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Zyrtec vs. Beconase AQ

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

Key takeaways

Cetirizine (Zyrtec) and beclomethasone (Beconase AQ) are both used to treat allergy symptoms, but they belong to different medication classes. Cetirizine is an antihistamine that helps relieve symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes by blocking histamine in your body. Beclomethasone, on the other hand, is a corticosteroid that reduces swelling and inflammation in your nose. Cetirizine is available over-the-counter in various forms, such as tablets and liquids, and is typically taken once a day. Beclomethasone is a prescription-only nasal spray used twice daily. Cetirizine can cause drowsiness, while beclomethasone may cause nasal irritation and sneezing. Beclomethasone is also used to prevent nasal polyps from returning after surgery.

Cetirizine

(Zyrtec)

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Beconase AQ

(beclomethasone)

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Summary for Zyrtec

Prescription or over-the-counter

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 for Zyrtec

  • 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 for Zyrtec

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 for Zyrtec

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 for Zyrtec

  • Sleepiness
  • Accidentally taking too much medication

Summary for Beconase AQ

Prescription only

Beconase AQ (beclomethasone) is a corticosteroid medication used to treat nasal symptoms such as congestion, sneezing, and runny nose caused by seasonal or year-round allergies. In addition, Beconase AQ (beclomethasone) can be used to prevent nasal polyps from regrowing after surgical removal.

Indications for Beconase AQ

  • Seasonal allergies
  • Year-round allergies
  • Non-allergic stuffy nose
  • Prevention of nasal polyp recurrence after surgery

Pros and Cons for Beconase AQ

Pros

  • Symptomatic relief can occur as soon as 3 days
  • Can be used by children as young as 6 years old
  • Since it's used directly where the inflammation is happening, Beconase AQ (beclomethasone) has fewer side effects compared to oral steroids
  • Doesn't make you drowsy or dizzy, compared to allergy relief pills
  • Can be used to treat long-term build-up of mucus in the throat that comes from the nose

Cons

  • Must be used daily to work instead of on an as-needed basis
  • Doesn't have a dose counter to help you keep track of the number of sprays left in the bottle
  • Unlike allergy relief pills, Beconase AQ (beclomethasone) only helps to treat nasal symptoms
  • Can cause wounds to heal slower, so may not be a good choice if you've recently had surgery on your nose. If you've had recent nose surgery, discuss with your surgeon if this medication is right for you.
  • Only available as an expensive brand name product
  • If Beconase AQ (beclomethasone) is not used for 7 days, you must prime it again

Common Side Effects for Beconase AQ

  • Nasal irritation (24%)
  • Sneezing attacks (4%)

Warnings for Beconase AQ

  • CHANGES IN THE NASAL SEPTUM
  • DECREASED WOUND HEALING
  • VISION CHANGES

Prices with our coupons for Zyrtec vs. Beconase AQ

Price Card Drug Icon
Cetirizine90 tablets / 24 hour of 10mg
$9.11-
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Beconase AQ1 nasal spray / 25g of 42mcg/spray
$287.87-
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