Loratadine (Claritin): Uses, Side Effects, Dosage & More - GoodRx (2024)

Reviewed by:

When does Loratadine (Claritin) start working?

Time passed since treatment started:

local_offer_outlined

More on Loratadine (Claritin) side effects

The following side effects have also been reported

Pros

First-choice option for allergies

Appears to cause less sleepiness than diphenhydramine (Benadryl)

Cons

Might have a higher risk of side effects if you have liver or kidney problems

• Loratadine (Claritin) can be taken only when you have allergy symptoms every once in a while. But if you have allergy symptoms on a daily basis, it's best to take the medication every day according to the manufacturer's directions to get the most relief.

• If you have kidney or liver problems, don't use loratadine (Claritin) without talking to your healthcare team first to make sure it's safe for you to take. This is because you might have a higher risk of side effects from the medication.

• Take loratadine (Claritin) with or without food. If it hurts your stomach, try taking it with food to help.

• Loratadine (Claritin) might make you feel a little sleepy. Don't drive until you know how this medication affects you.

• Avoid drinking alcohol while taking loratadine (Claritin) because this combination raises your risk of sleepiness and dizziness.

• Don't start any new medications while taking loratadine (Claritin), especially other antihistamines, without talking to your HCP or pharmacist first. Doing so can raise your risk of taking too much medication (overdose) and lead to severe side effects, including seizures, hallucinations (seeing things that aren't real), and even death.

• For the liquid form: Use a medication dose cup or an oral syringe to measure your dose of loratadine (Claritin). Ask your pharmacy to provide you with one if the product doesn't include it in its packaging or if you need extras. Don't use household spoons because they might not be accurate and might cause you to take the wrong dose.

• For the orally disintegrating tablet: Place the tablet on your tongue, and let it dissolve in your mouth. You can take it with or without water.

• For the chewable tablet: Chew or crush the tablets before swallowing; don't swallow the tablets whole. You don't need to eat or drink anything when you take the medication.

expand_more

Loratadine (Claritin) typically starts to relieve allergy symptoms within 1 to 3 hours. But it might take 8 to 12 hours before you experience the full effects of the medication. How quickly loratadine (Claritin) works might also depend on the dosage form (e.g., tablet, capsule, liquid, etc.) of loratadine (Claritin) you're taking. For example, loratadine (Claritin) tablets might work faster than the capsules.

expand_more

In general, adults and children ages 6 years and older can take up to 10 mg of loratadine (Claritin) per day. And children ages 2 to under 6 years can take up to 5 mg of loratadine (Claritin) per day. Don't take more than the maximum recommended dose unless your healthcare professional specifically said it was safe to do so.

expand_more

Yes, loratadine (Claritin) can make you feel drowsy (sleepy). But it's less likely to do so compared to other antihistamines, like diphenhydramine (Benadryl). This is because loratadine (Claritin) is a second-generation antihistamine that isn't as likely to cross into the brain compared to first-generation antihistamines. Let your primary care provider or pharmacist know if loratadine (Claritin) is making you too drowsy to go about your day. They might ask you to take it closer to bedtime or consider other options.

expand_more

No, you should avoid taking loratadine (Claritin) and diphenhydramine (Benadryl) together, unless instructed by your primary care provider. Both medications are antihistamines and taking them together raises your risk of side effects, such as drowsiness, dry mouth, and dizziness. If you want to switch from loratadine (Claritin) to diphenhydramine (Benadryl), you'll typically need to wait 24 hours after your last dose of loratadine before starting diphenhydramine.

expand_more

No, don't take loratadine (Claritin) and cetirizine (Zyrtec) together. They're both second-generation antihistamines. You'll likely have more side effects without additional allergy symptom relief by taking both. In general, both antihistamines work similarly well for treating allergy symptoms. Talk with your primary care provider if you've more questions about any specific antihistamine.

expand_more

Loratadine (Claritin) is one of the options suggested by the American Academy of Dermatology Association to help ease itching and swelling from hives. Let your dermatologist or primary care provider know if you tend to get hives often. They can work with you to identify and avoid triggers. But get medical help right away if you experience trouble breathing or swelling of the tongue or in the mouth, along with hives. These are signs of a life-threatening allergic reaction that needs medical attention right away.

expand_more

While you can take loratadine (Claritin) during pregnancy, it's not a first-choice option. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends chlorpheniramine as one of the preferred antihistamines for allergy during pregnancy. But this medication tends to cause more sleepiness compared to loratadine (Claritin). If you're pregnant, talk with your obstetrician about the risks and benefits of taking loratadine (Claritin) during pregnancy.

Loratadine (Claritin)

Get savings updates for Loratadine (Claritin)

Receive price alerts, news, and other messages from GoodRx about Loratadine (Claritin) and other healthcare topics and relevant savings offers.