Difference Between Zyrtec (Cetirizine) and Claritin (Loratadine)

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Both Zyrtec and Claritin belong to the same drug class but their generic forms are different. Zyrtec has the active compound cetirizine hydrochloride while Claritin has the active compound loratadine. Zyrtec has more sedating properties compared to Claritin.

Is loratadine and cetirizine the same thing?

What are cetirizine and loratadine? Cetirizine is a non-sedating antihistamine. It is similar to other second-generation antihistamines including loratadine (Claritin), fexofenadine (Allegra) and azelastine (Astelin).

Can I take loratadine and cetirizine at the same time?

Interactions between your drugs

No interactions were found between cetirizine and loratadine. This does not necessarily mean no interactions exist.

What is the strongest allergy medicine?

  • Best Overall: Allegra Adult 24-Hour Allergy Relief. ...
  • Best Prescription-Strength: Zyrtec Prescription-Strength Allergy Medicine Tablets. ...
  • Best for Kids: Children's Zyrtec Allergy Relief Syrup. ...
  • Best Non-Drowsy: Claritin 24-Hour Allergy Reditabs. ...
  • Best All-Day Relief: GoodSense All Day Allergy.

What is the best antihistamine for allergies?

If your allergies only appear sporadically – say when pollen count is high or you have that random encounter with your friend's cat – fast-acting antihistamines will be your best bet. These include medications like Benadryl (diphenhydramine), Claritin (loratidine), Allegra (fexofenadine), and Zyrtec (cetirizine).

Is cetirizine stronger than loratadine?

Which is better–loratadine or cetirizine? Loratadine has fewer sedating properties compared to cetirizine. The effectiveness of the two are more or less equal. However, cetirizine may have a quicker onset of action.

Which is better cetirizine hydrochloride or loratadine?

While patients have reported that cetirizine hydrochloride works faster, loratadine lasts longer. Products with the ingredients state to be effective for 24 hours, but many people claim that cetirizine hydrochloride's effects expire before then.

Can I take loratadine 10 mg twice a day?

No, the maximum recommended daily dose of loratadine is 10mg once daily.

Can I take loratadine at night?

Like all medicines, loratadine can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Often side effects improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Try taking loratadine at night. Be careful when driving or using tools until you know how this medicine affects you.

Does Claritin work better than Zyrtec?

Both are second-generation antihistamines. These cause less drowsiness than first-generation antihistamines. No research has concluded that Zyrtec or Claritin is more effective, but some people report better responses with one or the other.

Can I take Claritin in the morning and Zyrtec at night?

If your allergy is particularly bad then yes you can take them on the same day, as there are no known interactions. This is a therapeutic duplication and it is usually recommended to take only one antihistamine at any time, however if you have been prescribed to take both together then it is appropriate.

How do you stop allergies immediately?

Try an over-the-counter remedy

  • Oral antihistamines. Antihistamines can help relieve sneezing, itching, a runny nose and watery eyes. ...
  • Decongestants. Oral decongestants such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed, Afrinol, others) can provide temporary relief from nasal stuffiness. ...
  • Nasal spray. ...
  • Combination medications.
  • What allergy medicine is stronger than Zyrtec?

    If you need an allergy medication stronger than Claritin, Allegra, or Zyrtec, you might consider Benadryl or chlorpheniramine.

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