Zerviate (Cetirizine): Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Warnings

Uses

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE ZERVIATE ® (cetirizine ophthalmic solution) 0.24% is indicated for the treatment of ocular itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis. ZERVIATE ® (cetirizine ophthalmic solution) 0.24% is a histamine-1 (H1) receptor antagonist indicated for treatment of ocular itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis. ( 1 )

Dosage and administration

The recommended dosage of ZERVIATE ® is to instill one drop in each affected eye twice daily (approximately 8 hours apart). The single-use containers are to be used immediately after opening and can be used to dose both eyes. Discard the single-use container and any remaining contents after administration. The single-use containers should be stored in the original foil pouch until ready to use. The recommended dose is one drop in each affected eye twice daily. ( 2 )

Dosage forms and strengths

Cetirizine ophthalmic solution, 0.24% is a sterile, buffered, clear, colorless aqueous solution containing cetirizine 0.24% (equivalent to cetirizine hydrochloride 0.29%). Ophthalmic solution: 2.4 mg cetirizine in 1 mL sterile solution (0.24%). ( 3 )

Contraindications

None. None. ( 4 )

Warnings and precautions

Contamination of Tip and Solution. To prevent contaminating the dropper tip and solution, advise patients not to touch the eyelids or surrounding areas with the tip of the single-use container. ( 5.1 ) 5.1 Contamination of Tip and Solution As with any eye drop, care should be taken not to touch the eyelids or surrounding areas with the tip of the single-use container in order to avoid injury to the eye and to prevent contaminating the tip and solution. Discard the single-use container after using in each eye. 5.2 Contact Lens Wear Patients should be advised not to wear a contact lens if their eye is red. ZERVIATE ® should not be instilled while wearing contact lenses. Remove contact lenses prior to instillation of ZERVIATE ® . The preservative in ZERVIATE ® , benzalkonium chloride, may be absorbed by soft contact lenses. Lenses may be reinserted 10 minutes following administration of ZERVIATE ® .

Side effects

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trial of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates in practice. In seven clinical trials, patients with allergic conjunctivitis or those at a risk of developing allergic conjunctivitis received one drop of either cetirizine (N=511) or vehicle (N=329) in one or both eyes. The most commonly reported adverse reactions occurred in approximately 1–7% of patients treated with either ZERVIATE ® or vehicle. These reactions were ocular hyperemia, instillation site pain, and visual acuity reduced. The most common adverse reactions (1–7%) were ocular hyperemia, instillation site pain, and visual acuity reduced. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Harrow at 1-833-4HARROW(427769) or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Use in specific populations

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary There were no adequate or well-controlled studies with ZERVIATE ® in pregnant women. Cetirizine should be used in pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Data Animal Data Cetirizine was not teratogenic in mice, rats, or rabbits at oral doses up to 96, 225, and 135 mg/kg, respectively (approximately 1300, 4930, and 7400 times the maximum recommended human ophthalmic dose (MRHOD), on a mg/m 2 basis). 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary Cetirizine has been reported to be excreted in human breast milk following oral administration. Multiple doses of oral dose cetirizine (10 mg tablets once daily for 10 days) resulted in systemic levels (Mean C max = 311 ng/mL) that were 100 times higher than the observed human exposure (Mean C max = 3.1 ng/ mL) following twice daily administration of cetirizine ophthalmic solution 0.24% to both eyes for one week [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . Comparable bioavailability has been found between the tablet and syrup dosage forms. However, it is not known whether the systemic absorption resulting from topical ocular administration of ZERVIATE ® could produce detectable quantities in human breast milk. There is no adequate information regarding the effects of cetirizine on breastfed infants, or the effects on milk production to inform risk of ZERVIATE ® to an infant during lactation. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for ZERVIATE ® and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from ZERVIATE ® . 8.4 Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of ZERVIATE ® (cetirizine ophthalmic solution) 0.24% has been established in pediatric patients two years of age and older. Use of ZERVIATE ® in these pediatric patients is supported by evidence from adequate and well-controlled studies of ZERVIATE ® in pediatric and adult patients. 8.5 Geriatric Use No overall differences in safety or effectiveness have been observed between elderly and younger patients.

Pregnancy

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary There were no adequate or well-controlled studies with ZERVIATE ® in pregnant women. Cetirizine should be used in pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Data Animal Data Cetirizine was not teratogenic in mice, rats, or rabbits at oral doses up to 96, 225, and 135 mg/kg, respectively (approximately 1300, 4930, and 7400 times the maximum recommended human ophthalmic dose (MRHOD), on a mg/m 2 basis).

