Compare Allegra vs. Zyrtec

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

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Allegra (fexofenadine)

Over-the-counter

Zyrtec (cetirizine)

Over-the-counter
Treats allergy symptoms.

Allegra (fexofenadine) relieves allergy symptoms without making you feel drowsy.

●●●●●
3.9/ 5 average rating with 24 reviewsforAllegra
Treats allergy symptoms.

Zyrtec (cetirizine) can help you with some allergy symptoms without making you very drowsy.

●●●●●
3.8/ 5 average rating with 1232 reviewsforZyrtec
Upsides
  • Allegra (fexofenadine) is effective at reducing symptoms for seasonal allergies and chronic hives without significant drowsiness, unlike Benadryl.
  • Approved for kids aged 6 months or older.
  • Allegra (fexofenadine) comes in many forms, like tablet, liquid, and quick-dissolving tablet.
  • Zyrtec (cetirizine) works to treat sneezing and runny nose, and causes less sedation compared to Benadryl.
  • Works well to also treat hives and itchy skin.
  • Zyrtec (cetirizine) is available over the counter without a prescription. It comes as a tablet, liquid, and quick-dissolving tablet.
  • It can provide relief of allergy symptoms for both kids and adults.
  • Zyrtec (cetirizine) has few drug interactions with other medicines.
  • Most people don't get any side effects from Zyrtec (cetirizine).
Downsides
  • Allegra (fexofenadine)'s effectiveness can wear off over time.
  • The dose needs to be adjusted for people with kidney problems.
  • Although it works fast, Zyrtec (cetirizine)'s effectiveness wears off for some people over time.
  • Zyrtec (cetirizine) can make you a little more sleepy compared to Allegra or Claritin.
  • Some people find that other more sedating antihistamines, like Benadryl (diphenhydramine), are more effective for them than Zyrtec (cetirizine).
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Dissolving tablet
  • Liquid
  • Pill
  • Chewable tablet
  • Dissolving tablet
  • Liquid
Price
Lowest price
$6.00
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Lowest price
$3.16
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Reviews
24 reviews so far
79%
saidit'sworth it
63%
saiditworked well
0%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Allegra (fexofenadine)?

Leave a review
1232 reviews so far
76%
saidit'sworth it
47%
saiditworked well
7%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Zyrtec (cetirizine)?

Leave a review
Side effects
4possible side effects
  • Dizziness
    2%
  • Back Pain
    2%
  • Stomach discomfort
    2%
  • Pain in hands/feet
    2%
See more detailed side effects
The Zyrtec (cetirizine) 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
  • Brain damage from too much phenylalanine
    • History of phenylketonuria (PKU)
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Increased side effects in the elderly
    • Age 65 or older
  • Impaired alertness
    • Taking with alcohol
    • Taking other medicines that make you less alert
  • History of liver or kidney conditions
    • History of liver or kidney disease
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Allegra (fexofenadine)
Learn more about Zyrtec (cetirizine)