Compare Claritin vs. Zyrtec D
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
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.
●●●●●
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.
●●●●●
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.
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Chewable tablet
- Dissolving tablet
- Liquid
- Extended release
Price
Lowest price
$5.29
Find instant savings near youLowest price
$18.61
Find instant savings near youWant to save even more money?
Sign up now for a 30-day trial and save up to 95% at CVS, Kroger, Albertsons, and other pharmacies.
Learn more
Reviews
1517 reviews so far
74%
saidit'sworth it
38%
saiditworked well
6%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Claritin (loratadine)?
Leave a review927 reviews so far
75%
saidit'sworth it
43%
saiditworked well
9%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Zyrtec D (Cetirizine / Pseudoephedrine)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
19possible side effects
- Headache12%
- Drowsiness8%
- Nervousness or anxiety4%
- Wheezing4%
- Tiredness4%
- Rash3%
- Diarrhea3%
- Mouth or tongue irritation3%
- Dry mouth3%
- Hyperactive behavior3%
- Ear pain3%
- Bloody nose3%
- Sore throat3%
- Flu-like symptoms3%
- Abdominal pain2%
- Pink eye2%
- Lung infections2%
- Difficulty speaking2%
- Feeling uneasy or uncomfortable2%
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)
- 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