Search for articles or Rx savings
Drug overview & main differences | Conditions treated | Efficacy | Insurance coverage and cost comparison | Side effects | Drug interactions | Warnings | FAQ
A stuffy nose or sneezing can prompt many of us to head to the pharmacy and pick up some allergy medicine. Fortunately, there are many over-the-counter options to choose from. Claritin and Zyrtec are some of the more popular brand names, but did you know that there are several versions of these meds?
Claritin-D and Zyrtec-D both contain a decongestant called pseudoephedrine. This is what the “D” stands for. Pseudoephedrine works by constricting blood vessels in the nasal passages to reduce swelling and congestion. Pseudoephedrine is sometimes combined with antihistamines to create a better allergy medicine for nasal congestion.
Claritin-D and Zyrtec-D share similarities, but they also have differences that we’ll go over here.
What are the main differences between Claritin-D and Zyrtec-D?
Claritin-D is the brand name for the combination of loratadine and pseudoephedrine. Loratadine is a second-generation antihistamine used to treat general allergy symptoms. Loratadine causes less drowsiness than first-generation antihistamines, such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine).
Claritin-D is available in 12-hour and 24-hour formulations. The 12-hour version of Claritin-D can be taken twice daily and contains 5 mg of loratadine and 120 mg of pseudoephedrine. The 24-hour version of Claritin-D can be taken once daily and contains 10 mg of loratadine and 240 mg of pseudoephedrine.
Zyrtec-D is the brand name for the combination of cetirizine and pseudoephedrine. Like loratadine, cetirizine is a second-generation antihistamine that has less sedating effects than first-generation antihistamines.
Zyrtec-D is only available in a 12-hour formulation. Zyrtec-D contains 5 mg of cetirizine and 120 mg of pseudoephedrine, and it’s usually taken twice per day.
Claritin-D and Zyrtec-D should not be confused with regular Claritin and Zyrtec.
| Main differences between Claritin-D and Zyrtec-D | ||
|---|---|---|
| Claritin-D | Zyrtec-D | |
| Drug class | Antihistamine and decongestant | Antihistamine and decongestant |
| Brand/generic status | Brand and generic version available | Brand and generic version available |
| What is the generic name? | Loratadine-Pseudoephedrine | Cetirizine-Pseudoephedrine |
| What form(s) does the drug come in? | Oral tablet | Oral tablet |
| What is the standard dosage? | One 5 mg-120 mg tablet twice daily OR One 10 mg-240 mg tablet once daily |
One 5 mg-120 mg tablet twice daily |
| How long is the typical treatment? | Short-term treatment no longer than 10 days | Short-term treatment no longer than 10 days |
| Who typically uses the medication? | Adults and children 12 years and older | Adults and children 12 years and older |
Conditions treated by Claritin-D and Zyrtec-D
Claritin-D and Zyrtec-D both treat symptoms of allergic rhinitis, or hay fever. Oral antihistamines are approved to treat symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, and itchy, watery eyes. The added decongestant, pseudoephedrine, in Claritin-D and Zyrtec-D is used to treat stuffiness or nasal congestion.
Both Claritin-D and Zyrtec-D can treat seasonal allergic rhinitis and perennial allergic rhinitis. Seasonal allergies may flare up during certain months of the year while perennial allergies affect people year-round. Allergic rhinitis is caused by exposure to an allergen, such as pet dander or dust mites.
| Condition | Claritin-D | Zyrtec-D |
| Allergic rhinitis | Yes | Yes |
Is Claritin-D or Zyrtec-D more effective?
Claritin-D and Zyrtec-D are similarly effective in treating allergic rhinitis. Because they contain pseudoephedrine, Claritin-D and Zyrtec-D are more effective for treating nasal congestion than their regular forms that don’t contain pseudoephedrine.
