For most people Zyrtec is a bit stronger than Allegra which is a bit
stronger than Claritin/Alovert/Clarinex. The incidence of side effects (dry
mouth and sedation mostly) runs in the same order which raises the question
of whether the differences are really inherent to the drugs or just a
function of relative dose. Having said that some people will find that they
don't follow this typical pattern. It should also be noted that while the
side effects of the older (OTC and dirt cheap) medicines are more common and
severe that most people will still not have them and so would do well with
good old Benedryl or Chlortrimeton (sp?) .

As for the claims - it is all a bunch of crap. The FDA basically entertains
requests and gives a yes or no answer. So a company says, "can we claim our
drug treats x," provides some studies, and when approved starts making the
claim. There is no evidence that indoor allergies differ from outdoor
allergies etc. The only difference is that some companies have taken the
trouble to go to the FDA more times to seek ever more numerous and specific
claims.

--
CBI, MD