{"id":3107,"date":"2020-02-04T08:30:04","date_gmt":"2020-02-04T13:30:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=3107"},"modified":"2026-02-02T13:42:25","modified_gmt":"2026-02-02T18:42:25","slug":"zyrtec-vs-claritin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/zyrtec-vs-claritin\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Claritin or Zyrtec better?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Zyrtec (cetirizine) and Claritin (loratadine) are <\/span>allergy medications<\/span><\/a> used to treat symptoms of hay fever or allergic rhinitis, such as sneezing and a runny nose. As antihistamines, they block the effects of a chemical called histamine after contact with an allergen like pollen or pet dander. Both over-the-counter (OTC) drugs come in brand-name and generic forms, but they can differ in various ways, such as how fast they work and potential side effects.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The active ingredient and generic name of <\/span>Zyrtec<\/span><\/a> is cetirizine hydrochloride. It is generally used to treat allergy symptoms in adults and children over 2 years of age. Zyrtec has a quick onset of action, with relief usually felt within <\/span>20 minutes to an hour<\/span><\/a>. Although Zyrtec and Claritin are considered non-drowsy antihistamines compared to older ones like Benadryl (diphenhydramine), Zyrtec may still cause sleepiness in many people.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Claritin<\/span><\/a>, on the other hand, is known by its generic name, loratadine. While it is effective against allergy symptoms, it has a slower onset of action than Zyrtec, usually around <\/span>one to three hours<\/span><\/a>. However, Claritin is less likely to cause sedation than Zyrtec. Most Claritin products are FDA approved for adults and children two years and older, depending on the dosage form.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Main differences between Zyrtec vs. Claritin<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nZyrtec\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nClaritin<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Drug class<\/span><\/td>\nAntihistamine (second-generation)<\/span><\/td>\nAntihistamine (second-generation)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Brand\/Generic status<\/span><\/td>\nBrand and generic available<\/span><\/td>\nBrand and generic available<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Generic name<\/span><\/td>\nCetirizine\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nLoratadine<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What form(s) does the drug come in?<\/span><\/td>\nTablet<\/span><\/p>\n

Capsule<\/span><\/p>\n

Chewable tablet<\/span><\/p>\n

Syrup<\/span><\/p>\n

Orally disintegrating tablet<\/span><\/td>\n

Tablet<\/span><\/p>\n

Capsule<\/span><\/p>\n

Chewable tablet<\/span><\/p>\n

Syrup<\/span><\/p>\n

Orally disintegrating tablet<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

What is the standard dosage?<\/span><\/td>\n5 to 10 mg once daily in adults. Dosage may vary in children<\/span><\/td>\n10 mg once daily or 5 mg twice daily in adults. Dosage may differ in children<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
How long is the typical treatment?<\/span><\/td>\nShort-term or long-term, depending on the severity and type of allergy<\/span><\/td>\nShort-term or long-term, depending on the severity and type of allergy<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Who typically uses the medication?<\/span><\/td>\nAdults and children 2 years and older, depending on the dosage form<\/span><\/td>\nAdults and children 2 years and older, depending on the dosage form<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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

Over-the-counter antihistamines<\/span><\/a> like Zyrtec and Claritin can be used to treat symptoms of perennial (year-round) and seasonal allergies, including sneezing, runny nose, <\/span>postnasal drip<\/span><\/a>, and itchy, watery eyes. They\u2019re also approved for chronic hives (urticaria).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Both Zyrtec and Claritin are available in formulations that contain the decongestant pseudoephedrine to help relieve nasal congestion. Neither is recommended to treat symptoms of non-allergic conditions, such as the common cold or bacterial infections.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Clinical trials<\/span><\/a> have shown that Zyrtec and Claritin are both effective for allergy symptoms when compared to a placebo or nothing at all. However, some studies show that Zyrtec acts more quickly and may be <\/span>more effective<\/span><\/a> than Claritin.<\/span><\/p>\n

An extensive analysis of 13 clinical trials with nearly 7,000 people found that cetirizine improved allergy-related <\/span>quality of life<\/span><\/a> more than loratadine. Compared with placebo, Zyrtec showed a larger average improvement (around a 0.62-point drop in symptom impact vs. about 0.32 points with Claritin).<\/span><\/p>\n

The best allergy medication depends on your symptoms and how you respond to the drug. In some cases, you may need to try a different medicine if one isn\u2019t working well enough.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t

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Save up to 80% on Zyrtec with SingleCare<\/p>\n\t\t\t

Different pharmacies offer different prices for the same medication. SingleCare helps find the best price for you.<\/p>\n\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\tZyrtec 10 mg, 100 tablets (1 Bottle)\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t23666 - Hampton, VA\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\"Kroger\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t$9.34\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\ti<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tGet free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\"Harris\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t$9.34\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\ti<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tGet free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\tSee Zyrtec prices at all pharmacies<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n

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

Zyrtec and Claritin are not usually covered by Medicare or insurance because they are OTC. Still, a SingleCare coupon can help lower costs if a doctor or healthcare provider prescribes Zyrtec or Claritin.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Zyrtec vs. Claritin coverage and cost<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

<\/td>\nZyrtec<\/b><\/td>\nClaritin<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by insurance?<\/span><\/td>\nNo<\/span><\/td>\nNo<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by Medicare?<\/span><\/td>\nNo<\/span><\/td>\nNo<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Quantity<\/span><\/td>\n30, 10 mg tablets<\/span><\/td>\n30, 10 mg tablets<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
SingleCare cost<\/span><\/td>\n$3 at Walgreens<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n$4 at Walgreens<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Common side effects of Zyrtec vs. Claritin<\/span><\/h2>\n

Most side effects with these antihistamines are mild and temporary, with many people experiencing no side effects. Potential side effects include:<\/span><\/p>\n