{"id":4314,"date":"2020-02-11T08:00:02","date_gmt":"2020-02-11T13:00:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=3311"},"modified":"2024-12-30T10:42:58","modified_gmt":"2024-12-30T15:42:58","slug":"allegra-vs-zyrtec","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/allegra-vs-zyrtec\/","title":{"rendered":"Allegra vs. Zyrtec: Differences, similarities, and which one is better for you"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you are one of the 50 million Americans who live with <\/span>allergies<\/span><\/a> each year, you may have taken a walk down the allergy aisle at your local pharmacy. There are so many options that knowing which medication to choose can be difficult. <\/span>Allegra<\/span><\/a> (fexofenadine) and <\/span>Zyrtec<\/span><\/a> (cetirizine) are two medications that can help treat symptoms of allergies, such as runny nose, sneezing, and watery, itchy eyes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

These brand-name allergy medicines are available in generic forms and can be purchased over the counter (OTC). They are classified in a class of medications called <\/span>antihistamines<\/span><\/a>, which work by blocking the effects of histamine. Histamine is a chemical the immune system makes in response to allergens like pollen and dust mites. Despite their similarities, Allegra and Zyrtec may have differences in effectiveness, cost, and other factors.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Allegra and Zyrtec are oral antihistamines that contain different active ingredients. Allegra contains fexofenadine, while Zyrtec contains cetirizine.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As second-generation antihistamines, both medications are considered non-sedating. However, Allegra is believed to cause <\/span>less drowsiness<\/span><\/a> than Zyrtec. On the other hand, Zyrtec may work faster than Allegra, reaching maximum levels in the blood within an hour versus one to three hours with Allegra. In addition, the effects of Zyrtec may last longer than those of Allegra.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Both medications can be used in adults and children. The typical adult dosage of Allegra is 180 mg daily as needed or 60 mg twice daily as needed. The typical adult dosage of Zyrtec is 5 to 10 mg daily as needed. Allegra and Zyrtec come in various forms, such as tablets, capsules, and oral liquids. However, Zyrtec is also available as a chewable tablet.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Main differences between Allegra and Zyrtec<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
<\/td>\nAllegra<\/b><\/td>\nZyrtec<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Drug class<\/span><\/td>\nAntihistamine<\/span><\/td>\nAntihistamine<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Brand\/generic status<\/span><\/td>\nBrand and generic<\/span><\/td>\nBrand and generic<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the generic name?<\/span><\/td>\nFexofenadine<\/span><\/td>\nCetirizine<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What form(s) does the drug come in?<\/span><\/td>\nTablet<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Gelcap<\/span><\/p>\n

Oral suspension<\/span><\/td>\n

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

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

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

Gelcap<\/span><\/p>\n

Oral syrup<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

What is the standard dosage?<\/span><\/td>\nAdults: 180 mg daily as needed or 60 mg twice daily as needed<\/span><\/p>\n

Children: varies by age<\/span><\/td>\n

Adults: 5 to 10 mg daily as needed<\/span><\/p>\n

Children: varies by age<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

How long is the typical treatment?<\/span><\/td>\nShort-term or long-term as needed<\/span><\/td>\nShort-term or long-term as needed<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Who typically uses the medication?<\/span><\/td>\nAdults and children<\/span><\/td>\nAdults and children<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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

Allegra and Zyrtec can both be used to treat perennial and <\/span>seasonal allergic rhinitis<\/span><\/a>. Perennial allergies can occur at any time of year and are related to dust and mold. Symptoms might include nasal congestion, runny nose, and itchy eyes. Both drugs are also indicated for the treatment of hives (urticaria) in children 6 months and older.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Both drugs can often be used on an as-needed basis for symptoms of allergies. However, they don\u2019t treat the root cause of allergies. Lifestyle changes such as avoiding allergens, keeping a clean living environment, and using air purifiers may help manage allergy triggers.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Both antihistamines are effective treatments for allergy symptoms compared to using nothing at all. However, studies suggest that Zyrtec may be more effective than Allegra.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

One study compared the effectiveness of fexofenadine and cetirizine in relieving seasonal allergic rhinitis symptoms. The results showed that cetirizine provided a <\/span>26% greater reduction<\/span><\/a> in total symptom severity than fexofenadine 12 hours after taking the medication.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Another study compared the effectiveness of these drugs in treating chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU). It found that <\/span>around 52%<\/span><\/a> of patients taking cetirizine were symptom-free at the end of the treatment period, while only around 4% of those on fexofenadine achieved the same outcome.<\/span><\/p>\n

Still, other studies suggest that Allegra and Zyrtec are similarly effective. One double-blind <\/span>study<\/span><\/a> looked at 495 patients with seasonal allergies and compared Allegra 180 mg daily to Zyrtec 10 mg daily for two weeks. Both drugs were found to be equally effective in treating allergy symptoms, and Allegra was found to cause less drowsiness than Zyrtec.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Some people prefer one over the other, so it may take some trial and error to determine which drug is more effective for you. Consult a doctor or healthcare provider to help you choose the best option for your symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Allegra and Zyrtec aren\u2019t typically covered by insurance because they\u2019re widely available over-the-counter medications. However, some government plans, such as Medicaid, may pay for Allegra or Zyrtec with a doctor\u2019s prescription.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A typical bottle of Allegra or Zyrtec could cost around $30 over the counter. However, you could get a better price by opting for generic versions of these medications. Retail prices generally depend on the pharmacy, the strength, and the quantity you purchase.<\/span><\/p>\n

With a SingleCare discount card, you could save on the cash price of these medications. However, your healthcare provider will have to write a prescription for you to be able to take advantage of these savings.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\nAllegra<\/b><\/td>\nZyrtec<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by insurance?<\/span><\/td>\nNo<\/span><\/td>\nNo<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by Medicare Part D?<\/span><\/td>\nNo<\/span><\/td>\nNo<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Quantity<\/span><\/td>\n30 tablets<\/span><\/td>\n30 tablets<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typical Medicare copay<\/span><\/td>\nVaries<\/span><\/td>\nVaries<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
SingleCare cost<\/span><\/td>\n$4<\/span><\/td>\n$12<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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

Allegra and Zyrtec are well tolerated by most people. However, they may still come with side effects. In most cases, these side effects are mild and only last as long as you\u2019re on the medication.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The most common side effects of Allegra include:<\/span><\/p>\n