When allergies strike, quick relief is essential. Many people reach for Zyrtec, one of the most recognized antihistamines, but generics often provide the same relief for a lower cost. Two of the most common options are Equate vs Perrigo Cetirizine — both FDA-approved alternatives to Zyrtec. In this guide, we’ll compare Equate and Perrigo side by side on effectiveness, price, and availability so you can decide which generic version fits your allergy needs best.

Comparing Generic Zyrtec Alternatives: Equate vs Perrigo Cetirizine Antihistamine Allergy Relief

What is Zyrtec?

Zyrtec is a brand name for cetirizine, which is an antihistamine medication used to treat symptoms of allergies, such as sneezing, runny nose, itching, and watery eyes. It works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance produced by the body during an allergic reaction. Zyrtec is available over-the-counter and by prescription in various forms, including tablets, chewable tablets, and syrup. It is commonly used to relieve symptoms of seasonal allergies, such as hay fever, as well as allergic reactions to pets, dust mites, and other allergens.

What is the Equate Brand?

Equate is a private-label brand of health and personal care products owned and sold by Walmart, one of the world's largest retailers. The Equate brand offers a wide range of items, including over-the-counter medications, vitamins, supplements, personal hygiene products, and more. These products are designed to provide affordable alternatives to name-brand items, often featuring similar active ingredients and formulations. Equate products are available exclusively at Walmart stores and through Walmart's online platform.

What is the Perrigo Brand?

Perrigo, a global healthcare company, is headquartered in Allegan, Michigan, USA, where it was originally founded in 1887. Perrigo develops, manufactures, and distributes a wide range of over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription pharmaceuticals, nutritional products, and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Perrigo is the number one manufacturer of private label brands and also manufactures the Equate brand for Walmart. Known for its commitment to innovation, quality, and accessibility, Perrigo provides affordable healthcare solutions to consumers worldwide. While its corporate headquarters are in Michigan, Perrigo operates manufacturing facilities, distribution centers, and offices across the globe to serve its diverse customer base.

Equate Allergy Relief Cetirizine Hydrochloride Tablets 10 mg Antihistamine

Equate 24 Hour Allergy Cetirizine Hydrochloride Tablets 10 mg, a generic version of Zyrtec, boasts the same active ingredient, cetirizine hydrochloride, in the same dosage as the brand-name medication. Equate is Walmart's brand and offers consumers a more budget-friendly option without compromising on effectiveness. Users report experiencing relief from allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and nasal congestion.

Perrigo Cetirizine Hydrochloride Tablets 10 mg Antihistamine Allergy

Perrigo Cetirizine is another generic alternative to Zyrtec, providing relief from allergy symptoms with its formulation of cetirizine hydrochloride. Perrigo, a trusted pharmaceutical company, offers this cost-effective solution to combat seasonal allergies and other allergic reactions. Users have praised Perrigo Cetirizine for its efficacy in alleviating symptoms like runny nose, watery eyes, and itching.

Comparing Equate vs Perrigo Cetirizine HCl 10 mg

Now, let's see how Equate and Perrigo Cetirizine stack up:

Equate vs Perrigo Cetirizine HCl - Active Ingredient: Same

Both Equate and Perrigo contain the same active ingredient as the brand name Zyrtec, Cetirizine Hydrochloride 10 mg. In addition, both Equate and Perrigo Cetirizine are FDA Approved.

Equate vs Perrigo Cetirizine HCl - Inactive Ingredients: Same

Both Equate and Perrigo contain the same inactive ingredients because the Equate brand is manufactured by Perrigo for Walmart.  The brand name Zyrtec contains slightly different inactive ingredients.

