Compare Allegra-D vs. Zyrtec D

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

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Treats allergy symptoms and congestion.

Allegra-D (fexofenadine / pseudoephedrine) is a combination allergy medicine that's useful if you have congestion and runny nose.

Relieves congestion and allergy symptoms.

Zyrtec D (Cetirizine / Pseudoephedrine) relieves allergies and congestion without causing daytime sleepiness. It can keep you up at night if you take it too close to bedtime.

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3.7/ 5 average rating with 927 reviewsforZyrtec D
Upsides
  • Allegra-D (fexofenadine / pseudoephedrine) contains two medicines that work in different ways to help relieve multiple symptoms including nasal congestion and allergies.
  • Available without a prescription in the drugstore.
  • The antihistamine (Cetirizine) in Zyrtec D (Cetirizine / Pseudoephedrine) causes less drowsiness than other medications like Benadryl.
  • The decongestant (Pseudoephedrine) in Zyrtec D (Cetirizine / Pseudoephedrine) is stronger than other decongestants. It can also help relieve congestion-related headaches and ear pressure.
  • The stimulant effects of Pseudoephedrine can give you some extra energy during the day.
  • Doesn't give you rebound congestion (worse congestion symptoms after you stop taking the medicine) like decongestant nose sprays can.
  • It's available without a prescription, unlike other strong allergy medicines.
Downsides
  • You must show a photo ID to purchase this medicine from behind the pharmacy counter. There's a maximum limit on how much Allegra-D (fexofenadine / pseudoephedrine) you can buy at a time.
  • Allegra-D (fexofenadine / pseudoephedrine) can have more side effects (such as increased blood pressure and difficulty sleeping) than Allegra since it has pseudoephedrine in it.
  • If you have severe high blood pressure or heart disease you can't take this medicine. If you have kidney damage, you may not be able to take Allegra-D (fexofenadine / pseudoephedrine).
  • You can have more side effects when using combination pills than when using single-ingredient medications.
  • The antihistamine (Cetirizine) can cause more drowsiness than similar antihistamines, like Allegra D (which contains Fexofenadine) and Claritin D (which contains Loratadine).
  • The decongestant (Pseudoephedrine) can make your heart race or give you anxious or restless feelings.
  • You might not sleep as well due to Pseudoephedrine's effects and you can also have strange dreams while taking it.
  • Pseudoephedrine can raise your blood pressure, so don't take it if you have high blood pressure or other heart conditions.
  • Although you don't need a prescription, you do need to show a photo ID to buy this from behind the pharmacy counter.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Extended release
Price
Lowest price
$35.26
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Lowest price
$16.09
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Reviews
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927 reviews so far
75%
saidit'sworth it
43%
saiditworked well
9%
saidit'sa big hassle

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Side effects
10possible side effects
  • Headache
    13%
  • Trouble sleeping
    13%
  • Nausea
    7%
  • Dry Mouth
    3%
  • Indigestion
    3%
  • Throat irritation
    2%
  • Dizziness
    2%
  • Agitation
    2%
  • Back pain
    2%
  • Palpitations
    2%
See more detailed side effects
The Zyrtec D (Cetirizine / Pseudoephedrine) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
Risks and risk factors
  • Driving impairment
    • Taking with alcohol
    • Taking other medicines that make you less alert
  • High blood pressure
    • History of high blood pressure
  • Heart problems
    • History of heart problems
    • Age 65 or older
  • Seizure
    • History of seizure
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • High blood pressure
    • History of high blood pressure
  • Heart problems
    • History of heart problems
    • Age 65 or older
  • Seizure
    • History of seizure
  • Harm to fetus
    • Women of childbearing age
  • Taking the wrong medication
  • Increased side effects
    • Age 65 years or older
  • Driving impairment
    • Taking with alcohol
    • Taking other medicines that make you less alert
  • Overdosage
    • Current kidney disease
    • Current liver disease
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Allegra-D (fexofenadine / pseudoephedrine)
Learn more about Zyrtec D (Cetirizine / Pseudoephedrine)