Is there a generic for Zyrtec?

Yes — 6 approved generic versions of Zyrtec (cetirizine) are tracked in our index. Generic substitution is typically automatic at the pharmacy unless the prescriber writes "dispense as written."

How much cheaper is generic cetirizine?

Generic small-molecule drugs typically launch at 60-80% discount to the originator. After multiple manufacturers enter the market (12-24 months post-cliff), prices drop further to 85-95% below originator. Your insurance copay may not reflect the full savings — check the cash price too.

Are generics as effective as the brand?

For small-molecule drugs: yes. Generics are required to demonstrate bioequivalence — identical active ingredient, same dose, same route, same indication. Pharmacokinetic equivalence within tight bounds (±20% AUC + Cmax). Most patients can switch without clinical effect.

When did Zyrtec go generic?

Generic cetirizine entered the US market when the originator's exclusivity expired. See the patent timeline below for specific dates.

Last reviewed 2026-06-10 · How we verify

Zyrtec generic

Complete generic competition for Zyrtec (cetirizine): 6 approved generics across manufacturers, 0 filed under FDA review. Sourced from FDA Orange Book + USPTO.

6 approved generics Patents expired

About Zyrtec

Zyrtec (cetirizine) — originally marketed by Generic (originally UCB Pharma). Class: Second-generation antihistamine. First approved 1995-09-29.

Approved generic versions (6)

Generic	Manufacturer	Phase	First approval
CETIRIZINE HYDROCHLORIDE		marketed	1995-01-01
cetirizine 10 mg	Maastricht University Medical Center	marketed
Cetirizine and Famotidine	Emory University	marketed
Cetirizine (Zyrtec)	Organon and Co	marketed
Cetirizine tablets	UCB Pharma	marketed
Cetirizine drops	UCB Pharma	marketed

Originator patent timeline

Active patents (0)

No active patents tracked.

Expired patents (0)

No expired patents tracked.

How small-molecule generic approval works

Generic versions of small-molecule drugs are approved by the FDA via the Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) pathway under the Hatch-Waxman Act of 1984. Sponsors must demonstrate bioequivalence (pharmacokinetic equivalence within tight bounds) and identical chemical composition — no clinical trials in patients are required. Approval typically takes 18-24 months.

This is different from biosimilars for biologic drugs, which use the more complex 351(k) BLA pathway and typically achieve smaller (15-35%) discounts vs the originator. Small-molecule generics typically launch at 60-80% discount, dropping to 85-95% within 2 years.

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Zyrtec full drug profile
Biosimilar tracker (for biologic drugs)
Patent cliff tracker
Biosimilar vs generic — what's the difference?

Primary sources · FDA · ClinicalTrials.gov · EMA · SEC EDGAR · ChEMBL · Wikidata · full sourcing