How long has zyrtec been on the market?

How long has Zyrtec (cetirizine) been on the market?

Zyrtec (cetirizine) has been on the market since 1987, when cetirizine was first approved and launched in the United States.

When was Zyrtec first approved?

Zyrtec’s first U.S. approval dates back to 1987, marking its start as an available prescription/OTC product depending on later regulatory and labeling changes over time.

Why do some sources mention different “start” dates?

Some references can differ because they may point to:
- the first regulatory approval of cetirizine in the U.S. (the main “on-market” start point), vs.
- later dates tied to when Zyrtec became widely marketed as an OTC option or when specific formulations/strengths were introduced.

Related: does patent/exclusivity change the “on the market” timeline?

Patent and exclusivity timelines affect when generics and competing brands can enter, but they don’t change when Zyrtec initially entered the market. For patent and exclusivity tracking, DrugPatentWatch.com is a useful resource: https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/