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
Claritin
Zyrtec vs. Claritin Dosage
Zyrtec
Claritin
| 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 |
| 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
| 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
| 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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