Pfizer Inc and UCB Pharma announced the approval of a new chewable formulation of Zyrtec (cetirizine HCl) for the treatment of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis (inflammation of the nasal passages) and chronic idiopathic urticaria (itching and hives of unknown causes) in children aged two years and older.

The approval by the US Food and Drug Administration makes Zyrtec the first and only prescription antihistamine available in both syrup and chewable form.

"This new chewable formulation provides more convenience and flexibility for a trusted antihistamine," said Gail Shapiro, senior partner, Allergist, Northwest Asthma and Allergy Center, Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine and past President of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.

"The chewable option will appeal to physicians, parents, and patients. It offers physicians another option to better meet our patient's individual needs; for parents it offers easy administration; for patients it offers Zyrtec's 24-hour symptom relief in a pleasant tasting, easy-to-chew tablet," he said.

The grape-flavored tablets are formulated to be taken once daily with or without food or water. They will be available in 5 mg and 10 mg doses to allow physicians the flexibility of prescribing the proper dose for children of different ages.

"The development of the chewable formulation of Zyrtec underscores Pfizer and UCB Pharma's continued commitment to pediatric allergy patients," said Dr. Benjamin Kramer, senior medical director at Pfizer and a board certified allergist. "We believe that the concept of a convenient, good-tasting medication could help improve children's compliance with allergy medicine. And, increased compliance with allergy medicine may also improve health-related quality of life."