Cetirizine Recall Issued Due to Ranitidine Cross-Contamination

On July 18, 2026, Unique Pharmaceutical Laboratories announced a voluntary consumer-level recall of four lots of cetirizine hydrochloride tablets 5mg due to cross-contamination with ranitidine during manufacturing. The issue was identified after a product complaint from a pharmacy technician who observed tablets with red spots and discoloration while counting and dispensing the medication. Cetirizine is an over-the-counter antihistamine used to treat allergy symptoms and affected tablets may contain ranitidine, a H2 receptor antagonist used for acid-related conditions. Patients with hypersensitivity to ranitidine who take the affected tablets may be at risk for serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. No adverse events related to the recall have been reported to date. Patients and providers are encouraged to report adverse events or product quality concerns to FDA MedWatch. The FDA recall notice is available here.