Below is a list of all the inactive ingredients in Zyrtec, Equate, and Perrigo Cetirizine HCl 10 mg with an explanation of what they do:

1. Colloidal Silicon Dioxide: This is a fine powder form of silicon dioxide, which is a compound found naturally in sand, quartz, and other minerals. It's commonly used as an anti-caking agent, meaning it helps prevent clumping and improves the flow of powders.
2. Croscarmellose Sodium: This is a type of modified cellulose, specifically a cross-linked sodium carboxymethylcellulose. It's used as a disintegrant in pharmaceutical tablets, meaning it helps them break apart and dissolve quickly in the digestive tract, aiding in the absorption of the active ingredients.
3. Hypromellose: Also known as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, this is a semi-synthetic polymer derived from cellulose. It's used as a thickening agent, binder, and film-former in pharmaceuticals. It helps control the release of active ingredients from tablets and capsules and can also improve their dissolution properties.
4. Lactose Monohydrate: This is a form of lactose, a sugar found in milk. It's commonly used as a filler, binder, and diluent in pharmaceutical tablets and capsules. It helps give tablets their size and shape and aids in the uniform distribution of the active ingredients.
5. Magnesium Stearate: This is a magnesium salt of stearic acid, a saturated fatty acid. It's commonly used as a lubricant in pharmaceutical formulations to prevent ingredients from sticking to manufacturing equipment and to improve the flow properties of powders during tableting.
6. Microcrystalline Cellulose: This is a refined wood pulp derived from cellulose. It's commonly used as a bulking agent, binder, and disintegrant in pharmaceutical tablets and capsules. It helps give tablets their size and shape, provides cohesion to the formulation, and aids in the disintegration of tablets in the digestive tract.
7. Polyethylene Glycol (PEG): This is a polyether compound that is used for a variety of purposes in pharmaceutical formulations, including as a solvent, plasticizer, and lubricant. It can also be used as a binder and dispersing agent in tablet and capsule formulations.
8. Titanium Dioxide: This is a naturally occurring mineral that is commonly used as a whitening agent and opacifier in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. It's often added to tablets and capsules to give them a white color and improve their appearance.
9. Corn Starch: This is a carbohydrate extracted from corn kernels. It's commonly used as a filler, binder, and diluent in pharmaceutical tablets and capsules. It helps give tablets their size and shape and aids in the uniform distribution of the active ingredients.
10. FD&C Blue No. 1 Aluminum Lake: This is a synthetic dye approved by the FDA for use in pharmaceuticals and food products. It's commonly used to add color to tablets and capsules.
11. Povidone: Also known as polyvinylpyrrolidone, this is a water-soluble polymer that is used as a binder, stabilizer, and disintegrant in pharmaceutical formulations. It helps improve the cohesion of tablets and aids in their dissolution in the digestive tract.
12. Triacetin: This is a synthetic compound used as a plasticizer and solvent in pharmaceutical formulations. It can help improve the flexibility of tablets and capsules and aid in the dissolution of poorly soluble drugs.

Equate vs Perrigo Cetirizine HCl - Reviews & Ratings: Same

While Equate and Perrigo Cetirizine both have ratings of 4.8 out of 5, the Equate brand has a higher number of reviews with 6,392 reviews on Walmart.com, whereas Zyrtec has 4,869 reviews and Perrigo Cetirizine HCl has 330 reviews on Amazon.com.

Top Positive Reviews: Equate vs Perrigo Cetirizine HCl 10

Equate Cetirizine HCl 10 mg - Walmart.com

This product works just like the original Zyrtec. I recommend this Cetirizine Allergy Medicine to anyone that uses the original Zyrtec if you can’t afford Zyrtec. I’ve been using Cetirizine allergy medicine for 4yrs and the original Zyrtec my whole life but, when I couldn’t afford it, I decided to try cetirizine and it has been helping me. I recommend you purchase this generic allergy medicine.

Perrigo Cetirizine HCl 10 mg - Amazon.com

This is the exact medicine as the brand Zyrtec™. I know there are people who will argue endlessly about the quality of generics compared to brand name, but there's literally no difference in the formula, so unless there's a wayward chemist working at the lab that makes these, there should be no discernable difference between these and the brand-name. For us, these work *exactly* the same as the brand-name. Any differences you may notice are most likely entirely psychosomatic (it's all in your head). Now, I'm not saying *everything* generic is as good as the brand-name variety, but when it comes to drugs with the exact same specific chemical formula (and dosage, etc.), there's really no difference except for the shape of the tablet. This is also eligible for purchase using an HSA debit card if you have one. You can easily add your HSA debit as another payment method at Amazon checkout or in your payment preferences of your account. I'd recommend these as a money-saving alternative to brand-name Zyrtec™.

