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Which Works Better for Allergy Relief — Zyrtec or Claritin?

Cue you, cruising the aisles of your local drugstore to try to find a medication that will help you get through the itching, sneezing and other seasonal allergy symptoms you’re dealing with. Two of the biggies are Zyrtec and Claritin — over-the-counter drugs have been helping folks with seasonal allergies for years. But which is right for you? And it matters, because although Zyrtec (the brand name for cetirizine) and Claritin (loratadine) are similar medications, “patients can absolutely have differing responses to Zyrtec and Claritin,” says Jamie Alan, PhD, an associate professor of pharmacology and toxicology at Michigan State University.

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Articles of Interest

Long term effects of an allergy pill? Loratadine?

This is a difficult question to answer, unfortunately. There are relatively few high quality, long-term studies which look at the effects of taking specific medications. This is mainly due to the high cost of conducting such studies, especially for inexpensive generic drugs. What we do know is that loratadine and other second generation anti-histamine drugs are better for long term use than first generation anti-histamine drugs (such as benadryl or diphenhydramine) due to diphenhydramine's anti-cholinergic effects. Studies have shown long-term use of anti-cholinergic drugs (especially in the elderly) can cause a variety of issues and should be avoided if possible.

Should I Take Allegra, Claritin, or Zyrtec?

Claritin, Zyrtec, and Allegra are all good antihistamine options and are generally well-tolerated by many people. But there are some differences between them that may make one of these antihistamines better for you than the others. For example, Zyrtec and Allegra may work faster than Claritin. Zyrtec and Claritin can make you sleepy, while Allegra usually won't.

The Claritin Effect; Prescription for Profit

Loratadine (pronounced ''low-RAT-a-deen'') -- the generic name for Claritin -- was one of several second-generation antihistamines that emerged from drug-company laboratories in the 1980's. They worked by essentially the same simple mechanism as the first-generation antihistamines developed immediately after World War II, like Chlor-Trimeton. When pollen bumps into certain immune-system cells just beneath the lining of the nose, eyes or respiratory passages, it provokes an immunological overreaction in susceptible people. Thus perturbed, these ''mast cells'' shudder with the molecular equivalent of uncontrollable weeping; they churn out at least 15 different inflammatory molecules, many of which contribute to the allergic reaction. One of those molecules, unleashed instantaneously, is called histamine.

What Should You Avoid Taking with Claritin?

Older adults should be particularly cautious when taking loratadine, especially in combination with other medications. This population may be more sensitive to the effects of antihistamines and may experience heightened side effects.

Zyrtec Vs Claritin: In-Depth Allergy Treatment Comparison

The choice between Claritin and Zyrtec depends on individual needs. Claritin has fewer side effects and is suitable for long-term use, while Zyrtec acts faster and is more effective at relieving severe symptoms. However, Zyrtec may cause drowsiness.

Resources

Claritin

Claritin® is the No. 1 doctor-recommended non-drowsy oral OTC allergy brand. It is an effective antihistamine that relieves allergy symptoms such as itchy eyes, nose and throat, sneezing, and runny nose for up to 24 hours. Claritin® products are available in several forms, dosages and flavors for adults and children.

StatPearls

Loratadine is a long-acting, second-generation, non-sedating tricyclic antihistamine (piperidine derivative) with selective antagonistic properties to peripheral histamine H1-receptors.

Zyrtec

ZYRTEC® is an over-the-counter medicine that provides effective, 24-hour relief of indoor and outdoor allergy symptoms.