The Real Difference Between Allegra And Zyrtec

Seasonal allergies can be rough and may even feel just like the common cold. Fortunately, over-the-counter allergy medicine like Allegra and Zyrtec can help reduce and alleviate unpleasant symptoms (via Healthline). But what exactly is the difference between the two? Allegra and Zyrtec both treat and prevent common symptoms of indoor and outdoor allergies, such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy and watery eyes, hives, and itchy nose or throat. This is because they're both antihistamines, which work by blocking your body's histamine response.

The main difference between the two drugs, however, is that they each have different active ingredients. For instance, the primary active ingredient in Allegra is fexofenadine, while the active ingredient in Zyrtec is cetirizine. In addition, Zyrtec is more likely to cause drowsiness and may even last a few hours longer than Allegra. When it comes to Allegra, drinking grapefruit juice, orange juice, or apple juice may decrease its effectiveness.

At the end of the day, the best antihistamine is the one that works most effectively for you. Allegra may be better suited for people with mild or moderate seasonal allergies because it's non-drowsy, while Zyrtec might be more effective for people with severe symptoms since it's fast-acting (via Verywell Health). However, this doesn't necessarily mean that people with mild allergy symptoms will always respond well to Allegra or vice-versa. 

It's important to talk to your doctor about your options. They might suggest trying both Allegra and Zyrtec — at different times — and keeping track of any symptoms and side effects you experience. This will help you determine which medication works the best for you. If you're still not experiencing relief after trying different antihistamines, you might want to consider getting tested for specific allergies. Depending on the results, your allergist may suggest allergy shots as a more effective alternative to over-the-counter medicine.