home zyrtec vs. claritin article. Are Zyrtec and Claritin the Same Thing? What Are Possible Side Effects of Zyrtec?Claritin (loratadine) and Zyrtec (cetirizine hydrochloride) are antihistamines used to treat allergy symptoms, such as itching, runny nose, watery eyes, and sneezing from hay fever...