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Compare Elestat vs. Zyrtec

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

Key takeaways

Epinastine (Elestat) and cetirizine (Zyrtec) are both antihistamines used to treat allergy symptoms. Epinastine is specifically used as an eye drop to prevent eye itchiness from allergies, while cetirizine is taken orally to relieve a broader range of allergy symptoms, such as runny nose and itchy or watery eyes. Epinastine is available only by prescription and is applied directly to the eyes twice a day, whereas cetirizine can be purchased over-the-counter and is typically taken once a day. Epinastine works quickly, within about 5 minutes, and is suitable for children aged 2 years and older. Cetirizine, on the other hand, starts working in 20 to 60 minutes and is available in various forms, including tablets and liquids, for different age groups. Common side effects of epinastine include a burning feeling in the eye and eye redness, while cetirizine may cause sleepiness and dry mouth. Additionally, cetirizine should not be taken with other antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) due to the risk of increased side effects.

  • Epinastine
    Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
  • Epinastine
    Cetirizine (Zyrtec)

  • Summary of Elestat vs. Zyrtec

    Summary for Antihistamine
    Prescription only

    Epinastine hydrochloride is an antihistamine eye drop medication. It's used to prevent eye itchiness that's related to allergies. The eye drops are available by prescription for adults and children 2 years of age and older. The medication is placed directly into the eyes twice a day. Side effects include a burning feeling in the eye and eye redness.

    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 Elestat vs. Zyrtec

    Indications for
    •Prevention of eye itchiness from allergies
    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 Elestat vs. Zyrtec

    Pros and Const for Antihistamine
    Pros
    •Works within 5 minutes
    •Applied directly to the eye(s), so there aren't many side effects
    •Can be used by children ages 2 years and older
    Cons
    •Must use twice a day
    •Requires a prescription from a healthcare professional
    •Only approved for preventing eye itchiness from allergies
    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 Elestat vs. Zyrtec

    Common Side Effects for
    •Burning feeling in the eye (up to 10%)
    •Eye redness (up to 10%)
    •Small bumps around the eye (up to 10%)
    •Itchy eye (up to 10%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (e.g., common cold; 10%))
    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 Elestat vs. Zyrtec

    Common Side Effects for
    •For use in the eye only
    •Risk for bacterial infections in the eye if you use contaminated medication
    •Don't use while wearing contact lenses
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness
    •Accidentally taking too much medication

  • Prices with our coupons for Elestat vs. Zyrtec

    Learn more about Epinastine
    Learn more about Cetirizine

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