Second-generation H1 antihistamine
Cetirizine in Austria: prescription, brands, pricing
This page summarises the situation of Cetirizine in Austria under BASG (Federal Office for Safety in Health Care): prescription status, available brands and generics, pharmacy dispensing, and online options in EUR. Cetirizine belongs to the Second-generation H1 antihistamine class.
- Regulator
- BASG (Federal Office for Safety in Health Care)
- Currency
- EUR
About Cetirizine
Cetirizine is approved in adults and children for the treatment of allergic rhinitis, including seasonal and perennial forms, allergic conjunctivitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria. Austria's medication categories follow EU rules: rezeptpflichtig (Rx, prescription-only) and rezeptfrei (OTC). The statutory health insurance (Sozialversicherung) covers the bulk of prescription costs after a small per-prescription fee (Rezeptgebühr).
Mechanism and action
Cetirizine selectively blocks peripheral H1 histamine receptors, antagonising the effects of histamine released by mast cells during allergic responses.
Brands and generics in Austria
In Austria, Cetirizine is typically dispensed as one internationally recognised brand along with their corresponding authorised generics. Austrian Apotheken are well-distributed and bound to strict opening-hour rotation rules; on-call pharmacies (Bereitschaftsdienst) cover nights and holidays. Pharmacist-led consultation is a core part of dispensing, similar to the German system. Brand-to-generic substitution is decided by the pharmacist under local BASG (Federal Office for Safety in Health Care) equivalence rules, and the price difference in EUR is usually substantial.
Online and tele-prescribing access
Online OTC sales are permitted in Austria via BASG-registered pharmacies, identifiable by the EU common logo. Online prescription dispensing is more limited and follows the same legislation as in-person dispensing; cross-border purchase within the EU is regulated. For Cetirizine specifically, the legal online options in Austria depend on its Rx-or-OTC classification under BASG (Federal Office for Safety in Health Care).
Frequently asked questions
Is Cetirizine available in Austria? ▾
Yes — Cetirizine and its brands are available in Austria through pharmacies authorised by BASG (Federal Office for Safety in Health Care), in various strengths depending on the commercial product. Authorised generics offer a lower-cost alternative with the same active substance.
Do I need a prescription for Cetirizine in Austria? ▾
Austria's medication categories follow EU rules: rezeptpflichtig (Rx, prescription-only) and rezeptfrei (OTC). The statutory health insurance (Sozialversicherung) covers the bulk of prescription costs after a small per-prescription fee (Rezeptgebühr). The exact status of Cetirizine (Rx or OTC) is determined by BASG (Federal Office for Safety in Health Care); most active ingredients in the Second-generation H1 antihistamine class require prescription, although there are exceptions by country and formulation.
How much does Cetirizine cost in Austria? ▾
The price in EUR depends on the manufacturer (brand vs authorised generic), the strength and the pack size. Generics are typically substantially cheaper than brands and serve as the economic reference for ongoing use.
Products with Cetirizine in Austria
Cetirizine in other countries
The information on this website is provided for reference and educational purposes only. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.