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

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

Patanase

Most common
bitter taste (up to 12.8%)
headache (up to 4.4%)
epistaxis (up to 3.2%)
pharyngolaryngeal pain (up to 2.2%)

Zyrtec vs. Patanase 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

Patanase

Dosage
Dosage Table
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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