Compare Claritin-D vs. Sudafed

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.

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Treats allergies and clears up nasal congestion.

Claritin-D (loratadine / pseudoephedrine) relieves allergies and congestion without causing daytime sleepiness but it can keep you up at night.

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3.6/ 5 average rating with 1527 reviewsforClaritin-D
Clears your sinuses.

Sudafed (Pseudoephedrine) relieves stuffy nose, but it could keep you up at night. Don't forget your photo ID or you won't be able to buy it in the drugstore.

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3.9/ 5 average rating with 1740 reviewsforSudafed
Upsides
  • This once-daily, single-pill combination conveniently treats congestion and other allergy symptoms.
  • It doesn't cause any daytime drowsiness unlike other antihistamines.
  • It doesn't require a prescription from your doctor.
  • One of the best over-the-counter options to clear stuffy nose and help you breathe better.
  • Clears nasal congestion better than other decongestants like phenylephrine.
  • Can be helpful in relieving congestion-related headaches and pressure in your ears.
  • Available in regular and extended release forms.
Downsides
  • The decongestant (pseudoephedrine) can make you anxious or your heart race. You may not sleep as well at night.
  • Although you don't need a prescription, you do need to show a photo ID to buy this from behind the pharmacy counter.
  • It may interfere with how your other medicines work. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before combining with other medicines.
  • Pseudoephedrine (a decongestant) can make your heart race or make you feel anxious and restless.
  • It can affect the quality of your sleep, so you can't take it too close to going to bed.
  • Can raise blood pressure so check with your doctor before using it if you have high blood pressure or other heart conditions.
  • Sudafed (Pseudoephedrine) isn't as effective after using it for more than 4 days straight.
  • Need to show a photo ID to buy it in the drugstore and there is a limit on how much you can buy each visit.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Extended-release pill
  • Pill
  • Extended release
  • Liquid
No pricing information available
No pricing information available
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Reviews
1527 reviews so far
69%
saidit'sworth it
39%
saiditworked well
8%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Claritin-D (loratadine / pseudoephedrine)?

Leave a review
1740 reviews so far
82%
saidit'sworth it
45%
saiditworked well
6%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Sudafed (Pseudoephedrine)?

Leave a review
Side effects
12possible side effects
  • Headache
    19%
  • Insomnia
    16%
  • Dry mouth
    14%
  • Drowin
    7%
  • Nervousness or anxiety
    5%
  • Dizziness
    4%
  • Indigestion
    3%
  • Nausea
    3%
  • Sore throat
    3%
  • Fatigue
    3%
  • Increased thirst
    2%
  • Loss of appetite
    2%
See more detailed side effects
The Sudafed (Pseudoephedrine) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
Risks and risk factors
  • High blood pressure
    • History of high blood pressure
    • Glaucoma
  • Restlesness
    • History of heart problems
    • Overactive thyroid
    • Diabetes
    • Over age 65
  • Difficulty concentrating
    • Taking with alcohol
    • Taking other medicines that make you less alert
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • High blood pressure
    • History of high blood pressure
  • Heart problems
    • History of heart problems
    • Age 65 years or older
  • Seizures
    • History of seizures
  • Harm to fetus
    • Women of childbearing age
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Claritin-D (loratadine / pseudoephedrine)
Learn more about Sudafed (Pseudoephedrine)