Compare Clarinex vs. Zyrtec
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Treats allergy symptoms.
Clarinex (desloratadine) is a good option for once-daily allergy relief. It doesn't make you feel sleepy, but you need a prescription.
Treats allergy symptoms.
Zyrtec (cetirizine) can help you with some allergy symptoms without making you very drowsy.
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3.8/ 5 average rating with 1232 reviewsforZyrtec
Upsides
- Clarinex (desloratadine) relieves allergy symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, congestion, hives, or itchy skin.
- Preferred for older people since it causes little to no drowsiness compared to other antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl).
- Works faster than other non-drowsy antihistamines like loratadine (Claritin).
- Side effects are rare and usually mild.
- Available as a liquid or fast-dissolving tablet for people who don't like swallowing pills.
- 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
- May not work as fast as the other antihistamines that make you sleepy (like Benadryl).
- Not a good medication for pregnant women to take.
- 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).
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Dissolving tablet
- Liquid
- Pill
- Chewable tablet
- Dissolving tablet
- Liquid
Price
Lowest price
$16.68
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$1.70
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Reviews
Not enough review data.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 reviewSide effects
15possible side effects
- Upper respiratory tract infections21%
- Diarrhea20%
- Fever12%
- Irritability12%
- Coughing11%
- Sleepiness9%
- Inflammation of airways6%
- Ear infection6%
- Vomiting6%
- Decreased appetite5%
- Throat inflammation5%
- Inability to sleep5%
- Runny nose5%
- Redness and swelling3%
- Nausea3%
The Zyrtec (cetirizine) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
Risks and risk factors
- Serious allergic reactions
- 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