Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsSleepinessDosageSide EffectsInteractions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Sleepiness
Dosage
Side Effects
Interactions
When comparing Allegra, Zyrtec, and Claritin, remember that:
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Allegra vs. Zyrtec vs. Claritin: The Symptoms They Relieve
Allegra, Zyrtec, and Claritin are all over-the-counterantihistamines. Exposure to an allergen such as pet dander, dust mites, or pollen prompts the immune system to release chemicals calledhistamines.
Zyrtec works quickly for the treatment ofallergic rhinitisand hives, typically within less than an hour.
Many people do not experience any fatigue on Zyrtec; others report fatigue with Allegra. Allergy symptoms vary so if OTC allergy medications don’t work for you, try another or consider seeing anallergist—an allergy specialist. They can determine the next steps, which may includeallergy shots.
Allegra vs. Zyrtec vs. Claritin: Which Makes You Sleepier?
First-generation antihistamines such asBenadrylcross theblood-brain barrier, which can produce a sedative effect. This happens because histamines found in the brain also play a role in keeping you awake. Second-generation antihistamines like Allegra, Zyrtec, and Claritin either don’t cross this barrier or cross it only minimally, so they are less likely to make you feel drowsy.
Of the three medications, Zyrtec is the most likely to cause some sedation, particularly if your healthcare provider has prescribed that you take it more than once per day. People who are over 60 years old may be more likely to experience sedation with any of the three medications.
Zyrtec is more likely to make you sleepy than Allegra or Claritin. Be sure to speak with your healthcare provider about potential drug interactions when you take antihistamines.
Zyrtec vs. Zyrtec-D for Allergies
Drug Forms
Antihistamines are available in several different over-the-counter products. They include:
Some options, including the chewables and syrups, are designed for children. Your pediatrician can help you to decide which products will work best for achild with allergies.
Allegra vs. Zyrtec vs. Claritin Dosage
You should consult your healthcare provider about the best way to take any medication, but there are standard dosing recommendations for all three of these antihistamines.
All of these antihistamines are indicated for adults and children 2 years old and older, with Zyrtec and Claritin dosed once a day for people of all ages.
Allegra is dosed twice a day for healthy children ages 2 to 11 and once a day for healthy adults and children ages 12 and older. Allegra can be used in children as young as 6 months old.
Allergy Treatments for Children
Always Read Drug LabelsAntihistamines are safe when they’re used as directed. They can be dangerous when used improperly or carelessly. For example, some medications that contain antihistamines also contain pain medication. If a person is not aware of the types of medications included in a combination and is also taking another of the same type, an overdose could result.
Always Read Drug Labels
Antihistamines are safe when they’re used as directed. They can be dangerous when used improperly or carelessly. For example, some medications that contain antihistamines also contain pain medication. If a person is not aware of the types of medications included in a combination and is also taking another of the same type, an overdose could result.
Comparing Side Effects: Allegra vs. Zyrtec vs. Claritin
All three of these drugs can cause mild side effects, includingheadache, dizziness, stomach pain, andnausea. However, these drugs don’t share all of the same potential side effects.
It is possible, though uncommon, to have an allergic reaction to an antihistamine. Seek medical care at once if you experience symptoms like rash or hives, itching orangioedema(swelling of the face, throat, or tongue), ordifficulty breathingafter taking one of these medications.
Allegra vs. Zyrtec vs. Claritin: Possible Interactions
Not all antihistamines are recommended for all people.
Other considerations when taking second-generation antihistamines include:
Tell your healthcare provider about the use oferythromycindrugs or Nizoral (ketoconazole) when taking Allegra.
Pregnancy and LactationDuring pregnancy and lactation, for example, Claritin and Zyrtec have an overall good safety profile in pregnancy, though research is limited. Zyrtec and Claritin are preferred during lactation over Allegra.
Pregnancy and Lactation
During pregnancy and lactation, for example, Claritin and Zyrtec have an overall good safety profile in pregnancy, though research is limited. Zyrtec and Claritin are preferred during lactation over Allegra.
