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Compare 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)
    Beconase aq (beclomethasone)
  • Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
    Beconase aq (beclomethasone)

  • Summary of Zyrtec vs. Beconase AQ

    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).

    Summary for Corticosteroid
    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 of Zyrtec vs. Beconase AQ

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

  • Pros and Cons of Zyrtec vs. Beconase AQ

    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.
    Pros and Const for Corticosteroid
    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 of Zyrtec vs. Beconase AQ

    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%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nasal irritation (24%)
    •Sneezing attacks (4%)

  • Warnings of Zyrtec vs. Beconase AQ

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness
    •Accidentally taking too much medication
    Common Side Effects for
    •CHANGES IN THE NASAL SEPTUM
    •DECREASED WOUND HEALING
    •VISION CHANGES

  • Prices with our coupons for Zyrtec vs. Beconase AQ

    Learn more about Cetirizine
    Learn more about Beconase aq

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