Should You Choose Claritin, Allegra or Zyrtec for Allergy Symptoms?

Should You Choose Claritin, Allegra or Zyrtec for Allergy Symptoms? By Daniel More, MD My patients frequently ask me which over-the-counter antihistamine they should take -- Claritin, Zyrtec or Allegra? All of these antihistamines have been available over the counter without a prescription for a number of years. But, if you're thinking these antihistamines are all the same -- well, they aren't. Depending on the allergic condition being treated, the age of the person, as well as other underlying issues (such as pregnancy), the best choice of antihistamine might be different. So, instead of thinking that these medicines are all the same, learn more about each one of them and figure out which choice is the best for you.   Claritin for Allergies and Hives  Claritin (loratadine) is a second-generation oral antihistamine approved for the treatment of allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and urticaria (hives) for adults and children 2 years and older. Claritin is available over the counter without a prescription and in multiple generic forms, and comes in tablet and liquid forms, and as oral disintegrating tablets. READ NOW Is Zyrtec a Good Antihistamine for My Allergies?  Zyrtec (cetirizine) is a 2nd generation antihistamine approved for the treatment of urticaria (hives) and allergic rhinitis (hay fever) for adults and children 2 years and older (previous prescription versions were approved for children as young as 6 months of age). Zyrtec is available without a prescription (over-the-counter) in brand name (Zyrtec) and generic (cetirizine) types, and comes in tablet, chewable and liquid forms. READ NOW Is Allegra a Good Antihistamine for Allergies?  Allegra (fexofenadine) is a newer generation antihistamine approved for the treatment of allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and urticaria (hives) for adults and children 6 months of age and older. Allegra is available in brand name and generic (as fexofenadine) forms over the counter without a prescription, and comes in tablets/gel capsules, liquid, and oral disintegrating tablets. READ NOW Advertisement READ THESE NEXT What Kind of Intelligence Do You Have? Understanding Preventive Care Do You Have What It Takes to Pass Psychology 101? Wondering if it's labor? Try this quiz. Could You Be Hypothyroid? Understanding Type 2 Diabetes How Much of a Nutrition Whiz Are You? Quiz: How Assertive Are You? AN ABOUT.COM BRAND You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the Allergies newsletter. If you wish to unsubscribe, please click here 1500 Broadway, 6th Floor, New York, NY, 10036 © 2016 Verywell.com - All rights reserved. Privacy Policy.