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Chlorpheniramine Alternatives Compared

View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.
Chlorpheniramine Zyrtec Cetirizine
View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.
Chlorpheniramine Zyrtec (cetirizine) Cetirizine
Prescription and OTC

Prescribed for Allergic Reactions, Urticaria, Cold Symptoms, Allergic Rhinitis, Allergies, Food Allergies. chlorpheniramine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Prescription and OTC

Zyrtec is an antihistamine that effectively treats allergic reactions such as hay fever or skin reactions caused by insect bites. Although drowsiness with Zyrtec is uncommon, Zyrtec is more likely... View more

Prescription and OTC

Cetirizine is an antihistamine that effectively treats allergic reactions such as hay fever or skin reactions caused by insect bites. Although drowsiness with cetirizine is uncommon, cetirizine is... View more

More about Chlorpheniramine More about Zyrtec (cetirizine) More about Cetirizine
Ratings & Reviews

Chlorpheniramine has an average rating of 8.2 out of 10 from a total of 53 ratings on Drugs.com. 80% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 14% reported a negative effect.

Zyrtec has an average rating of 5.8 out of 10 from a total of 196 ratings on Drugs.com. 44% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 35% reported a negative effect.

Cetirizine has an average rating of 5.8 out of 10 from a total of 291 ratings on Drugs.com. 45% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 36% reported a negative effect.

View all 53 reviews

View all 196 reviews

View all 291 reviews

Drug Class
Side Effects

See also: chlorpheniramine side effects in more detail.

See also: Zyrtec side effects in more detail.

See also: cetirizine side effects in more detail.
Generic Availability

Lower cost generic

 Lower cost generic approved

Lower cost generic
Pricing and Coupons * Prices are without insurance
Quantity 24 tablet
Dosage 4 mg
Per Unit* $0.40
Cost* $9.71

View all chlorpheniramine prices

Quantity 14 tablet
Dosage 10 mg
Per Unit* $1.59
Cost* $22.26

View all Zyrtec prices

Quantity 100 each
Dosage 10 mg
Per Unit* $0.23 - $0.61
Cost* $22.51 - $61.38

View all cetirizine prices

Get free Discount Card

Get free Discount Card

Get free Discount Card

Dosage Forms Available
  • Oral tablet
  • Oral tablet, extended release
  • Oral capsule
  • Oral syrup
  • Oral tablet
  • Oral tablet, chewable
  • Oral tablet, dispersible
  • Oral liquid
  • Oral syrup
  • Oral tablet
  • Oral tablet, chewable
Brand Names
Aller-Chlor, Allergy Relief, Allergy Time, C.P.M., Chlo-Amine, Chlor-Mal, Chlor-Phenit, Chlor-Trimeton, Chlor-Trimeton Allergy SR, Chlorphen, Chlorpheniramine (Allergy), ChlorTan, Ed Chlor Ped Jr., Ed Chlor-Tan, Ed ChlorPed, Ed-Chlortan, Ricobid H, Teldrin HBP Allergy, Topco Allergy, Wal-finate View more Other cetirizine brands include: All Day Allergy, All Day Allergy Children's, Aller-Tec, Aller-Tec Children's, Alleroff, Children's Allergy Relief, Equate Allergy Relief, PediaCare Children's 24-Hour Allergy, Quzyttir, Zyrtec Hives View more All Day Allergy, All Day Allergy Children's, Aller-Tec, Aller-Tec Children's, Alleroff, Children's Allergy Relief, Equate Allergy Relief, PediaCare Children's 24-Hour Allergy, Quzyttir, Zyrtec, Zyrtec Hives View more
Half Life The half-life of a drug is the time taken for the plasma concentration of a drug to reduce to half its original value.

30 hours

10.6 hours

10.6 hours
CSA Schedule ** View glossary of terms
N
Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
N
Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
N
Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
Pregnancy Category
B
Category B No proven risk in humans

See the full pregnancy warnings document.
B
Category B No proven risk in humans

See the full pregnancy warnings document.
B
Category B No proven risk in humans

See the full pregnancy warnings document.
Drug Interactions

A total of 347 drugs are known to interact with chlorpheniramine:

  • 10 major drug interactions (72 brand and generic names)
  • 335 moderate drug interactions (1430 brand and generic names)
  • 2 minor drug interactions (8 brand and generic names)

A total of 258 drugs are known to interact with Zyrtec:

  • 2 major drug interactions (4 brand and generic names)
  • 254 moderate drug interactions (1084 brand and generic names)
  • 2 minor drug interactions (41 brand and generic names)

A total of 258 drugs are known to interact with cetirizine:

  • 2 major drug interactions (4 brand and generic names)
  • 254 moderate drug interactions (1084 brand and generic names)
  • 2 minor drug interactions (41 brand and generic names)
Alcohol/Food/Lifestyle Interactions
  • Alcohol can increase the nervous system side effects of chlorpheniramine such as dizziness... View more
  • Alcohol can increase the nervous system side effects of cetirizine such as dizziness, drowsiness... View more
  • Alcohol can increase the nervous system side effects of cetirizine such as dizziness, drowsiness... View more
Disease Interactions
First Approval Date

July 13, 1949

N/A

December 08, 1995
WADA Class View World Anti-Doping Agency classifications.

N/A

N/A

N/A
More Information
Patient resources
Professional Resources
Related Treatment Guide

** The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) schedule information displayed applies to substances regulated under federal law. There may be variations in CSA schedules between individual states.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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