Is Allergy Medicine (Claritin, Zyrtec, Flonase) HSA/FSA Eligible?
OTC antihistamines and nasal sprays for allergies are eligible without a prescription.
Account rule vs. tax deduction: since January 1, 2020, over-the-counter medicine can be paid from an HSA or FSA without a prescription. CARES Act §3702 removed the prescription requirement from IRC §223 for HSAs, and Pub. 969 states the same rule for FSAs and HRAs. That change covers the accounts only: Pub. 502 still does not allow an itemized deduction for non-prescribed drugs other than insulin.
How the rule applies
Antihistamines, nasal steroid sprays and allergy eye drops sold without a prescription are drugs, so they qualify. The 2020 law made a doctor's prescription unnecessary for these purchases.
What to keep for your records
Keep the receipt. If you buy a large multi-month pack, the receipt for the full amount is what you submit, not a monthly breakdown.
Watch out for
Allergy testing and shots from a clinic are separate medical expenses with their own paperwork. Air filters and humidifiers bought for allergies are a different question, and those often need a letter from your doctor.
Quick answers
Is Zyrtec HSA eligible?
Yes. Since the CARES Act in 2020, over-the-counter allergy medicine such as Zyrtec, Claritin and Allegra is eligible with no prescription.
Is Flonase HSA or FSA eligible?
Yes. Flonase and other allergy nasal sprays are eligible over the counter, for both HSAs and FSAs.
Do I need a prescription for allergy medicine?
No. The old prescription rule for over-the-counter drugs was repealed in 2020. Keep the itemized receipt.
Where to buy it HSA/FSA-eligible
Pay with your HSA or FSA card directly, or buy elsewhere and save the receipt to submit for reimbursement.
Shop on FSA Store → Shop on HSA Store →Related in OTC Medications
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This ruling applies the HSA/FSA account rules (IRC §223, IRS Pub. 969), the medical-care definition they rely on (IRC §213(d), IRS Pub. 502) and any later statutory change or IRS guidance listed above. It is for informational purposes only. Eligibility can vary slightly by plan administrator — when in doubt, confirm with yours before purchasing.