Zyrtec-D may provide symptom relief faster than Claritin-D. Cetirizine starts working within one hour and loratadine starts providing relief within three hours. In one double-blind, randomized study, cetirizine was found to improve symptom scores by 25.4% versus 11.2% with loratadine in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis. Cetirizine may, therefore, be a more effective antihistamine than loratadine. However, cetirizine may be more likely than loratadine to cause drowsiness or sedation. Loratadine may be a better option for those who work in jobs where safety is critical.
Consult your doctor or pharmacist on the best allergy medication for you. Your healthcare provider may recommend a different antihistamine, such as Allegra (fexofenadine), depending on your allergy symptoms and overall condition.
Coverage and cost comparison of Claritin-D vs. Zyrtec-D
Claritin-D is not usually covered by Medicare and insurance plans. As an OTC drug, Claritin-D is widely available in pharmacies. The average retail price of Claritin-D can be more than $50 depending on quantity and strength. With a SingleCare discount card, you could lower the cost to around $18 for a box of fifteen 24-hour tablets. Discount cards are also available for Claritin-D 12-hour tablets.
Zyrtec-D can also be obtained at most local pharmacies. It’s not generally covered by Medicare and insurance plans. For a box of Zyrtec-D tablets, the average retail cost is around $30 to $50. This cost can be reduced to about $10 with a SingleCare card at participating pharmacies.
| Claritin-D | Zyrtec-D | |
| Typically covered by insurance? | No | No |
| Typically covered by Medicare Part D? | No | No |
| Standard dosage | One 5 mg-120 mg tablet twice daily (quantity of 15) OR One 10 mg-240 mg tablet once daily (quantity of 30) |
One 5 mg-120 mg tablet twice daily (quantity of 24) |
| Typical Medicare copay | Depends on your insurance plan | Depends on your insurance plan |
| SingleCare cost | $18 | $10 |
Common side effects of Claritin-D vs. Zyrtec-D
The most common side effects of Claritin-D and Zyrtec-D are drowsiness or sleepiness, dizziness, fatigue, skin rash, and dry mouth. The pseudoephedrine in these drugs can also cause side effects such as insomnia, nervousness, and heart palpitations.
More serious side effects may include an allergic reaction to the drug. Allergic reactions can occur as a severe rash or difficulty breathing. Other serious side effects are usually amplified because of a drug interaction. See “Drug interactions of Claritin-D vs. Zyrtec-D” for more information.
Below is an overview of the common side effects of Claritin-D and Zyrtec-D.
| Claritin-D | Zyrtec-D | |||
| Side effect | Applicable? | Frequency | Applicable? | Frequency |
| Drowsiness | Yes | * | Yes | * |
| Dizziness | Yes | * | Yes | * |
| Headache | Yes | * | No | – |
| Fatigue | Yes | * | Yes | * |
| Dry mouth | Yes | * | Yes | * |
| Insomnia | Yes | * | Yes | * |
| Nervousness | Yes | * | Yes | * |
| Skin rash | Yes | * | Yes | * |
| Heart palpitations | Yes | * | Yes | * |
This may not be a complete list of adverse effects that can occur. Please refer to your doctor or healthcare provider to learn more. *not reported
Source: DailyMed (Claritin-D), DailyMed (Zyrtec-D)
Drug interactions of Claritin-D vs. Zyrtec-D
Claritin-D and Zyrtec-D share similar drug interactions. Both drugs can interact with other drugs that cause CNS depressant effects like drowsiness and sedation. Claritin-D and Zyrtec-D use should be avoided or monitored if you’re also taking first-generation antihistamines, opioids, muscle relaxants, or certain antidepressants. When combined with any of these other drugs, the risk of sedating effects is increased.