Top Negative Reviews: Equate vs Perrigo Cetirizine HCl

Equate Cetirizine HCl 10 mg - Walmart.com

Figured I'd give these a try instead of brand name, they numb my lips and make my tongue feel coated about 1/2 hour after taking them and dry my nose very badly. I found it harder to wake up and so did my daughter. Switched back the Zyrtec and all side effects disappeared for the both of us. Maybe the same active ingredient, but there is without a doubt a difference in how mine and my daughter's systems respond to them.

Perrigo Cetirizine HCl 10 mg - Amazon.com

Made a concerted effort to find the best generic cetirizine after seeing price tag on Zyrtec; and bought this one. Trouble is, it did nothing. I have tried it for periods of time twice; there were no benefits. When I switched back to Zyrtec, my skin allergy immediately improved. YMMV (your mileage may vary) but I eventually threw these out. The claim that generics are the same as the patented product is clearly not always true.

Equate vs Perrigo Cetirizine HCl - Cost: Perrigo

• Equate is 74.5% less than Zyrtec, using cost per tablet
• Perrigo is 88.8% less than Zyrtec, using cost per tablet
• At $15.99 for 300 Tablets, Perrigo Cetirizine is cheaper and costs 55.5% less than Equate, based on cost per tablet.

Equate vs Perrigo Cetirizine HCl - Availability: Equate

With 4,616 Walmart locations + 599 Sam's Club locations, in 2023, it's estimated that 90% of American's live within 10 miles of a Walmart, according to Forbes.  With online ordering at Walmart.com, Equate Cetirizine HCl has a much higher availability. 

Perrigo Cetirizine HCl is available in many smaller retail pharmacies online resellers, and Amazon.com.  With Amazon Prime, Perrigo Cetirizine can be ordered online and delivered in as short as 1 day.  

Our company, xeteor.com is the main reseller of Perrigo Cetirizine HCl on Amazon.com.  We offer this product for $13.99 + 4.99 for shipping on our website, however, you can get a 2 pack for $26.99 with free shipping to get the lowest price.

Some readers have asked whether Perrigo Cetirizine is being discontinued. The answer is no — the same FDA-approved formula is now being sold under the Padagis label. If you’ve noticed different packaging or limited supply in stores, you can read the full explanation here: Perrigo Cetirizine Discontinued? What You Need to Know.

Equate vs Perrigo Cetirizine: The Bottom Line

If you're looking to save money on the high cost of buying brand name Zyrtec to fight pesky seasonal allergies, both Equate and Perrigo are solid choices.  Perrigo manufactures the Equate brand for Walmart, therefore, we recommend Perrigo Cetirizine HCl if you are shopping based solely on cost as both products are exactly the same in terms of active and inactive ingredients.  However, if you're not an online shopper, the Equate brand might be better for you, since Walmart makes it convenient to shop in their numerous stores nationwide.

For a broader comparison of all your options, visit our complete guide to Zyrtec Generic Alternatives. It covers Perrigo/Padagis, store brands like Equate, and brand-name Zyrtec side by side.

About Xeteor

xeteor.com, founded in Las Vegas in 2018, is a trusted online guide and curated retailer for generic over-the-counter (OTC) medications. We operate like a family-owned business, thoughtfully selecting and offering a portfolio of brands that includes premium generics like GoodSense and Foster & Thrive, as well as trusted options such as Major Pharmaceuticals, Rugby Laboratories, Oncor Pharmaceuticals, and CareSens. Recognized as a Top Rated seller on Trustpilot, Google, eBay, Amazon, and Walmart, we're a trusted authority focused on building brand trust and earning consumer loyalty. Our mission is to empower you with reliable products and educational content, all backed by a U.S.-based team that offers real human support and secure, senior-preferred payment options.

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