Is Zyrtec vegan?
- Jasmine Uchi, PharmD
- Apr 7, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: May 22
Allergies can be a real nuisance, causing symptoms like sneezing, itching, runny nose, and watery eyes that can affect your daily activities and quality of life. For many, Zyrtec has become a go-to medication for managing these uncomfortable symptoms, but determining which Zyrtec product is animal-free can be difficult.
What is in Zyrtec (cetirizine)?
Zyrtec is the brand name for cetirizine. Cetirizine is an antihistamine medication used to treat allergy symptoms. It works by blocking the effects of histamine, a substance produced by the body in response to an allergen.
Zyrtec is available over-the-counter in various forms, including tablets, capsules, and liquid. It is generally considered safe and effective for most people when taken as directed, but it’s always best to consult with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medication.
Animal-Free Zyrtec (cetirizine)
Pill Clarity has verified with the manufacturer the below product as being animal-free:
Unfortunately none of the other Zyrtec (cetirizine) products are vegan friendly based on our current knowledge of their ingredients:
Zyrtec (cetirizine) only products:
ZYRTEC® Allergy Relief Tablets ✘ Not Vegan Friendly (contains lactose)
ZYRTEC® Allergy Dye-Free Chewables ✘ Not Vegan Friendly (contains lactose)
Children’s ZYRTEC® Allergy Dye-Free Chewables for ages 2+ ✘ Not Vegan Friendly (contains lactose)
Children’s ZYRTEC® Allergy Dye-Free Chewables for ages 6+ ✘ Not Vegan Friendly (contains lactose)
ZYRTEC® Liquid Gels ✘ Not Vegan Friendly (contains gelatin)
Zyrtec-D [Cetirizine (Antihistamine) + Pseudoephedrine (Nasal decongestant)] products:
ZYRTEC-D® Allergy Relief Tablets ✘ Not Vegan Friendly (contains lactose)
Similar Products: Some people also benefit from certified animal-free products like GenCare Allergy Relief. Our team is here to help! If you can’t find something, contact us and we can 1) look into medications you’re taking to determine if they are animal-free 2) work with compounding pharmacies to possibly make you an animal-free product.
Disclaimer: The product and/or information provided on Pill Clarity is of a general nature and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not lab test the products to confirm that they are free from animal ingredients, and it is possible that the formulation and ingredients could have changed. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or product. The information provided in this post is accurate and up to date as of the date it was written. However, please note that circumstances and facts may change over time, and new information may become available that could alter the accuracy or relevance of the content. We encourage readers to verify and cross-reference any information provided here with trusted sources or consult relevant professionals for the most current and accurate updates.
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If you have any further questions about ingredients in your medicines and supplements, feel free to reach out to the Pill Clarity team!
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