Zyrtec vs. Claritin D

• Are Zyrtec and Claritin D the Same Thing?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Zyrtec?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Claritin D?
• What is Zyrtec?
• What is Claritin D?
• What Drugs Interact with Zyrtec?
• What Drugs Interact with Claritin D?
• How Should Zyrtec Be Taken?
• How Should Claritin D Be Taken?

Zyrtec (cetirizine hydrochloride) and Claritin D (loratadine and pseudoephedrine) are antihistamines that treat symptoms such as itching, runny nose, watery eyes, and sneezing from hay fever (allergic rhinitis), allergic skin rashes, and other allergies, such as allergies to molds and dust mites.

Zyrtec and Claritin D are available in generic form and over-the-counter (OTC).

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.

Common side effects of Claritin D include:

• dizziness,
• drowsiness,
• palpitations,
• dry mouth,
• headache,
• fatigue,
• nausea,
• stomach pain,
• constipation,
• loss of appetite,
• stomach upset,
• nervousness,
• sleep problems (insomnia),
• sore throat,
• blurred vision,
• flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling under your skin),
• restlessness or excitability (especially in children),
• skin rash or itching,
• problems with memory or concentration, or
• ringing in your ears.

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

Claritin D (loratadine and pseudoephedrine) is a combination antihistamine and decongestant used to treat allergies, nasal congestion, and sinus pressure. Claritin D is available over-the-counter and in generic versions.

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).

Claritin D (loratadine and pseudoephedrine) is an antihistamine used to treat allergy symptoms. Claritin D blocks the action of histamine, a substance in the body that initiates allergic symptoms like itching, sneezing, runny nose, and allergic skin rashes. Claritin D is available as a generic drug.

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.

Claritin D is available in 12-hour and 24-hour dosing. Do not use if you are taking an MAOI or have taken an MAOI in the past 2 weeks. Claritin D should not be used by patients with severe high blood pressure (hypertension), glaucoma or severe coronary artery disease without physician supervision. Claritin D may interact with other medicines that can cause drowsiness (cold or allergy medicine, sedatives, narcotic pain medicines, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicines for seizures, depression or anxiety), blood pressure medications, diuretics (water pills), medications to treat irritable bowel syndrome, bladder or urinary medications, aspirin or salicylates, beta-blockers, or antidepressants. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use. If pregnant or breastfeeding, consult a doctor before use. Stop use if an allergic reaction occurs or symptoms do not resolve within 7 days.