Compare Zyrtec D vs. Claritin-D
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
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
Treats allergies and clears up nasal congestion.
Claritin-D (loratadine / pseudoephedrine) relieves allergies and congestion without causing daytime sleepiness but it can keep you up at night.
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3.6/ 5 average rating with 1527 reviewsforClaritin-D
Upsides
- 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.
- This once-daily, single-pill combination conveniently treats congestion and other allergy symptoms.
- It doesn't cause any daytime drowsiness unlike other antihistamines.
- It doesn't require a prescription from your doctor.
Downsides
- 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.
- The decongestant (pseudoephedrine) can make you anxious or your heart race. You may not sleep as well at night.
- Although you don't need a prescription, you do need to show a photo ID to buy this from behind the pharmacy counter.
- It may interfere with how your other medicines work. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before combining with other medicines.
Used for
Dosage forms
- Extended release
- Extended-release pill
Price
Lowest price
$18.87
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$14.24
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Reviews
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 review1527 reviews so far
69%
saidit'sworth it
39%
saiditworked well
8%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Claritin-D (loratadine / pseudoephedrine)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
The Zyrtec D (Cetirizine / Pseudoephedrine) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
12possible side effects
- Headache19%
- Insomnia16%
- Dry mouth14%
- Drowin7%
- Nervousness or anxiety5%
- Dizziness4%
- Indigestion3%
- Nausea3%
- Sore throat3%
- Fatigue3%
- Increased thirst2%
- Loss of appetite2%
Risks and risk factors
- 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
- High blood pressure
- History of high blood pressure
- Glaucoma
- Restlesness
- History of heart problems
- Overactive thyroid
- Diabetes
- Over age 65
- Difficulty concentrating
- Taking with alcohol
- Taking other medicines that make you less alert