Compare Zyrtec vs. Astepro
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Treats allergy symptoms.
Zyrtec (Cetirizine) is a once-daily allergy relief medication that won't make you feel too sleepy.
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3.8/ 5 average rating with 1232 reviewsforZyrtec
Relieves nasal allergy symptoms.
Astepro (azelastine) is an antihistamine nasal spray that can help with allergy or nasal symptoms.
Upsides
- Zyrtec (Cetirizine) works as well as other antihistamines to treat sneezing and runny nose, but causes less sedation.
- 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 quick relief of allergy symptoms for both kids and adults.
- It's okay to take with most other medications because it has few drug interactions.
- Most people don't get any side effects from Zyrtec (Cetirizine).
- Astepro (azelastine) is good for relieving nasal symptoms during allergy season.
- Since Astepro (azelastine) goes in the nose, it's unlikely you'll get side effects anywhere else in your body.
- Astepro (azelastine) works faster than steroid nasal sprays and can be used as needed.
- People usually tolerate Astepro (azelastine) well since there are few side effects.
Downsides
- Although it works fast, its effectiveness wears off for some people over time.
- Zyrtec (Cetirizine) can be slightly more sedating than Allegra or Claritin.
- Some people find that other more sedating antihistamines, like Benadryl, are more effective for them than Zyrtec (Cetirizine).
- If you have daily allergy symptoms, a prescription nasal steroid spray might be better for you long-term.
- Astepro (azelastine) has 200 sprays, but no counter to help keep track of sprays.
- It can cause a bitter taste in your mouth.
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Liquid capsule
- Dissolving tablet
- Liquid
- Nasal spray
No pricing information available
No pricing information available
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Reviews
1232 reviews so far
76%
saidit'sworth it
47%
saiditworked well
7%
saidit'sa big hassle
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Side effects
The Zyrtec (Cetirizine) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
5possible side effects
- Bitter Taste8%
- Nose discomfort4%
- Nosebleeds2%
- Headache2%
- Fatigue2%
Risks and risk factors
- Taking the wrong medication
- Increased side effects
- Age 65 or older
- Driving impairment
- Taking with alcohol
- Taking other medicines that make you less alert
- Overdosage
- Current kidney disease
- Current liver disease
- Difficulty concentrating
- Taking with alcohol
- Taking other medicines that make you less alert