Summary
For example, Zyrtec may work faster than Claritin and Allegra. While all three can make some people a little sleepy, Allegra is the least likely to. If you’re unsure which antihistamine to select, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
7 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Fein MN, Fischer DA, O’Keefe AW, Sussman GL.CSACI position statement: Newer generation H1-antihistamines are safer than first-generation H1-antihistamines and should be the first-line antihistamines for the treatment of allergic rhinitis and urticaria.Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol. 2019;15:61. Published 2019 Oct 1. doi:10.1186/s13223-019-0375-9Claritin.Claritin FAQ.MedlinePlus.Loratadine.American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology.Antihistamines: If/when are first generation medications advantageous over newer antihistamines?American Academy of Family Physicians.Antihistamines.National Capital Poison Center.Safe use of antihistamines.MedlinePlus.Cetirizine.Additional ReadingGonzalez-Estrada A, Geraci S.Allergy medications during pregnancy.Am J Med Sci. 2016;352(3):326-331. doi:10.1016/j.amjms.2016.05.030U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Allegra (fexofenadine hydrochloride) tablets drug approval package.U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Claritin (loratadine/pseudoephedrine sulfate) ER tablets & Claritin (loratadine) tablets, syrup & RediTabs drug approval package.U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Zyrtec Allergy (cetirizine HCl) orally disintegrating tablets, 10 mg drug approval package.
7 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Fein MN, Fischer DA, O’Keefe AW, Sussman GL.CSACI position statement: Newer generation H1-antihistamines are safer than first-generation H1-antihistamines and should be the first-line antihistamines for the treatment of allergic rhinitis and urticaria.Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol. 2019;15:61. Published 2019 Oct 1. doi:10.1186/s13223-019-0375-9Claritin.Claritin FAQ.MedlinePlus.Loratadine.American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology.Antihistamines: If/when are first generation medications advantageous over newer antihistamines?American Academy of Family Physicians.Antihistamines.National Capital Poison Center.Safe use of antihistamines.MedlinePlus.Cetirizine.Additional ReadingGonzalez-Estrada A, Geraci S.Allergy medications during pregnancy.Am J Med Sci. 2016;352(3):326-331. doi:10.1016/j.amjms.2016.05.030U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Allegra (fexofenadine hydrochloride) tablets drug approval package.U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Claritin (loratadine/pseudoephedrine sulfate) ER tablets & Claritin (loratadine) tablets, syrup & RediTabs drug approval package.U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Zyrtec Allergy (cetirizine HCl) orally disintegrating tablets, 10 mg drug approval package.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Fein MN, Fischer DA, O’Keefe AW, Sussman GL.CSACI position statement: Newer generation H1-antihistamines are safer than first-generation H1-antihistamines and should be the first-line antihistamines for the treatment of allergic rhinitis and urticaria.Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol. 2019;15:61. Published 2019 Oct 1. doi:10.1186/s13223-019-0375-9Claritin.Claritin FAQ.MedlinePlus.Loratadine.American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology.Antihistamines: If/when are first generation medications advantageous over newer antihistamines?American Academy of Family Physicians.Antihistamines.National Capital Poison Center.Safe use of antihistamines.MedlinePlus.Cetirizine.
Fein MN, Fischer DA, O’Keefe AW, Sussman GL.CSACI position statement: Newer generation H1-antihistamines are safer than first-generation H1-antihistamines and should be the first-line antihistamines for the treatment of allergic rhinitis and urticaria.Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol. 2019;15:61. Published 2019 Oct 1. doi:10.1186/s13223-019-0375-9
Claritin.Claritin FAQ.
MedlinePlus.Loratadine.
American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology.Antihistamines: If/when are first generation medications advantageous over newer antihistamines?
American Academy of Family Physicians.Antihistamines.
National Capital Poison Center.Safe use of antihistamines.
MedlinePlus.Cetirizine.
Gonzalez-Estrada A, Geraci S.Allergy medications during pregnancy.Am J Med Sci. 2016;352(3):326-331. doi:10.1016/j.amjms.2016.05.030U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Allegra (fexofenadine hydrochloride) tablets drug approval package.U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Claritin (loratadine/pseudoephedrine sulfate) ER tablets & Claritin (loratadine) tablets, syrup & RediTabs drug approval package.U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Zyrtec Allergy (cetirizine HCl) orally disintegrating tablets, 10 mg drug approval package.
Gonzalez-Estrada A, Geraci S.Allergy medications during pregnancy.Am J Med Sci. 2016;352(3):326-331. doi:10.1016/j.amjms.2016.05.030
U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Allegra (fexofenadine hydrochloride) tablets drug approval package.
U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Claritin (loratadine/pseudoephedrine sulfate) ER tablets & Claritin (loratadine) tablets, syrup & RediTabs drug approval package.
U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Zyrtec Allergy (cetirizine HCl) orally disintegrating tablets, 10 mg drug approval package.
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