Zyrtec or claritin which is best

Claritin is more likely to interact with other drugs than Zyrtec. Claritin is broken down in the liver by enzymes that other drugs can inhibit. This may lead to Claritin building up in the body, which increases the risk of side effects. Everyone reacts to medications differently, but Claritin and Zyrtec may have the following side effects:. Some people experience a severe allergic response called anaphylaxis after taking antihistamines.

A person should seek emergency medical attention if any of the following symptoms are present:. Some antihistamines are safe for children, but it is a good idea to talk with a doctor or check the label carefully before giving antihistamines to a child. In , a review found that some antihistamines may be problematic during pregnancy. However, the authors noted that there was no evidence linking cetirizine or loratidine to birth defects. A study published in noted that 10—15 percent of women use antihistamines during pregnancy.

Most appear to be safe, but some may have adverse effects. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC urge people to ask a doctor before using an antihistamine or any other drug during pregnancy. Claritin and Zyrtec are popular over-the-counter antihistamines. Doctors consider them safe and effective treatments for minor allergies. Both are second-generation antihistamines.

These cause less drowsiness than first-generation antihistamines. No research has concluded that Zyrtec or Claritin is more effective, but some people report better responses with one or the other. The slight differences between the two may make one drug more appropriate for some people. People can purchase Zyrtec, Claritin, and other popular brands without a prescription from supermarkets, pharmacies, and online stores.

Various treatments and strategies can help keep allergies at bay, including allergy shots. These injections help a person get used to an allergen over…. To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellHealth. At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page. These choices will be signaled globally to our partners and will not affect browsing data. We and our partners process data to: Actively scan device characteristics for identification.

I Accept Show Purposes. How to Treat Allergies During Pregnancy. Allergy Treatments for Children. What Is an Allergist? Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign Up. What are your concerns? Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Gonzalez-Estrada, A. Allergy Medications During Pregnancy.

The American Journal of the Medical Sciences. Sharma, M. H-1 Antihistamines for Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria. Cochrane Database for Systematic Reviews. Related Articles. Allegra Side Effects and Dosing for Children. Can Allergies Cause Tinnitus?

Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis. Taking Zyrtec for Allergies. Medically reviewed by Zara Risoldi Cochrane, Pharm.

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However, cetirizine, the active ingredient of Zyrtec, has been shown to produce more drowsiness than loratadine. In a randomized, clinical trial , those taking cetirizine for allergic rhinitis experienced more somnolence during the workday compared to loratadine. The choice of anti-allergy medication to use ultimately depends on your specific condition and symptoms. Your doctor will be able to suggest the best medication for you after evaluating your symptoms.

Zyrtec is available as a generic medication. For this reason, it is not typically covered by Medicare or insurance plans.

With a SingleCare coupon card, this price can be lowered substantially. Get the SingleCare prescription coupon cards. Claritin is taken as a once-daily antihistamine that can be purchased as a generic OTC drug. It is not usually covered by Medicare or insurance plans. Second-generation antihistamines such as Zyrtec and Claritin are less likely to cause sedating side effects; however, of the two, Zyrtec has been reported to cause a higher incidence of drowsiness.

Other adverse effects of Zyrtec include fatigue, lethargy, dizziness, dry mouth, headache, constipation, cough, and nausea. Common side effects of Claritin include headache, fatigue, dry mouth, stomach pain, nervousness, diarrhea, skin rash, nose bleeds, and blurred vision. Other serious side effects may include abnormal heart rate, palpitations, severe faintness, or seizures. It is important to contact your healthcare provider and seek care immediately should you experience any of these serious side effects.

This may not be a complete list of adverse effects that can occur. Please refer to your doctor or healthcare provider to learn more. Most antihistamines, including Zyrtec and Claritin, are metabolized by the liver and excreted in the kidney.

These drugs are broken down by the P cytochrome enzyme in the liver which is involved in the metabolism of a number of other drugs. For this reason, both Claritin and Zyrtec have a number of drug interactions.

Zyrtec and Claritin should be avoided with another sedating antihistamine such as Benadryl diphenhydramine. Taking these two medications together can increase CNS side effects like sedation and impairment in judgment, concentration, and memory. You should also avoid using Zyrtec or Claritin with alcohol which can also increase drowsiness. Other sedating medications that Zyrtec is likely to interact with include benzodiazepines, some anticonvulsants, muscle relaxants, and certain antidepressants among other drugs.

This is not a complete list of drug interactions.