Claritin and Zyrtec are effective and safe for most people with minor allergies. However, as with all medications, there may be some side effects. Loratadine—present in Claritin—may not be safe for people with severe liver conditions. The liver has to break down loratadine.
What is the best allergy medicine with the least side effects?
However, Dr. Lin says antihistamines alone are “not bad for the heart in otherwise healthy people.” “The later generation non-sedating antihistamines, such as loratadine, fexofenadine, and cetirizine are safe to take daily,” says John Faraci, MD, assistant professor at Loma Linda University School of Medicine.10 Mar 2021
Which is better for you Claritin or Zyrtec?
Zyrtec has a quicker onset of action compared to Claritin and may be more effective than Claritin in reducing allergy symptoms, according to one clinical trial. However, cetirizine, the active ingredient of Zyrtec, has been shown to produce more drowsiness than loratadine.4 Feb 2020
What is the most effective allergy medicine?
- Best Overall: Allegra Antihistamine Tablets at Amazon.
- Best Prescription-Strength: Zyrtec Allergy Medicine Tablets at Amazon.
- Best for Kids: Zyrtec 24 Hr Children's Allergy Syrup at Amazon.
- Best Non-Drowsy: Claritin 24-Hour Allergy Reditabs at Amazon.
- Best Nasal Spray:
- Best All-Day Relief:
- Best Eye Drops:
- Best Natural:
Which allergy medicine works fastest?
Pros: Zyrtec is a renowned antihistamine that's known for performing faster (“starts working at hour 1”) than some of its competitors. This makes it exceptionally useful if you're desperate for quick relief from common symptoms of allergic rhinitis (also known as hay fever), like a runny nose and watery eyes.25 Apr 2021
Is there a generic brand of Zyrtec?
Official Answer. Yes, generic versions of Zyrtec are available. The patent for Zyrtec expired in 2007. Zyrtec (cetirizine hydrochloride) is a nonprescription antihistamine.23 Nov 2021
Are cetirizine and Zyrtec the same?
It works against the production of histamine, and belongs to as class of medications called antihistamines. Cetirizine is available under the following different brand names: Zyrtec, Zyrtec Allergy, Children's Zyrtec Allergy, Children's Zyrtec Hives Relief, PediaCare Children's 24 Hour Allergy, Aller-Tec, and Wal-Zyr.
Are Claritin and Zyrtec the same?
Zyrtec is a brand name for the drug cetirizine. Claritin is the brand name for loratidine. Zyretc and Claritin are in the same class of medications. Both are second-generation antihistamines, and they generally work the same way in the body.
Is it better to take Zyrtec at night or in the morning?
Official Answer. Cetirizine can be taken at any time of the day. In most people it is non-sedating, so they take it in the morning. However, a percentage of people do find it to be sedating so if it does make you drowsy it is best to take it in the evening.12 Nov 2020
Does Aller-Tec have antihistamine?
It contains 2 medications: cetirizine and pseudoephedrine. Cetirizine is an antihistamine and works by blocking a certain natural substance (histamine) that your body makes during an allergic reaction.
Is Aller-Tec the same as Zyrtec?
Don't hesitate to use generic brands. The same antihistamine in Zyrtec, for example, is available as Aller-Tec at Costco, as Wal-Zyr at Walgreens, or even totally "unbranded" almost anywhere. Just pay attention to labels so you know which active ingredient you're getting.28 Apr 2014