Zyrtec vs. Patanase
See how Zyrtec and Patanase compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Zyrtec is a once-daily oral tablet that treats allergic rhinitis and chronic hives, while Patanase is a twice-daily nasal spray limited to seasonal allergy symptoms.
Zyrtec is sold over the counter for about $10 to $25 a month, while Patanase requires a prescription and typically costs $314 to $350 a month.
Both medications can cause drowsiness, so caution with driving or alcohol is advised regardless of which one is used.
Zyrtec vs. Patanase Drug Summary
Zyrtec
Zyrtec (cetirizine) is a second-generation oral antihistamine that treats seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis as well as chronic idiopathic urticaria. It comes in tablets, chewables, capsules, and liquid form, and is usually taken once a day.
Patanase
Patanase (olopatadine) is an antihistamine delivered as a nasal spray, approved for seasonal allergic rhinitis in adults and children 6 and older. It is sprayed into each nostril twice a day to control nasal symptoms.
Zyrtec vs. Patanase Side Effects
Zyrtec
Patanase
Zyrtec vs. Patanase Dosage
Zyrtec
Patanase
| 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 | 1 spray/nostril twice daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 2 sprays/nostril twice 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 |
Patanase
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 1 spray/nostril twice daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 2 sprays/nostril twice daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 1 increase | As tolerated |
Zyrtec vs. Patanase Indications
Zyrtec
Zyrtec relieves symptoms of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis, such as sneezing, itchy eyes, and runny nose, and also treats chronic idiopathic urticaria. It is approved for use in adults and children as young as 6 months, depending on the formulation.
Seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
Perennial (year-round) allergic rhinitis
Chronic idiopathic urticaria (hives)
Approved for children 6 months and up
Patanase
Patanase relieves nasal symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis, including congestion, sneezing, and runny nose. It is approved for adults and children 6 years and older, but it is not approved for perennial rhinitis in children under 12.
Seasonal allergic rhinitis in ages 6 and up
Nasal congestion and sneezing relief
Not approved for perennial rhinitis under 12
Not approved for children under 6 years
Zyrtec vs. Patanase Pros and Cons
Zyrtec
Zyrtec is a low-cost, once-daily oral option that treats both nasal allergy symptoms and hives, with a long track record since 1995. Its main drawback is a somewhat higher chance of drowsiness than other newer antihistamines like loratadine or fexofenadine.
Pros
Available over the counter without a prescription
Treats hives in addition to nasal symptoms
Simple once-daily oral dosing
Cons
More likely to cause drowsiness than other newer antihistamines
No direct nasal-targeted relief for congestion
May need dose adjustment in kidney or liver disease
Patanase
Patanase delivers antihistamine medication directly to nasal tissue, which may help congestion more than a pill taken by mouth. It requires twice-daily spraying and a prescription, and carries a small risk of nasal irritation or septal changes with long-term use.
Pros
Direct nasal delivery may improve congestion relief
Approved for children as young as 6
Less likely associated with drowsiness than Zyrtec
Cons
Requires a prescription
Twice-daily spray, less convenient than a pill
Risk of nasal irritation, ulceration, or septal perforation
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