Zyrtec vs. benadryl: which allergy pill is better for MS patients before infusions?

NCT ID NCT07472413

Not yet recruiting Symptom relief Sponsor: University of Miami Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jul 14, 2026 · Updated 3 times

Summary

This study tests whether cetirizine (Zyrtec) causes less sleepiness than diphenhydramine (Benadryl) when used as a pre-medication before anti-CD20 infusions for multiple sclerosis. Sixty participants will receive either drug 30-60 minutes before their infusion, and researchers will measure drowsiness and fatigue. The goal is to find a more tolerable option to prevent infusion reactions.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: cetirizine (Zyrtec) and diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
What this could lead to: If cetirizine works as well as diphenhydramine with less drowsiness, it could offer MS patients a more tolerable pre-medication option before their infusions.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase trial with only 60 participants, so results may not apply to all MS patients. The study compares two common drugs, so no major breakthroughs are expected.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

multiple sclerosis

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

Contacts and locations

Locations

UHealth Boca Raton

Boca Raton, Florida, 33486, United States

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