Free chart · PDF
Allergy medicine comparison chart
A printable chart comparing Zyrtec, Claritin, Allegra, Xyzal, Benadryl, Flonase and Nasacort: ingredient, dosing, drowsiness, congestion, minimum age and daily maximum.
What is on this chart
Seven over-the-counter allergy medicines side by side, straight from their Drug Facts labels.
| Brand | Active ingredient | How often | Drowsiness (label) | Helps congestion | From age | Max in 24 hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zyrtec | Cetirizine HCl 10 mg | Once a day | May cause drowsiness | No | 6 | 1 tablet (10 mg) in 24 hours |
| Claritin | Loratadine 10 mg | Once a day | Non-drowsy as directed | No | 6 | 1 tablet (10 mg) in 24 hours |
| Allegra | Fexofenadine HCl 180 mg (24 Hour) or 60 mg (12 Hour) | Once a day (180 mg) or twice a day (60 mg) | No drowsiness warning | No | 12 | 1 x 180 mg or 2 x 60 mg tablets in 24 hours |
| Xyzal | Levocetirizine dihydrochloride 5 mg | Once a day, in the evening | May cause drowsiness | No | 6 | 1 tablet (5 mg) in 24 hours for ages 12 to 64 |
| Benadryl | Diphenhydramine HCl 25 mg | Every 4 to 6 hours | Marked drowsiness | No | 6 | 6 doses in 24 hours |
| Flonase | Fluticasone propionate 50 mcg per spray | Once a day | No drowsiness warning | Yes | 4 | 2 sprays in each nostril once a day |
| Nasacort | Triamcinolone acetonide 55 mcg per spray | Once a day | No drowsiness warning | Yes | 2 | 2 sprays in each nostril once a day |
