October 2026 |
MRPs as printed/listed on the date shown; actual price may vary.
Uses
- Allergic rhinitis – sneezing, runny or blocked nose, itchy eyes from dust, pollen or pollution.
- Hives (urticaria) and itchy skin rashes.
- Itching from insect bites or allergic reactions.
- Allergy symptoms with the common cold, when advised by a doctor.
How to take it
Take one 10 mg tablet once a day, with or without food, with water. Many people take it in the evening because it can cause drowsiness. Do not take more than one tablet in 24 hours. For long-term allergies your doctor may advise taking it daily during the allergy season.
Side effects
Common
- Sleepiness or tiredness.
- Dry mouth.
- Headache.
- Dizziness.
- Stomach upset.
Serious
Stop and get medical help urgently if you notice any of these.
- Severe allergic reaction – swelling of the face or throat, trouble breathing.
- Fast or irregular heartbeat.
- Difficulty passing urine.
- Confusion or severe drowsiness in older adults.
Safety information
Alcohol
Avoid alcohol. It increases the drowsiness and slows your reactions further.
Pregnancy
Cetirizine is often considered one of the safer antihistamines in pregnancy and breastfeeding, but check with your doctor first.
Kidney problems
If your kidneys are weak, your doctor may halve the dose (5 mg) or give it every other day.
Liver problems
Tell your doctor about liver disease; a lower dose may be used.
Children
Children 6 years and above can take 5 to 10 mg a day; younger children use cetirizine syrup in a weight-based dose. Ask a doctor.
Missed dose
Take it when you remember unless it is nearly time for the next dose. Do not take two tablets on the same day.
Interactions
- Alcohol and other sedating medicines (sleeping pills, some painkillers, older antihistamines) – more drowsiness.
- Theophylline – may slightly reduce how fast cetirizine is cleared.
- Other antihistamines, including in cold and cough combinations – avoid doubling up.
- Ritonavir – can increase cetirizine levels.
Frequently asked questions
Does Zyrtec / cetirizine make you sleepy?
It can. Cetirizine is less sedating than older antihistamines like chlorpheniramine, but drowsiness is still its most common side effect. Take it at night if it affects you and avoid driving until you know how you react.
Can I take cetirizine every day?
Yes, one 10 mg tablet a day can be taken daily during an allergy season or for chronic hives, as advised by your doctor. Stop and see a doctor if symptoms persist beyond a few weeks.
Cetirizine with alcohol – is it safe?
Avoid it. Alcohol adds to the drowsiness and can impair driving and coordination.
Can I take cetirizine with Dolo 650 for cold and fever?
Yes, there is no interaction between cetirizine and paracetamol. Many cold tablets already contain both, so check labels to avoid doubling the antihistamine.
Cetirizine vs levocetirizine – which is better?
Levocetirizine is the active half of cetirizine, so 5 mg works like 10 mg of cetirizine with a similar effect. Some people find levocetirizine slightly less sedating. Both are prescription (Schedule H) medicines in India.
Is cetirizine safe in pregnancy?
It is one of the antihistamines doctors commonly consider in pregnancy if an antihistamine is really needed, but take it only after talking to your doctor.
Can I give cetirizine 10 mg to my child?
Children 6 to 12 years are usually given 5 mg (half a tablet or syrup) once or twice a day; younger children need syrup dosed by a doctor. Do not give the adult tablet to small children.
Does cetirizine need a prescription in India?
Cetirizine is a Schedule H medicine, so officially it needs a prescription, even though it is often asked for by name at chemists.
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)
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