Compare Zyrtec D vs. Flonase
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.
●●●●●
3.7/ 5 average rating with 927 reviewsforZyrtec D
Relieves nasal allergy symptoms.
Flonase (fluticasone) is a good first-choice treatment for allergies of the nose, but long-term use can increase the risk of nosebleeds.
●●●●●
3.7/ 5 average rating with 890 reviewsforFlonase
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.
- Only need to use Flonase (fluticasone) once a day. Its effects can last for up to 24 hours.
- Available over-the-counter and cheaper than many of its alternatives.
- Highly effective treatment of allergy symptoms in the nose.
- Flonase (fluticasone) gives you very little to no side effects since it's a nasal spray and doesn't expose the rest of your body to the medicine.
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.
- Flonase (fluticasone) is not an appropriate medicine for people who have an injured nose or had a recent surgery in the nose.
- Can slow down the growth rate in children.
- Can increase the risk of bleeding and fungal infections in the nose.
- Not recommended for those who are also taking other medicines that lower their ability to fight off infections.
Used for
- Nasal allergy relief
- Nasal polyp
Dosage forms
- Extended release
- Nasal spray
Price
Lowest price
$14.79
Find instant savings near youLowest price
$15.01
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
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 review890 reviews so far
72%
saidit'sworth it
43%
saiditworked well
7%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Flonase (fluticasone)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
The Zyrtec D (Cetirizine / Pseudoephedrine) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
7possible side effects
- Headache7%
- Asthma-like symptoms7%
- Sore throat6%
- Nosebleed6%
- Nausea/vomiting5%
- Cough4%
- Nasal burning/nasal irritation2%
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
- Decreased growth rate in children
- Children
- Using the medicine for a long period of time
- Effect on wound healing
- People who had recent surgery or injury to the nose
- Lowered ability to fight off infections
- People who come into contact with others who have chickenpox, measles, or tuberculosis
- People who have not received a vaccine for chickenpox, measles, or tuberculosis
- Damage to nose
- Using the medicine for a long period of time
- Sinus infection
- People who recently had the cold or flu
- Increased risk of nosebleeds