Pediatric use

8.4 Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of ZERVIATE ® (cetirizine ophthalmic solution) 0.24% has been established in pediatric patients two years of age and older. Use of ZERVIATE ® in these pediatric patients is supported by evidence from adequate and well-controlled studies of ZERVIATE ® in pediatric and adult patients.

Geriatric use

8.5 Geriatric Use No overall differences in safety or effectiveness have been observed between elderly and younger patients.

Description

11 DESCRIPTION ZERVIATE ® is a sterile ophthalmic solution containing cetirizine, which is a histamine-1 (H1) receptor antagonist, for topical administration to the eyes. Cetirizine hydrochloride is a white, crystalline, water-soluble powder with a molecular weight of 461.8 and a molecular formula of C 21 H 25 ClN 2 O 3
• 2HCl. The chemical structure is presented below: Chemical Name: ( RS )-2-[2-[4-[(4-Chlorophenyl) phenylmethyl] piperazin-1-yl] ethoxy] acetic acid, dihydrochloride Each mL of ZERVIATE ® contains an active ingredient [cetirizine 2.40 mg (equivalent to 2.85 mg of cetirizine hydrochloride)] and the following inactive ingredients: benzalkonium chloride 0.010% (preservative); glycerin; sodium phosphate, dibasic; edetate disodium; polyethylene glycol 400; polysorbate 80; hypromellose; hydrochloric acid/sodiumhydroxide (to adjust pH); and water for injection. ZERVIATE ® solution has a pH of approximately 7.0 and osmolality of approximately 300 mOsm/kg. Chemical Structure

Mechanism of action

12.1 Mechanism of Action ZERVIATE ® , an antihistamine, is a histamine-1 (H1) receptor antagonist. Its effects are mediated via selective inhibition of H1 histamine receptors. The antihistaminic activity of cetirizine has been documented in a variety of animal and human models. In vivo and ex vivo animal models have shown negligible anticholinergic and antiserotonergic activity. In vitro receptor binding studies have shown no measurable affinity for other than H1 receptors.

How supplied

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING ZERVIATE ® is a sterile, buffered, clear, colorless aqueous solution containing cetirizine 0.24% (equivalent to cetirizine hydrochloride 0.29%) supplied in 5 low-density polyethylene 0.2 mL single-use containers within a foil pouch. Carton of 30 single-use containers NDC 82667-015-24 Storage: Store at 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). Single-use containers should be stored in the original foil pouch.

Storage

Storage: Store at 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). Single-use containers should be stored in the original foil pouch.

Patient information

Risk of Contamination: Advise patients not to touch dropper tip to eyelids or surrounding areas, as this may contaminate the dropper tip and ophthalmic solution. Advise patients to discard single-use containers after each use. Concomitant Use of Contact Lenses: Advise patients not to wear contact lenses if their eyes are red. Advise patients that ZERVIATE ® should not be used to treat contact lens-related irritation. Advise patients to remove contact lenses prior to instillation of ZERVIATE ® . The preserative in ZERVIATE ® solution, benzalkonium chloride, may be absorbed by soft contact lenses. Lenses may be reinserted 10 minutes following administration of ZERVIATE ® . Administration: Advise patients that the solution from one single-use container is to be used immediately after opening. Advise patients that the single-use container can be used to dose both eyes. Discard the single-use container and remaining contents immediately after administration. Storage of Single-use Containers: Instruct patients to store single-use containers in the original foil pouch until ready to use. Rev 12/2025 Manufactured for: Harrow Eye, LLC TM Nashville, TN USA Manufactured by: Pharmaloop SL., Alcala de Henares, 28806, Spain U.S. Patents: 8,829,005; 9,254,286; 9,750,684; 9,993,471

Active ingredients

Cetirizine in 1 product

Zerviate NDC products (1)

NDC	Strength & form	Labeler	Type
82667-015	Cetirizine 2.4 mg/mL For Solution	Harrow Eye, LLC	NDA

Frequently asked questions

What is Zerviate used for?

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE ZERVIATE ® (cetirizine ophthalmic solution) 0.24% is indicated for the treatment of ocular itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis. ZERVIATE ® (cetirizine ophthalmic solution) 0.24% is a histamine-1 (H1) receptor antagonist indicated for treatment of ocular itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis. ( 1 )

What are the side effects of Zerviate?

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trial of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates in practice. In seven clinical trials, patients with allergic conjunctivitis or those at a risk of developing allergic conjunctivitis received one drop of either… See the full label for the complete list.

Who makes Zerviate?

Zerviate is listed by 1 labeler in the FDA NDC directory, including Harrow Eye, LLC.