Pseudoephedrine in Claritin-D and Zyrtec-D can also interact with other drugs. Claritin-D and Zyrtec-D should not be taken while on a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor or within 14 days of stopping an MAO inhibitor. Otherwise, there is an increased risk of dangerously high blood pressure. Pseudoephedrine has stimulant effects on the central nervous system which could decrease the effects of blood pressure medicines (antihypertensives).
| Drug | Drug class | Claritin-D | Zyrtec-D |
| Chlorpheniramine Doxylamine Meclizine |
First-generation antihistamines | Yes | Yes |
| Codeine Hydrocodone Oxycodone |
Opioids | Yes | Yes |
| Carisoprodol Cyclobenzaprine |
Muscle relaxants | Yes | Yes |
| Amitriptyline Nortriptyline Clomipramine |
Tricyclic antidepressants | Yes | Yes |
| Selegiline Phenelzine |
MAO inhibitors | Yes | Yes |
| Lisinopril Ramipril Amlodipine Hydrochlorothiazide Chlorthalidone |
Antihypertensives | Yes | Yes |
Consult a healthcare professional for other possible drug interactions.
Warnings of Claritin-D and Zyrtec-D
Claritin-D and Zyrtec-D may cause drowsiness and altered mental alertness. Antihistamine use should generally be avoided while driving or operating machinery.
Allergic reactions to ingredients in Claritin-D or Zyrtec-D are possible. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience a severe rash or trouble breathing.
Claritin-D and Zyrtec-D should be used with caution if you have a history of heart disease or heart complications. Pseudoephedrine is a CNS stimulant that can increase blood pressure and cause heart palpitations. This could increase the risk of cardiovascular events in those with a history of abnormal heart rhythms, heart attacks, or stroke.
The use of Claritin-D or Zyrtec-D may need to be monitored in those with liver or kidney problems. Liver or kidney problems could affect how these drugs are metabolized, or processed, in the body and lead to adverse effects.
Frequently asked questions about Claritin-D vs. Zyrtec-D
What is Claritin-D?
Claritin-D is an over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine and decongestant. Claritin-D contains loratadine and pseudoephedrine. It is used to treat seasonal allergies and, more specifically, symptoms of allergic rhinitis.
What is Zyrtec-D?
Zyrtec-D is an OTC antihistamine and decongestant FDA approved for allergy relief. Zyrtec-D contains cetirizine and pseudoephedrine. It is used to treat symptoms of allergic rhinitis, such as sneezing and nasal congestion.
Are Claritin-D and Zyrtec-D the same?
Claritin-D and Zyrtec-D have similar active ingredients and uses. They contain pseudoephedrine, also known as Sudafed. However, Claritin-D and Zyrtec-D are not the same. They contain different antihistamines; Claritin-D contains loratadine and Zyrtec-D contains cetirizine. Claritin-D comes in 12-hour and 24-hour formulations while Zyrtec-D is only available in a 12-hour formulation.
Is Claritin-D or Zyrtec-D better?
Claritin-D and Zyrtec-D are effective for allergy symptoms. With an added decongestant, both medications are effective for treating sinus pressure and nasal congestion. Some studies suggest that Zyrtec is more potent than Claritin. However, Zyrtec may have more sedative effects than Claritin. Consult your healthcare provider for the best allergy medicine for you.
Can I use Claritin-D or Zyrtec-D while pregnant?
Claritin-D and Zyrtec-D are not generally recommended during pregnancy. They both contain a decongestant called pseudoephedrine that should be avoided during the first trimester. Consult your healthcare provider for allergy treatment options during pregnancy.
Can I use Claritin-D or Zyrtec-D with alcohol?
When mixed with alcohol, Claritin-D and Zyrtec-D can cause increased drowsiness or sleepiness. It is not recommended to drink alcohol while taking antihistamines.
What is equivalent to Claritin-D?
Claritin-D works similarly to other antihistamines and decongestant drugs. Some examples of other allergy medications that contain an antihistamine and decongestant include Zyrtec-D (cetirizine/pseudoephedrine) and Allegra-D (fexofenadine/pseudoephedrine).
Is it bad to take Claritin-D every day?
While regular Claritin is sometimes taken on a long-term basis, Claritin-D is only recommended for short-term use. Pseudoephedrine is not recommended to be taken more than 10 days at a time.
Does Claritin-D have any side effects?
Claritin-D can cause some side effects that are usually mild and go away on their own. Common side effects of Claritin-D are drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, and dry mouth. Claritin-D may also cause nervousness, or anxiety, and heart palpitations.
