Cetrine and Claritin are good for treating allergies. They are successfully used for children and adult patients. The drugs have similar properties and significant differences. We parsed to find out which medication is better.

Cetrin | |
Advantages | Disadvantages |
Available in tablets and syrup | Tablets are contraindicated until the age of 6 years |
Suitable from 6 months of age | Cannot be taken during pregnancy |
It is used for Quincke’s edema | It is not recommended to combine with alcohol |
Can be prescribed for liver disease | |
Effective for swelling in the background of acute respiratory infections | |
Claritin | |
Advantages | Disadvantages |
Preferred for treatment from 2 years of age | Contraindicated in liver diseases |
No sedative effect | Syrup is approved only from 2 years of age |
Convenient dosage | There is a risk of drowsiness, but it happens very rarely |
The pills can be taken from 3 years of age |
Description of the remedy Cetrin

The anti-allergic properties of the drug Cetrin are due to the content of such a component as cetirizine. This substance is a histamine antagonist. The drug of the same name, Cetirizine is on the list of essentials.
Cetrine is available in tablets and syrup by the Indian company Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories. The latest generation anti-allergic drug alleviates allergies, has antiexudative and antipruritic effects, prevents the appearance of edema.
The difference between this drug and many analogues is the lack of sedative effect. Citrin does not cause drowsiness and is devoid of many adverse reactions typical for antihistamines.
Research and effectiveness
Comparison of the effectiveness of the original drug Zyrtec and other cetirizine preparations from different manufacturers was conducted. Cetrine medication has shown good results, which allows it to be recommended for use as an alternative in severe and moderate forms of chronic urticaria.
Much of the effectiveness of cetirizine medications depends on bioavailability. Release of Cetrin in 30 minutes is 40.2%, which is good.
Source: “Comparative evaluation of the clinical efficacy of cetirizine preparations in the treatment of chronic urticaria and the biopharmaceutical characteristics of cetirizine in dosage form from different manufacturers”. Nekrasova. e.e. 2010.
Contraindications
Cetrin is not prescribed if the components in the composition are intolerant. Under 6 years of age, only the syrup can be taken, tablets are contraindicated for children. Also, it should not be prescribed during pregnancy and breastfeeding. With caution it is used in renal failure, in the elderly, for children. Depending on age and condition, the dosage may be changed to prevent side symptoms.
Side effects
Possible side effects from taking Cetrin stand out:
insomnia;
Headaches;
tremor;
depressed state;
stomatitis, dyspepsia, anorexia;
Skin reactions in the form of a rash;
Increased blood pressure, tachycardia;
urinary retention;
myalgia;
arthralgia .
Dosage
Cetrine should be taken 1 tablet at the same time. Up to 12 years of age, half a tablet is taken. You should also take ½ tablet if you have renal insufficiency. The course of treatment is up to 4 weeks. Therapy may continue for up to 6 months on doctor’s recommendation.
Overdose is manifested by drowsiness. Adverse reactions such as tremor, urinary retention, tachycardia, pruritus may increase. Must flush stomach, drink activated charcoal or other enterosorbent. Physician should monitor respiratory and CPS conditions.
Who is suitable for
Cetrin is good for year-round and seasonal allergies. Its indications are rhinitis, conjunctivitis, dermatosis caused by allergens. The drug has an antipruritic and anti-exudative effect, due to which it is used to eliminate the symptoms of allergies, including cold urticaria.
Can be used both to prevent allergic reactions and to treat allergic symptoms that have already occurred.
Description of the remedy Claritin

Claritin is an antiallergic drug based on loratadine. Also refers to antipruritic and H1-antihistaminic. Available in tablets and syrup. Manufacturer – Schering-Plough Labo.
Loratadine is the active component of Claritin with an antihistamine effect. Has a prolonged and rapid antiallergic effect. Is a blocker of H1-histamine receptors. Takes effect within half an hour after oral intake. Maximal effect is reached after 8-12 hours and lasts a day.
Research and effectiveness
Comparing the effectiveness of different antiallergic agents (Claritin, Clarotadine, Lomilan) we have found many advantages of Claritin in comparison to its analogues.
Claritin is better than comparable drugs for morning sickness and reduces skin sensitivity faster without severe side effects.
In addition, Claritin reduces asthma symptoms, which reduces the need for bronchodilators.
Source: “Loratadine drug efficacy and safety study in year-round allergic rhinitis”. Goryachkina L.a. 2004.
Contraindications
Claritin has the following limitations to use:
Hypersensitivity to loratadine and other components in the composition of the remedy;
Allergy to one or more components;
Under 2 years of age, pregnancy, breastfeeding;
Rare genetic diseases due to the presence of lactose.
There are risks when prescribing the drug against the background of severe kidney and liver diseases. The safety of using Claritin in fetal care has not been established, so the doctor can prescribe this remedy only in acute need, when the benefits exceed the risks.
Side effects
In placebo studies, the group of children who took Claritin had more frequent side effects such as fatigue, nervousness, and headaches.
Dosage
Claritin is taken regardless of meals. For children from 12 years of age and the elderly, the recommended dosage is 10 mg once a day. From 2 years of age, the dosage is prescribed by weight. Up to 30 kg – 5 mg, over 30 kg – 10 mg once a day.
Adults and children from 30 kg in liver disease treatment begins with a dose of 10 mg every other day, up to 30 kg – 5 mg.
Overdose gives symptoms such as palpitations, headache, drowsiness. Maintenance therapy is needed. After an emergency, a doctor’s observation is necessary.
Who is it good for?
The indications for taking the drug Claritin are as follows:
Idiopathic urticaria of a chronic course;
Year-round and seasonal allergic conjunctivitis, rhinitis, sneezing;
Allergic skin conditions.

Which drug is better?
Both drugs are H1-histamine blockers. Are in the same price range. Have a pronounced antiallergic effect. Can be used for skin manifestations of allergic reactions, pollinosis.
Cetrine may be prescribed from an earlier age. It is also used for Quincke’s edema. Cetrin can reduce swelling in acute respiratory conditions.
Claritin is less likely to cause adverse reactions in the NS. This drug has a wider range of use, but it is not recommended for patients with liver abnormalities. It can be prescribed in a mild form of bronchial asthma.
Before using the antiallergic agent, you should consult with your doctor. You should also carefully read the instructions and strictly follow the prescribed dosage.