Zyrtec vs. Claritin

See how Zyrtec and Claritin compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.

Key Takeaways

  • Zyrtec and Claritin are both second-generation antihistamines used to treat seasonal and year-round allergy symptoms and hives.

  • Zyrtec is somewhat more likely to cause drowsiness than Claritin, while Claritin's most common side effect is headache.

  • Zyrtec offers a lower 2.5 mg dose for children or people with kidney or liver impairment, while Claritin only comes in 5 mg and 10 mg strengths.

Zyrtec vs. Claritin Drug Summary

Zyrtec

Zyrtec (cetirizine) is a second-generation antihistamine that treats seasonal and year-round allergy symptoms as well as chronic hives. It comes as a tablet, chewable tablet, capsule, or oral liquid, taken once daily in doses of 2.5 mg, 5 mg, or 10 mg depending on age and need.

Claritin

Claritin (loratadine) is a second-generation antihistamine that relieves seasonal and year-round allergy symptoms along with chronic hives and itching. It is taken once daily as a 5 mg or 10 mg tablet, chewable, orally dissolving tablet, or syrup.

Zyrtec vs. Claritin Side Effects

Zyrtec

Most common
somnolence (up to 14%)
fatigue (up to 6%)
dry mouth (up to 5%)
headache (up to 2%)

Claritin

Most common
somnolence (up to 8%)
fatigue (up to 4%)
dry mouth (up to 3%)
headache (up to 12%)

Zyrtec vs. Claritin Dosage

Zyrtec

Dosage
Dosage Table
STAGE DOSE WHEN
Starting dose 2.5 mg once daily At the start
Maximum dose 10 mg once daily If needed
Dose changes 2 increases As tolerated

Claritin

Dosage
Dosage Table
STAGE DOSE WHEN
Starting dose 5 mg once daily At the start
Maximum dose 10 mg once daily If needed
Dose changes 1 increase As tolerated

Zyrtec vs. Claritin Indications

Zyrtec

Zyrtec is FDA-approved to relieve sneezing, runny nose, and itchy or watery eyes from seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis. It is also approved to reduce itching and hives from chronic idiopathic urticaria in adults and children as young as 6 months.

  • Seasonal allergic rhinitis symptoms

  • Perennial (year-round) allergic rhinitis

  • Chronic idiopathic urticaria (hives)

  • Approved for children 6 months and older

Claritin

Claritin is approved to relieve sneezing, runny nose, and itchy or watery eyes from seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis. It also treats itching and hives from chronic idiopathic urticaria, but it is not approved for colds or asthma.

  • Seasonal allergic rhinitis symptoms

  • Perennial (year-round) allergic rhinitis

  • Chronic idiopathic urticaria (hives and itching)

  • Not approved for common colds or asthma

Zyrtec vs. Claritin Pros and Cons

Zyrtec

Zyrtec covers the same core allergy and hives indications as Claritin, but its label carries a higher documented rate of drowsiness. It is sold both over-the-counter and as a generic prescription product, and it offers a 2.5 mg option for lower-dose needs.

Pros

  • Comes in a 2.5 mg dose for children or people with kidney/liver issues

  • Available as a tablet, chewable, capsule, or liquid

  • Approved for children as young as 6 months

Cons

  • More likely to cause drowsiness than Claritin (up to 14% vs 8%)

  • May require dose reduction with kidney or liver impairment

  • Fatigue is more commonly reported than with Claritin

Claritin

Claritin covers the same core allergy and hives indications as Zyrtec, but its label shows a lower rate of reported drowsiness. It only comes in two strengths, 5 mg and 10 mg, with no dedicated low-dose option built into the label.

Pros

  • Lower rate of reported drowsiness than Zyrtec (up to 8% vs 14%)

  • Long-standing OTC track record since its prescription-to-OTC switch

  • Simple two-strength dosing (5 mg or 10 mg)

Cons

  • Headache is its most common side effect (up to 12%)

  • No 2.5 mg strength for lower-dose needs

  • Not approved for common cold symptoms or asthma

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