Does zertec work.like benedryl for bee stings?

Zyrtec (cetirizine) Antihistamine: Yes. It works without the sedation side effects that Benadryl (diphenhydramine) has.

Slower : In the long run the zyrtec (cetirizine) will help with itching and has the benefit of once daily dosing.However, it will take 4-6 hours to reach its effect level while benedryl can get there within an hour or so. For an acute sting, the benedryl may be the way to go with a zyrtec (cetirizine) followup, as the benedryl will be out of the system in about 4 hours.