Zyrtec Vs. Claritin For Allergy Relief In 2024

Zyrtec is an FDA-approved, over-the-counter, long-acting antihistamine (up to 24 hours) that doesn’t require a prescription. It’s used to treat allergies, including seasonal allergies and hives (urticaria) that lead to itchy bumps on the skin, says Purvi Parikh, M.D, a New York City-based allergist with Allergy & Asthma Network. Zyrtec treats symptoms including nasal congestion, a runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes and post-nasal drip (when mucus runs from the back of the nose down the throat).

In terms of Zyrtec’s efficacy, one study conducted across 15 U.S.-based centers found that adult patients taking 10 milligrams of cetirizine daily for four weeks experienced significant improvements in allergy-related symptoms, compared to the placebo group^[2]Skoner DP, LaForce CF, Nathan RA, et al. Effect of cetirizine on symptom severity and quality of life in perennial allergic rhinitis. Allergy Asthma Proc. 2014;35(4):338-345. .

Zyrtec (cetirizine), works by blocking histamine—a chemical produced mainly in white blood cells that’s emitted by the immune system during the body’s response to an irritant. Histamine is set off by specific triggers—including exposure to allergens. The introduction of an irritant can cause a histamine release from white blood cells, explains Aaron Westreich, M.D., an allergy specialist in Howard Beach, New York, and Forbes Health Advisory Board Member. “Once released, histamine acts on different tissues in the body to help the immune system fight off infection,” he adds.

Zyrtec works by metabolizing histamine in the gastrointestinal tract, which is then excreted by the kidneys and mainly eliminated in the urine.

According to Zyrtec’s directions, adults and those over 6 years of age should take one tablet of 10 milligrams each day (or half a tablet for less severe symptoms). Zyrtec doesn’t state a specific time period—you may only need to take it once to relieve minor allergy symptoms or for a few weeks during allergy season until symptoms resolve. Talk to your doctor if allergy symptoms persist after a few uses. Relief onset is typically 20 minutes after taking Zyrtec for 50% of people and 60 minutes after taking Zyrtec for over 90% of people, says Dr. Parikh.

How Much Does Zyrtec Cost?

Zyrtec is available at drug stores like Target, CVS and Walgreens, and prices range from roughly $20 to $25. Some insurance providers may cover the cost of Zyrtec, depending on your insurance plan. Alternatively, your health care provider can also prescribe a different, generic brand antihistamine that’s covered by your insurance plan, says Dr. Westreich.

Zyrtec is available in various forms, including tablets, chewables, liquid gels and more. Prices for a pack of 30 (10-milligram) tablets from a selection of drug stores include the following.

Note: Prices may vary by location.

Zyrtec is among the most effective and fast-acting antihistamines for reducing allergic symptoms, according to Dr. Westreich. As a second-generation antihistamine, Zyrtec acts selectively to block the histamine receptor that causes allergic symptoms, resulting in fewer side effects (mainly sedation) common among first-generation antihistamines, says Dr. Westreich. In this case, fatigue is less likely as the drug does not cross the blood-brain barrier to the same extent as first generation antihistamines. The blood-brain barrier plays an important role in controlling what substances enter and leave the body for optimal neuronal function, which in terms of second-generation allergy medication can reduce the likelihood of drowsiness.

However, Zyrtec can still pass the blood-brain barrier to an extent, resulting in some drowsiness and dizziness (in which case driving should be avoided) and dryness in the mouth, nose and throat, according to Dr. Parikh. In addition, the medication may cause adverse reactions in some cases in people with certain conditions, including:

• Urinary retention, as antihistamines can relax the bladder and weaken its function
• Pregnant and lactating people, as limited data is available regarding potential side effects to the infant

“Claritin is a 24-hour antihistamine that works in the same way as Zyrtec, however, research has found that Claritin may be less potent than Zyrtec and therefore less effective,” explains Dr. Parikh. Although potential side effects may also be minimized as a result, she adds.

Also referred to as loratadine, Claritin is an FDA-approved, over-the-counter, non-sedative drug used to treat allergic rhinitis for symptom relief, including watery eyes, a runny nose and sneezing.

Claritin is an antihistamine that works similarly as other second-generation medicines by blocking histamine effects, says Dr. Westreich. Loratadine also doesn’t cross the blood-brain barrier, reducing sedation at the recommended dose. Adults and children over 6 should take one 10-milligram tablet by mouth daily or 5 milligrams twice daily during symptomatic periods or as advised by your doctor, not exceeding 10 milligrams within 24 hours.

Claritin’s onset of action is within one to three hours of consumption, peaking between eight and 12 hours. As Claritin is metabolized in the liver, patients with liver disease or similar conditions should consult with their health care professional before taking it.

Research into Claritin’s effectiveness has found positive results. A randomized, double-blind Environmental Exposure Unit study exposed participants with seasonal allergic rhinitis to four allergy treatment types: azelastine nasal spray, loratadine tablet, cetirizine tablet and placebo. There was a 13-day “washout” period between each test. During the dosing period, participants were exposed to an eight-hour ragweed pollen challenge, with their assigned medication administered two hours into the challenge. Those taking a loratadine tablet noted significant improvement in symptoms 75 minutes after the treatment compared to the placebo group^[3]Tenn MW, Steacy LM, Ng CC, Ellis AK. Onset of action for loratadine tablets for the symptomatic control of seasonal allergic rhinitis in adults challenged with ragweed pollen in the Environmental Exposure Unit: a post hoc analysis of total symptom score. Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology. 2018;14(1):5. .

How Much Does Claritin Cost?

Claritin is available over-the-counter and without a prescription in most drug stores, with most prices close to $25. The cost of a pack of 30 tablets (10-milligram of loratadine per tablet) from a selection of drug stores is as follows.

Note: Prices may vary by location.

Claritin treats many allergic symptoms for up to 24 hours and takes effect from around one to three hours after consumption. Loratadine has not been found to cause sedation at the recommended dose. The medication comes in tablet, dissolvable, chewable and liquid gel form.

Although generally a safe medication in treating allergic rhinitis, Claritin can cause stomach upset (diarrhea, abdominal pain and vomiting), headaches and dizziness. In some cases, it may take up to three hours to work.

Zyrtec and Claritin are widely-available second-generation antihistamine brands with fast-acting benefits against seasonal allergies. Compare details of the two brands below to help you decide which is the better option for you.