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Compare Loratadine vs. Cetirizine

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

Key takeaways

Loratadine (Claritin) and cetirizine (Zyrtec) are both second-generation antihistamines. They treat allergies and are much less likely to cause drowsiness compared to first-generation antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl). Lortidine and cetirizine are both effective, but cetirizine usually starts working faster. And although cetirizine isn’t known to cause extreme drowsiness, it’s still more likely than loratadine to cause drowsiness.

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

  • Summary of Loratadine vs. Cetirizine

    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 Loratadine vs. Cetirizine

    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 Loratadine vs. Cetirizine

    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 Loratadine vs. Cetirizine

    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 Loratadine vs. Cetirizine

    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 Loratadine vs. Cetirizine

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