What is the difference between cetirizine and diphenhydramine

If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Many people use antihistamines to treat allergy symptoms. Zyrtec and Claritin are two of the most popular brands, but which is best? Antihistamines can reduce allergy symptoms, such as watering eyes , itchy skin, hives , and swelling. They may also help with dermatitis or even mosquito bites, but manufacturers usually market them for specific allergies. 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. Neither is clearly better than the other.

In this article, we provide detail about the differences between Zyrtec and Claritin. We also compare them to two other popular brands of antihistamines: Benadryl and Allegra. Zyrtec and Claritin are brand-name medications that people can buy over the counter. They are available in various forms, including pills, chewable tablets, and syrups. Zyrtec contains cetirizine hydrochloride, also called cetirizine HCL, while Claritin contains loratadine. Zyrtec and Claritin are second-generation antihistamines.

They are less likely to make a person feel drowsy or otherwise affect alertness than older, first-generation antihistamines. The labeling of Zyrtec says that a person should not take it when driving a vehicle or using machinery.

People should avoid taking Zyrtec with alcohol or other medicines that could cause drowsiness. Zyrtec and Claritin are effective for about 24 hours. A person should only take one dose per day.

The body absorbs both antihistamines quickly, but Zyrtec seems to work faster for some people. A study found that both drugs were absorbed into the bloodstream within 1—2 hours of taking the medication. Researchers are often studying, comparing, and improving antihistamines. Other popular brands on the market today are Allegra and Benadryl. When a person comes into contact with an allergen, their immune system reacts and produces a chemical called histamine.

Histamine causes many allergy symptoms, including inflammation of the skin or sinuses, pain, redness, and wheezing. Immune responses also encourage extra mucus to develop, which helps to clear allergens from the nose and throat. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

What is the difference between diphenhydramine and cetirizine? Stacy Wiegman, PharmD. Diphenhydramine is a first-generation antihistamine and cetirizine is a second-generation antihistamine. They are both used for the treatment of allergy symptoms.

The difference between the two drugs is that a first-generation antihistamine is more likely to cause side effects like drowsiness and to interact with other medications. The most common side effects are sleepiness or drowsiness, fatigue, dry mouth, dizziness, and headache.

This is not a full list of side effects. Other adverse effects may occur. Consult your healthcare provider for professional medical advice. The combination could cause slowed breathing as well as excess dizziness, drowsiness, and psychomotor impairment.

Benadryl also should not be taken with potassium products in solid dosage forms due to the risk of ulcerative lesions. This chart is not a full list of drug interactions. Other drug interactions may occur. Consult your healthcare provider for a complete list of drug interactions. Zyrtec is a second-generation antihistamine. It contains the ingredient cetirizine.

It is available OTC in brand and generic form. Benadryl is a first-generation antihistamine, containing the ingredient diphenhydramine. You can purchase Benadryl over-the-counter in brand or generic form. Zyrtec and Benadryl are both antihistamines that help relieve allergy symptoms. Benadryl is a first-generation antihistamine and tends to cause more side effects. Zyrtec is a second-generation antihistamine and causes fewer side effects. Other common newer antihistamines you may see on the shelf include Claritin loratadine , Allegra fexofenadine , and Xyzal levocetirizine.

Both drugs are similarly effective, but Zyrtec may cause less drowsiness. Zyrtec still can cause drowsiness as well, though. Since both medications are available OTC, you can try one to see how it improves your symptoms. Your pharmacist can help you select an appropriate product. Be sure to inform your pharmacist of any medical conditions you have and any medications you take. In animal studies, Zyrtec did not cause congenital anomalies. However, there are no adequate studies performed in women.

Therefore, Zyrtec should only be used in pregnancy if clearly needed. Your healthcare provider can guide you in this situation. Consult your healthcare provider for guidance. You should avoid alcohol while taking these allergy medications. The combination can increase the risk of respiratory depression slowed breathing, not getting enough oxygen , which can be dangerous.

It can also cause additive effects, worsening the side effects of the medication, and causing impairment.