Compare Claritin vs. Zyrtec D

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

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Treats allergies.

Claritin (loratadine) is a once-daily medicine for allergies that won't make you as sleepy as other medicines that work like it.

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3.7/ 5 average rating with 1517 reviewsforClaritin
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
  • It doesn't cause daytime drowsiness unlike other antihistamines.
  • Side-effects are mild, if any at all.
  • Available over-the-counter without a prescription.
  • It provides quick relief of allergy symptoms for both children and adults.
  • It doesn't interfere with how a lot of other medicines work.
  • 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
  • It's not the best choice if you have persistent, daily allergy symptoms.
  • It's not recommended for children less than 2 years old.
  • 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
  • Chewable tablet
  • Dissolving tablet
  • Liquid
  • Extended release
No pricing information available
No pricing information available
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Reviews
1517 reviews so far
74%
saidit'sworth it
38%
saiditworked well
6%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Claritin (loratadine)?

Leave a review
927 reviews so far
75%
saidit'sworth it
43%
saiditworked well
9%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Zyrtec D (Cetirizine / Pseudoephedrine)?

Leave a review
Side effects
19possible side effects
  • Headache
    12%
  • Drowsiness
    8%
  • Nervousness or anxiety
    4%
  • Wheezing
    4%
  • Tiredness
    4%
  • Rash
    3%
  • Diarrhea
    3%
  • Mouth or tongue irritation
    3%
  • Dry mouth
    3%
  • Hyperactive behavior
    3%
  • Ear pain
    3%
  • Bloody nose
    3%
  • Sore throat
    3%
  • Flu-like symptoms
    3%
  • Abdominal pain
    2%
  • Pink eye
    2%
  • Lung infections
    2%
  • Difficulty speaking
    2%
  • Feeling uneasy or uncomfortable
    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
  • Difficulty concentrating
    • Taking with alcohol
    • Taking other medicines that make you less alert
  • Excess phenylalanine
    • History of phenylketonuria (PKU)
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 Claritin (loratadine)
Learn more about Zyrtec D (Cetirizine / Pseudoephedrine)