You can take non-sedating antihistamines such as Cetirizine or Loratadine(Claritin) may be needed to get symptom relief. Sedating antihistamines such as Chlorphenamine(Benadryl) can be used at night to get urticaria control. Short courses of oral cortisone or steroids are taken for short periods (one to three days) to settle more severe symptoms. You may take Vitamin C along with the. Zyrtec can cause sleepiness, but only in some people. Take it for the first time when you will be at home for a few hours in case it makes you sleepy. Claritin is less likely to cause sleepiness. Conversely, loratadine can cause nervousness and difficulty sleeping in some patients. Zyrtec may cause all those same side effects, plus nausea and sore throat. Daytime sleepiness is much more prevalent in people taking cetirizine; it happens in about 14% of patients. Brand names for Cetirizine include Zyrtec, Zyrtec Allergy, and Zyrtec Hives Relief. Brand names for loratadine include Claritin , Claritin RediTabs, Alavert , Claritin Hives Relief, Children's Claritin, and others. Compare Loratadine vs Zyrtec head-to-head for uses, ratings, cost, side effects, interactions and more. Loratadine rated 5.9/10 vs Zyrtec rated 7.1/10 in overall patient satisfaction. Loratadine rated 5.9/10 vs Zyrtec rated 7.1/10 in overall patient satisfaction. Is it ok to loratadine and cetirizine together? Are there side effects if taken at the same time? These are both second generation antihistamines or allergy medications. Doctors give trusted answers on uses, effects, side-effects, and cautions: Dr. Lightman on can zyrtec and claritin be taken together: Sudafed and plain Claritin (loratadine) can be taken together. Sudafed is a decongestant, and Claritin (loratadine) is an antihistamine. Claritin (loratadine) d already contains pseudoephedrine, the ingredient in. Even better - substitute ceterizine instead of loratadine. Doctors give trusted answers on uses, effects, side-effects, and cautions: Dr. Klein on can you take cetirizine and loratadine together: If there is sever itching then you may need to take both but i would space them out so fexofenadine would be used in the am and Loratadine at night.