{"id":15049,"date":"2020-08-19T09:31:34","date_gmt":"2020-08-19T13:31:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=15049"},"modified":"2026-01-28T13:48:37","modified_gmt":"2026-01-28T18:48:37","slug":"claritin-d-vs-zyrtec-d","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/claritin-d-vs-zyrtec-d\/","title":{"rendered":"Claritin-D vs. Zyrtec-D"},"content":{"rendered":"

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?<\/p>\n

Claritin-D and Zyrtec-D both contain a decongestant called pseudoephedrine. This is what the \u201cD\u201d 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.<\/p>\n

Claritin-D and Zyrtec-D share similarities, but they also have differences that we\u2019ll go over here.<\/p>\n

What are the main differences between Claritin-D and Zyrtec-D?<\/h2>\n

Claritin-D<\/a> 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).<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Zyrtec-D<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

Zyrtec-D is only available in a 12-hour formulation. Zyrtec-D contains 5 mg of cetirizine and 120 mg of pseudoephedrine, and it\u2019s usually taken twice per day.<\/p>\n

Claritin-D and Zyrtec-D should not be confused with regular Claritin and Zyrtec<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Claritin-D coupons<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Zyrtec-D coupons<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Main differences between Claritin-D and Zyrtec-D<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
<\/td>\nClaritin-D<\/strong><\/td>\nZyrtec-D<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Drug class<\/strong><\/td>\nAntihistamine and decongestant<\/td>\nAntihistamine and decongestant<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Brand\/generic status<\/strong><\/td>\nBrand and generic version available<\/td>\nBrand and generic version available<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the generic name?<\/strong><\/td>\nLoratadine-Pseudoephedrine<\/td>\nCetirizine-Pseudoephedrine<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What form(s) does the drug come in?<\/strong><\/td>\nOral tablet<\/td>\nOral tablet<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the standard dosage?<\/strong><\/td>\nOne 5 mg-120 mg tablet twice daily
\nOR
\nOne 10 mg-240 mg tablet once daily<\/td>\n		One 5 mg-120 mg tablet twice daily<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
How long is the typical treatment?<\/strong><\/td>\nShort-term treatment no longer than 10 days<\/td>\nShort-term treatment no longer than 10 days<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Who typically uses the medication?<\/strong><\/td>\nAdults and children 12 years and older<\/td>\nAdults and children 12 years and older<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Conditions treated by Claritin-D and Zyrtec-D<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Both Claritin-D and Zyrtec-D can treat seasonal allergic rhinitis and perennial allergic rhinitis. Seasonal allergies<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Condition<\/strong><\/td>\nClaritin-D<\/strong><\/td>\nZyrtec-D<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Allergic rhinitis<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Is Claritin-D or Zyrtec-D more effective?<\/h2>\n

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\u2019t contain pseudoephedrine.<\/p>\n

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<\/a>, 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<\/a> than loratadine to cause drowsiness or sedation. Loratadine may be a better option for those who work in jobs where safety is critical.<\/p>\n

Consult your doctor or pharmacist on the best allergy medication for you. Your healthcare provider may recommend a different antihistamine, such as Allegra<\/a> (fexofenadine), depending on your allergy symptoms and overall condition.<\/p>\n

Allegra coupons<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Coverage and cost comparison of Claritin-D vs. Zyrtec-D<\/h2>\n

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<\/a>, 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Zyrtec-D can also be obtained at most local pharmacies. It\u2019s 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<\/a> at participating pharmacies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\nClaritin-D<\/strong><\/td>\nZyrtec-D<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by insurance?<\/strong><\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by Medicare Part D?<\/strong><\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Standard dosage<\/strong><\/td>\nOne 5 mg-120 mg tablet twice daily (quantity of 15)
\nOR
\nOne 10 mg-240 mg tablet once daily (quantity of 30)<\/td>\n		One 5 mg-120 mg tablet twice daily (quantity of 24)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typical Medicare copay<\/strong><\/td>\nDepends on your insurance plan<\/td>\nDepends on your insurance plan<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
SingleCare cost<\/strong><\/td>\n$18<\/td>\n$10<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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