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Compare Zyrtec-D vs. Claritin-D

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

Key takeaways

Zyrtec-D (cetirizine/pseudoephedrine) and Claritin-D (loratadine/pseudoephedrine) are both over-the-counter medications used to relieve allergy symptoms and congestion. Zyrtec-D combines cetirizine, an antihistamine, with pseudoephedrine, a decongestant, and is taken once or twice a day. Claritin-D combines loratadine, another antihistamine, with pseudoephedrine and is available in both 12-hour and 24-hour formulations. One key difference is that Zyrtec-D can cause more daytime drowsiness compared to Claritin-D, which is less likely to make you sleepy. However, both medications can cause trouble sleeping if taken too close to bedtime. Zyrtec-D is controlled in some states due to its pseudoephedrine content, while Claritin-D is not a controlled medication. Both medications require you to show ID to purchase at the pharmacy counter. And both medications should be used with caution if you have high blood pressure or heart problems.

  • Zyrtec-d (cetirizine / pseudoephedrine)
    Claritin-d (loratadine / pseudoephedrine)
  • Zyrtec-d (cetirizine / pseudoephedrine)
    Claritin-d (loratadine / pseudoephedrine)

  • Summary of Zyrtec-D vs. Claritin-D

    Summary for Antihistamine / Decongestant

    Zyrtec-D is a combination medication containing cetirizine (an antihistamine) and pseudoephedrine (a decongestant). It's taken by people ages 12 years and older to relieve allergy symptoms, like runny nose and nasal congestion. This medication comes as an extended-release tablet that's taken by mouth every 12 hours. Zyrtec-D is available as a brand-name and generic medication. Side effects can include trouble sleeping and dry mouth.

    Summary for Antihistamine / Decongestant

    Claritin-D (loratadine / pseudoephedrine) is an over-the-counter medication that's used to relieve allergies and congestion. It's available as a 24-hour tablet that's taken once per day and a 12-hour tablet that's taken twice per day. Possible side effects include headache, dry mouth, drowsiness, and difficulty sleeping. There are lower-cost generic and brand versions of the medication available. You can find Claritin-D (loratadine / pseudoephedrine) at the pharmacy counter (or behind the counter).

  • Indications of Zyrtec-D vs. Claritin-D

    Indications for

    Short-term relief of allergy symptoms in adults and children ages 12 years and older:

    •Itchy nose or throat
    •Sneezing
    •Itchy or watery eyes
    •Runny or stuffy nose
    •Sinus congestion or pressure
    Indications for

    Short-term relief of allergy symptoms:

    •Runny nose
    •Itchy nose or throat
    •Itchy or watery eyes
    •Stuffy nose
    •Nasal congestion
    •Sinus congestion or pressure

  • Pros and Cons of Zyrtec-D vs. Claritin-D

    Pros and Const for Antihistamine / Decongestant
    Pros
    •Starts working within an hour
    •Easier to take a combination pill instead of two separate pills to treat congestion and other allergy symptoms
    •Available over the counter (behind the counter)
    Cons
    •Might need to take twice daily
    •Tablets can't be crushed or chewed and there isn't a liquid version available
    •Not the safest choice if you have certain conditions, like heart problems and trouble urinating
    Pros and Const for Antihistamine / Decongestant
    Pros
    •Easier to take a combination pill instead of two separate pills for congestion and other allergy symptoms
    •Available as a once-daily tablet
    •Available over the counter
    Cons
    •More difficult to customize the dose since Claritin-D (loratadine / pseudoephedrine) is a combination of two medications
    •Not the best choice for people who have difficulty swallowing tablets (can't crush the tablets and no available liquid form available)
    •Can't be used in children younger than 12 years

  • Common Side Effects of Zyrtec-D vs. Claritin-D

    Common Side Effects for
    •Trouble sleeping (4%)
    •Dry mouth(4%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (25%)

  • Warnings of Zyrtec-D vs. Claritin-D

    Common Side Effects for
    •Fast heart rate and high blood pressure
    •Worsening of certain medical conditions
    •Accidentally taking too much medication
    Common Side Effects for
    •Fast heart rate and high blood pressure
    •Possible drowsiness
    •Worsening of medical conditions
    •Accidental overdose

  • Prices with our coupons for Zyrtec-D vs. Claritin-D

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    Learn more about Claritin-d

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