Does anyone know if cetirizine hydrochloride and ceririzine dihydrochloride are the same?

[ElizabethWakefield]

DD was give a prescription from hospital to take for several months, last month she was given cetirizine hydrochloride I picked up her prescription on Friday and noticed that this time she has been given ceririzine dihydrochloride. Does anyone know if they are the same?

The look different (different shape) I presume they are the same, but wondered if anyone knew for sure. Thanks.

I have found this online:

?Zirtek. Active ingredient: Cetirizine dihydrocholride (CD).

NPC description: Cetirizine is a second-generation anti-histamine, which is usually taken in a one-a-day tablet. There is no known difference between hydrochloride and dihydrochloride types. Levocetirizine is a slightly rearranged third-generation version of the drug, which is known to be just as effective. However, studies have proved inconclusive regarding whether it is actually any better.

Thanks, was that from the Moneysaving expert site? I saw that too, if so, but wasn't sure of Martin Lweis's medical knowledge

Thanks for looking, I am sure they are probably both the same!

Cetirizine di-hydrochloride is the real thing and is less likely to make you drowsy. Cetirizine hydrochloride is a copycat molecule to work around patent laws.

Are you in the UK? if so, you can call NHS Direct and ask them - they will likely transfer you to a pharmacist.

Cetirizine Di Chloride
Cetirizine hydrochloride, an antihistamine, (pronounced) is a major metabolite of hydroxyzine, and a racemic selective H1 receptor antagonist used in the treatment of allergies, hay fever, angioedema, and urticaria. The structural similarity of cetirizine to hydroxyzine, and its derivation from piperazine, attribute

Cetirizine HydroChloride
Cetirizine hydrochloride, an antihistamine, (pronounced) is a major metabolite of hydroxyzine, and a racemic selective H1 receptor antagonist used in the treatment of allergies, hay fever, angioedema, and urticaria. The structural similarity of cetirizine to hydroxyzine, and its derivation from piperazine, attribute similar adverse reactions and properties to other piperazine derivatives.
found this too........some antihistamines work for some and the older generation work for others. It can also depend on what you are treating....but there is little difference

Thanks very much everyone. I didn't get a chance to check back on the thread before leaving work, but I popped into a chemist on my way home and they are apparently the same, so DD can continue with them tonight.

(apart from her freaking out because they are a different shape, obviously )