Zerviate (cetirizine) is an eye drop that can help relieve itchy eyes caused by allergies in adults and children 2 years of age or older. It can start to work within 3 minutes after using the eye drops. It's only available as a brand medication, so it might be more expensive than other alternatives.
Allergy-related itchy eyes
Zerviate (cetirizine) is an antihistamine. When you're exposed to an allergen, such as pollen or dust, your body releases histamine to help get rid of it. Histamine is a chemical in the body that can cause allergy symptoms. Zerviate (cetirizine) works by blocking histamine, which can help relieve eye itchiness.
Source: DailyMed
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
Specifically targets allergy-related itchy eyes
Works within 3 minutes
Safe to use in older adults and children as young as 2 years old
Available as single-use vials or a multi-dose bottle
Only available by prescription
Only available as a brand medication, so it can be expensive
Wash your hands before using Zerviate (cetirizine) to prevent eye infections.
If you wear soft contacts, remove them before using Zerviate (cetirizine), and then wait 10 minutes after using the eye drops to put them back in your eyes. Don't put your contacts back in if your eyes are red or irritated, because contacts can make it worse.
After placing a drop in your eye, close your eye and press one finger to the inner corner of your eye by the nose for a couple minutes. This helps make sure your eye absorbs the drop.
If you're using more than one eye drop medication, remember to wait 5 minutes between each drop to give your eyes time to absorb each medication.
If you're using the single-use vials, keep them in the original foil pouch until you're ready for your dose. Use the eye drops right after you open the vial. Each single-use vial has enough medication for 1 drop in both eyes. Throw away the single-use vial right after using, even if there is medication left inside. Don't save opened single-use vials for later use, since you can't close them to prevent contamination.
Zerviate (cetirizine) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Remember to wash your hands before using Zerviate (cetirizine) to prevent eye infections. Don't touch the tip of the Zerviate (cetirizine) container onto your eyes, eyelids, or to any surface to prevent contamination of the medication, eye infections, and eye injury. Throw away each single-use vial right after using and keep the multi-dose bottle closed when you're not using it to prevent contamination.
Zerviate (cetirizine) contains a preservative called benzalkonium chloride, which can get absorbed by soft contact lenses and cause damage. If you wear soft contacts, remove them before using Zerviate (cetirizine). Wait at least 10 minutes after your dose to put your contacts back in. It's also best not to wear contacts if your eyes are red. Zerviate (cetirizine) shouldn't be used to treat eye irritation from contact lenses.
Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
---|---|---|---|
30 single-use containers of .24% | 1 carton | $149.00 | $149.00 |
The typical dose is 1 drop in each affected eye twice daily (about 8 hours apart).
Temporary relief of allergy eye symptoms, such as itching and redness
By signing up, I agree to GoodRx's Terms and Privacy Policy, and to receive marketing messages from GoodRx.
Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.