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Compare Cetirizine vs. Loratadine

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Cetirizine (Zyrtec) and loratadine (Claritin) are both antihistamines used to relieve allergy symptoms like runny nose and watery eyes, but they have some key differences. Cetirizine is available both over-the-counter and by prescription, while loratadine is only available over-the-counter. Cetirizine can cause sleepiness, but it's less likely to do so compared to first-generation antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl). Loratadine is considered a non-drowsy option, though it can still cause some drowsiness. Cetirizine is safe for use during pregnancy, whereas loratadine is not the first-choice option for pregnant individuals. Both medications are taken once daily, but cetirizine starts working within 20 to 60 minutes, while loratadine may take 1 to 3 hours to start working and up to 12 hours for full effects. Additionally, cetirizine is approved for treating chronic hives in children, whereas loratadine is not specifically indicated for this use.

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  • Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
    Loratadine (Claritin)
  • Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
    Loratadine (Claritin)

  • Summary of Cetirizine vs. Loratadine

    Summary for Antihistamine

    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).

    Summary for Antihistamine

    Loratadine (Claritin) is an over-the-counter antihistamine. It's used to ease allergy symptoms, such as runny nose or watery eyes, in adults and children. Loratadine (Claritin) is taken by mouth, typically once daily. It's available in different formulations, such as tablets and oral solution. Loratadine (Claritin) is considered a non-drowsy medication because it's less likely to cause sleepiness than some other antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl). Other side effects of this medication include headache and tiredness.

  • Indications of Cetirizine vs. Loratadine

    Indications for
    •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
    Indications for
    •Short-term relief of allergy symptoms (runny nose, itchy nose, itchy or watery eyes)

  • Pros and Cons of Cetirizine vs. Loratadine

    Pros and Const for Antihistamine
    Pros
    •First-choice option for relieving allergy symptoms
    •Taken once per day
    •Available in several formulations (e.g., pills, chewable tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, liquids)
    •Safe to take while pregnant
    Cons
    •Can cause you to feel sleepy
    •Higher risk of side effects in people with liver or kidney problems
    •Pills can't be used in children younger than 6 years.
    Pros and Const for Antihistamine
    Pros
    •First-choice option for allergies
    •Appears to cause less sleepiness than diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
    •Oral liquids and certain chewable tablets can be taken by children as young as 2 years old
    Cons
    •Might not work as well in younger children compared to cetirizine (Zyrtec)
    •Might have a higher risk of side effects if you have liver or kidney problems
    •Tablets, capsules, and orally disintegrating tablets can't be used in children younger than 6 years.

  • Common Side Effects of Cetirizine vs. Loratadine

    Common Side Effects for

    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%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (12%)
    •Sleepiness (8%)
    •Fatigue (4%)
    •Dry mouth (3%)

  • Warnings of Cetirizine vs. Loratadine

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness
    •Accidentally taking too much medication
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness
    •Accidentally taking too much medication
    •Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU)

  • Prices with our coupons for Cetirizine vs. Loratadine

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