Ranbaxy Pharmaceuticals, a manufacturer of generic medications, has been given tentative approval by the US Food and Drug administration for its Cetirizine hydrochloride Syrup, a generic equivalent of Zyrtec® .

The product is indicated for the relief of symptoms associated with

• seasonal allergic rhinitis due to allergens such as ragweed, grass and tree pollens in adults and children 2 years of age and older


• perennial allergic rhinitis due to allergens such as dust mites, animal dander and molds in adults and children 6 months of age and older, and


• uncomplicated skin manifestations of chronic idiopathic urticaria in adults and children 6 months of age and older.

Final details such as labelling will still have to be worked out with the FDA, but it shouldn't take long before this generic, and hopefully cheaper version, comes out in the market.