Claritin
(loratadine)
●●●●●
3.7/ 5 average rating with 1517 reviewsforClaritin
Skip to: drug prices sectionSkip to: what to expect sectionSkip to: side effects sectionSkip to: risks and warnings sectionSkip to: common concerns from users and pharmacists
Treats allergies.
Skip Upsides & Downsides section. Skip to side effects section.
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Our bottom line
Claritin (loratadine) is a once-daily medicine for allergies that won't make you as sleepy as other medicines that work like it.
Quick facts about Claritin
- Drug class: Respiratory
- Rx status: Prescription or OTC
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (loratadine)
Upsides
- It doesn't cause daytime drowsiness unlike other antihistamines.
- Side-effects are mild, if any at all.
- Available over-the-counter without a prescription.
- It provides quick relief of allergy symptoms for both children and adults.
- It doesn't interfere with how a lot of other medicines work.
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What to expect from Claritin, on one page
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1517Downsides
- It's not the best choice if you have persistent, daily allergy symptoms.
- It's not recommended for children less than 2 years old.
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What to expect from Claritin, on one page
Download Fact SheetHow it works
Claritin (loratadine) blocks histamine, a chemical that causes congestion, itching, and other allergic reactions.
Quick facts about Claritin
- Drug class: Respiratory
- Rx status: Prescription or OTC
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (loratadine)
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Chewable tablet
- Dissolving tablet
- Liquid
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.Prices and coupons for 30 (24-hour) tablets of loratadine near
Pay as low as$3.0000998973846436Retail priceRetail priceLearn more- Kroger PharmacyGet free coupon$4.32
- CostcoGet free coupon$4.22
- Rite AidGet free coupon$5.26
Sign up now for a 30-day trial and save up to 95% at CVS, Kroger, Albertsons, and other pharmacies.
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See more prices and coupons in your areaWhat to expect when you take Claritin (loratadine) for Seasonal allergies
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Full effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Headache
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
Side effect rates for Claritin (loratadine)
- Headache12%12%11%11%
- Drowsiness8%8%6%6%
- Nervousness or anxiety4%4%2%2%
- Wheezing4%4%2%2%
- Tiredness4%4%3%3%
- Rash3%3%
- Diarrhea3%3%
- Mouth or tongue irritation3%3%
- Dry mouth3%3%2%2%
- Hyperactive behavior3%3%1%1%
- Ear pain3%3%
- Bloody nose3%3%
- Sore throat3%3%
- Flu-like symptoms3%3%
- Abdominal pain2%2%
- Pink eye2%2%1%1%
- Lung infections2%2%1%1%
- Difficulty speaking2%2%1%1%
- Feeling uneasy or uncomfortable2%2%
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Where we got our data »
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Claritin.
Claritin (loratadine)
Placebo
People taking Claritin felt side effect more
People taking Claritin felt side effect less
No difference
Risks and Warnings for Claritin (loratadine)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › Taking with alcohol
- › Taking other medicines that make you less alert
Claritin (loratadine) can lower your ability to focus, think, and react. Be careful. Avoid activities that require you to be alert, such as driving a car or operating machinery, until you know how this medicine affects you.
Common concerns from people taking Claritin (loratadine)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?Food
- Take it once a day with or without food.
Pain
- Worth itLow hassleReviewed Claritinon 8/6/2017Do not take with pain medication.50WomanLess than a weekChronic nasal congestion (nonallergic)
Sleep
- It doesn't cause daytime drowsiness unlike other antihistamines.