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

NCT ID NCT07472413

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

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.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

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.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • UHealth Boca Raton

    Boca Raton, Florida, 33486, United States

    Contact

    Contact

    Contact

    Contact