Zyrtec vs Claritin: Which Allergy Pill Is Better? (2026)

Zyrtec's 24 Hour Allergy Relief Tablets at $27.90 for 45 count contain cetirizine HCl 10mg per tablet — one of two active ingredients in the antihistamine category represented on this page, with dosing designed to provide 24-hour coverage per tablet. The product labeling notes a possible drowsiness side effect, a distinction from the loratadine-based Claritin products on this page, which carry a non-drowsy designation. At 45 tablets, this is approximately a six-week daily supply. At $27.90 for 45 tablets ($0.62 per tablet), the value comparison on this page is notable: the Zyrtec 60-count at $27.99 delivers 15 more tablets for $0.09 more — $0.47 per tablet — making the 45-count the weaker per-unit value within the Zyrtec lineup. The Claritin 45-count ($19.31) is $8.59 less for the same tablet count, with the loratadine formulation for buyers open to that active ingredient. This is the right choice for buyers specifically seeking the cetirizine formulation who want a standard 45-day supply. Skip it in favor of the Zyrtec 60-count ($27.99) if you use Zyrtec regularly — the larger count delivers the identical formula for essentially the same purchase price and a meaningfully better per-tablet cost.

Zyrtec's 24 Hour Allergy Relief Tablets in the 60-count format at $27.99 deliver the identical cetirizine HCl 10mg formula as the 45-count version — for $0.09 more in total purchase price, buyers receive 15 additional tablets, dropping the per-tablet cost from $0.62 to $0.47. That calculation makes the 45-count the demonstrably weaker value for any regular user; the 60-count is the rational Zyrtec choice within this page. At $27.99 against the Claritin 70-count ($29.90 for 10 more tablets), the Zyrtec 60-count is $1.91 less at a slightly higher per-tablet rate ($0.47 versus $0.43). The decision between these two narrows to active ingredient preference — cetirizine with its possible drowsiness notation for the Zyrtec, loratadine with the non-drowsy designation for the Claritin. The price gap is negligible for a daily-use product. This is the right Zyrtec purchase for regular users who want the best per-tablet value within the Zyrtec lineup. Skip the 45-count version on this page entirely if you use Zyrtec consistently — the math is straightforward: 15 more tablets for $0.09 is the obvious transaction.

Claritin's 24 Hour Allergy 10mg Tablets at $19.31 for 45 count contain loratadine 10mg per tablet — Claritin's labeling carries an FDA-recognized non-drowsy designation, distinguishing it from the cetirizine-based Zyrtec products on this page, which include a possible drowsiness notation. The 24-hour dosing provides a full day of coverage per tablet, with the 45-count supply covering approximately six weeks of daily use. At $19.31 for 45 tablets ($0.43 per tablet), Claritin is the most affordable option in the 45-count tier on this page — $8.59 less than the same-count Zyrtec at $27.90. Against the Claritin 70-count at $29.90 ($0.43 per tablet), the per-tablet cost is identical; the larger count reduces reorder frequency for daily users at $10.59 more upfront, but offers no per-unit discount. This is the right starting choice for buyers who prioritize the non-drowsy label designation and want a standard 45-day supply at the lowest per-tablet price on this page. Skip it for the Claritin 70-count if you use Claritin daily long-term — same per-tablet cost, fewer reorders.

Claritin's 24 Hour Allergy Medicine 70-count at $29.90 contains loratadine 10mg per tablet with the same non-drowsy formula as the Claritin 45-count on this page — the larger pack provides approximately 10 weeks of daily supply and reduces reorder frequency for consistent users. Per-tablet cost at $0.43 matches the 45-count exactly, meaning the size increase delivers convenience rather than a bulk discount. At $29.90 against the Zyrtec 60-count ($27.99), the Claritin 70-count costs $1.91 more for 10 additional tablets in the loratadine formulation versus cetirizine. For buyers committed to either active ingredient, the price difference over 70 days of daily use is effectively negligible — this comparison resolves on formulation preference, not price. Against the Claritin 45-count ($19.31), the 70-count costs $10.59 more for 25 more tablets — a reasonable exchange only if consistent daily use is already established. This is the right Claritin purchase for confirmed daily users who want to minimize reorder frequency through allergy season. Skip it if you're evaluating Claritin for the first time — the 45-count at $19.31 gives the same formula at lower initial commitment; upgrade to the 70-count once daily use patterns are established.