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Atarax vs. Zyrtec

Hydroxyzine hydrochloride (Atarax) is a prescription antihistamine for adults and children. It's used to treat anxiety and to ease itching from allergies. It's also used as a sleep aid (sedative) before and after general anesthesia. Hydroxyzine HCl (Atarax) comes as tablet and oral solution that are taken by mouth up to 4 times per day. Common side effects include sleepiness and dry mouth.

• Anxiety
• Itching from allergic skin conditions (e.g., hives, eczema, etc.)
• Sleep aid (sedative) while receiving general anesthesia for surgery

• Sleepiness
• Dry mouth
• Headache

• Sleepiness
• Heart rhythm problems (QT prolongation)
• Higher risk of side effects in people over 65
• Severe allergic and skin reactions

Cetirizine (Zyrtec) is an antihistamine. It's used for relief of allergy symptoms, such as runny nose or watery eyes, in adults and children. Cetirizine (Zyrtec) is also a safe option for people who are pregnant. This medication is available in different formulations, including tablets and liquid solutions. Typically, cetirizine (Zyrtec) is taken by mouth once per day. The most common side effect of cetirizine (Zyrtec) is sleepiness. But it's less likely to make you drowsy compared to some other antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl).

• Short-term relief of allergy symptoms (sneezing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, itching of the nose or throat)
• Relief of itchiness due to chronic (long-term) hives in children ages 6 months to under 6 years old - certain liquid solutions only

People 12 years of age and older:

• Sleepiness (14%)
• Tiredness (6%)
• Dry mouth (5%)

Children age 6 to under 12 years:

• Headache (11-14%)
• Sore throat (3-6%)
• Stomach pain (4-6%)
• Cough (3-4%)
• Sleepiness (2-4%)

• Sleepiness
• Accidentally taking too much medication