Flonase vs. Zyrtec

• Are Flonase and Zyrtec the Same Thing?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Flonase? (Side effects)
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Zyrtec? (Side effects)
• What Is Flonase? (Uses)
• What Is Zyrtec? (Uses)
• What Drugs Interact with Flonase? (Interactions)
• What Drugs Interact with Zyrtec? (Interactions)
• How Should Flonase Be Taken? (Dosage)
• How Should Zyrtec Be Taken? (Dosage)

Flonase (fluticasone nasal spray) and Zyrtec (cetirizine hydrochloride) are used to treat symptoms of allergic and non-allergic rhinitis such as itching, runny nose, watery eyes, and sneezing.

Zyrtec also treats symptoms from other allergies, such as allergies to molds and dust mites.

Flonase and Zyrtec belong to different drug classes. Flonase is a corticosteroid and Zyrtec is an antihistamine.

Flonase is a nasal spray and Zyrtec is taken orally in tablet form.

Common side effects of Flonase include:

• headache,
• back pain,
• sore throat,
• sneezing,
• cough,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• menstrual problems,
• loss of interest in sex,
• nosebleeds,
• sinus pain, and
• sores or white patches inside mouth or around your nose.

Common side effects of Zyrtec include:

• drowsiness,
• fatigue,
• tired feeling,
• dizziness,
• dry mouth,
• sore throat,
• cough,
• nausea,
• constipation, or
• headache.

In children, side effects of Zyrtec include:

• stomach pain and
• vomiting.

The side effect of sleepiness may occur when taking Zyrtec, so do not drive a car or operate potentially dangerous machinery.

Flonase (fluticasone) is a synthetic steroid of the glucocorticoid family of drugs and is prescribed for the control of symptoms of allergic and non-allergic rhinitis.

Zyrtec is medication that temporarily relieves symptoms due to hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies.

Drug interactions and warnings include Norvir (ritonavir) and Nizoral (ketoconazole). Taking either one of these drugs with Flonase may increase the blood concentrations of Flonase and potentially increase its side effects.

Zyrtec may interact with alcohol, other medicines that make you sleepy (such as other cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression, or anxiety).

The recommended starting dosage of Flonase in adults is 2 sprays (50 mcg of fluticasone propionate each) in each nostril once daily (total daily dose, 200 mcg).

Adults and children 6 years and over should take one 10 mg capsule once daily; do not take more than one 10 mg capsule in 24 hours. A 5 mg product may be appropriate for less severe symptoms.

Adults 65 years of age or older, children under 6 years of age, and consumers with liver or kidney disease should consult a doctor before using this product.