Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Claritin vs. Zyrtec

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

Key takeaways

Loratadine (Claritin) and cetirizine (Zyrtec) are both second-generation antihistamines used to relieve allergy symptoms like runny nose and watery eyes, but they have some differences. Loratadine is less likely to cause drowsiness compared to cetirizine, which can make you feel sleepy. Both medications are available over-the-counter and are typically considered safe during pregnancy. Both medications come in various forms, such as tablets and liquid solutions, and are typically taken once a day. However, cetirizine starts working faster, within 20 to 60 minutes, while loratadine may take 1 to 3 hours to start relieving symptoms. Additionally, cetirizine is approved for treating chronic hives in young children, whereas loratadine is not specifically indicated for this use.

drug combination

See more from our pharmacists

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

Summary of Claritin vs. Zyrtec

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.

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).

Indications of Claritin vs. Zyrtec

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

Pros and Cons of Claritin vs. Zyrtec

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.
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.

Common Side Effects of Claritin vs. Zyrtec

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

Warnings of Claritin vs. Zyrtec

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

Prices with our coupons for Claritin vs. Zyrtec

Learn more about Loratadine
Learn more about Cetirizine

Compare other Allergic Rhinitis drugs

Allegra vs ClaritinBenadryl vs ClaritinClaritin D vs Mucinex DClaritin vs Claritin DClaritin vs Dayquil
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.