Claritin Dosages: Your GoodRx Guide

Millions of people in the U.S. have seasonal allergies. Antihistamines are a go-to choice for many to treat allergy symptoms like runny nose and sneezing.

Claritin (loratadine) is a popular over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine. But how much is safe to take? In this guide, we’ll review the typical Claritin dosages for adults and children.

What dosage forms are available for Claritin?

Claritin is available in several different dosage forms. It comes as a brand-name and generic medication.

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The different Claritin dosage forms include:

• Oral tablets

• Oral capsules

• Oral disintegrating tablets (ODTs)

• Chewable tablets

• Oral liquid

All forms of Claritin contain loratadine. Claritin-D products also contain pseudoephedrine (a nasal decongestant). Loratadine-only versions can be found on regular pharmacy shelves. Forms that contain pseudoephedrine must be purchased at the pharmacy counter.

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What’s the typical Claritin dosage for adults?

Claritin comes in 12-hour and 24-hour formulations. The specific dosages for each version are detailed below. Adults shouldn’t take more than 10 mg of loratadine per day, no matter which Claritin product you take. You can take Claritin with or without food.

Claritin 24 Hour

Each tablet or capsule of Claritin contains 10 mg of loratadine. The adult Claritin 24 Hour dosage is 10 mg (1 pill) by mouth once a day. Don’t take more than 1 pill in a 24-hour period.

If swallowing pills is tough, there are chewable tablets for adults that have the same directions, as well as ODTs.

You can also take Claritin solution if you prefer. Although it’s labeled as a “children’s” medication, it also provides adult dosing instructions. The adult Claritin solution dosage is 10 mg (10 mL) by mouth once a day. Don’t take more than 10 mL in a 24-hour period.

Claritin 12 Hour

The only 12-hour version of Claritin that’s marketed for adults is Claritin 12 Hour RediTabs. These are ODTs. Each tablet contains 5 mg of loratadine.

The adult Claritin 12 Hour dosage is 5 mg (1 tablet) dissolved on the tongue every 12 hours. Don’t take more than 2 tablets in a 24-hour period.

Claritin-D 24 Hour

Each tablet of Claritin-D 24 Hour contains 10 mg of loratadine and 240 mg of pseudoephedrine. The tablet is designed to slowly release medication over a 24-hour period.

The adult Claritin-D 24 Hour dosage is 1 tablet by mouth once a day. Don’t cut, chew, or crush the tablet. Don’t take more than 1 tablet in 24 hours.

Claritin-D 12 Hour

Each tablet of Claritin-D 12 Hour contains 5 mg of loratadine and 120 mg of pseudoephedrine. The tablet slowly releases medication over a 12-hour period.

The adult Claritin-D 12 Hour dosage is 1 tablet by mouth every 12 hours. Don’t cut, chew, or crush the tablet. Don’t take more than 2 tablets in 24 hours.

What’s the typical Claritin dosage for children?

Children’s Claritin dosages are based on a child’s age. Adolescents ages 12 years and older can follow the adult dosing for all Claritin products, including Claritin-D. Kids under 12 shouldn’t take Claritin-D products. Read the dosing instructions carefully before giving your child a dose of Claritin.

Children's Claritin solution

Children’s Claritin solution can be given to children as young as 2 years old. There’s 5 mg of loratadine in every 5 mL of liquid. Use a medication cup, spoon, syringe to measure a dose for your child. Using household spoons may measure out too much or too little medication.

The Children’s Claritin solution dosages are:

• For children 6 years and older: Give 10 mg (10 mL) by mouth once a day. Don’t give more than 10 mL in 24 hours.

• For children 2 to 5 years of age: Give 5 mg (5 mL) by mount once a day. Don’t give more than 5 mL in 24 hours.

• For children under 2 years old: Ask a healthcare provider before giving.

Children’s Claritin chewable tablets

Children’s Claritin chewable tablets can also be given to kids as young as 2 years old. Each tablet contains 5 mg of loratadine.

The Children's Claritin chewable tablets dosages are:

• For children 6 years and older: Give 10 mg (2 tablets) by mouth once a day. Don’t give more than 2 tablets in 24 hours.

• For children 2 to 5 years of age: Give 5 mg (1 tablet) by mouth once a day. Don’t give more than 1 tablet in 24 hours.

• For children under 2 years old: Ask a healthcare provider before giving.

Claritin RediTabs

Claritin RediTabs are only meant for children ages 6 years and older. They come in 12-hour and 24-hour versions. The dosing instructions are the same as for adults.

The children’s Claritin RediTabs dosages are:

• Claritin RediTabs 12 Hour: Give 5 mg (1 tablet) by mouth every 12 hours. Tell your child to let it dissolve on their tongue. Don’t give more than 2 tablets in 24 hours.

• Claritin RediTabs 24 Hour: Give 10 mg (1 tablet) by mouth once a day. Tell your child to let it dissolve on their tongue. Don’t give more than 1 tablet in 24 hours.

Do not give Claritin RediTabs to children under 6 years old.

Are there any dosage adjustments for medical conditions?

Claritin is safe for most people to take. But there are instances where you should check in with a healthcare provider before taking it.

People with kidney problems

Claritin is removed from the body by the kidneys. If you have kidney issues, you may need a lower dosage. This helps lower the risk of side effects, like dry mouth.

Typically, only people with severe kidney problems need dose changes. But it’s best to check with your healthcare provider to make sure you’re taking a safe dose.

The Claritin dosages for people with severe kidney problems are:

• Adults and children ages 6 years and older: Take 10 mg by mouth every other day.

• Children ages 2 to 5 years old: Give 5 mg by mouth every other day.

• Children under 2 years old: Ask a healthcare provider before giving.

Dosage for people with liver problems

Claritin is broken down by the liver. People with liver issues may be more likely to experience side effects if they take typical doses. Depending on how severe your liver problems are, you may need to take a lower dosage. Ask your healthcare provider before taking Claritin to be sure.

The Claritin dosages for people with liver problems are:

• Adults and children ages 6 years and older: Take 10 mg by mouth every other day.

• Children ages 2 to 5 years old: Give 5 mg by mouth every other day.

• Children under 2 years old: Ask a healthcare provider before giving.

People with high blood pressure

People with high blood pressure can take Claritin products that only contain loratadine. But it’s best to avoid Claritin-D. The pseudoephedrine in these products can raise your heart rate and blood pressure. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for a safer recommendation to relieve congestion.

What happens if you miss a dose of Claritin?

If you miss a dose of Claritin, take it as soon as you remember. But if it’s getting close to time for your next dose, skip it. Just wait until your next scheduled time to take it. Never take a double dose of Claritin to make up missed doses. This can lead to side effects.

What should you do if you take too much Claritin?

Taking too much Claritin can be dangerous, especially for older adults. Symptoms of a Claritin overdose can range in severity and may include:

• Trouble urinating

• Dilated pupils

• Racing heart

• Flushing of the skin

• Abnormal heart rhythms

If you think you or a loved one has taken too much Claritin, contact a healthcare provider or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. If anything seems severe, get immediate medical help or call 911.

How to save on Claritin

There are many ways to save on Claritin, which is available as both a brand-name and generic medication. By having your healthcare provider write a prescription for OTC Claritin, GoodRx can help you save over 50% off the average retail price. Generic Claritin's price at certain pharmacies is as low as $4.81 with a free GoodRx discount.

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Timothy Aungst, PharmD

Timothy Aungst, PharmD, has worked in pharmacy practice for the past decade with different roles and responsibilities. He has served as an associate professor of pharmacy practice for almost a decade, a clinical pharmacist in outpatient cardiology management, and now in home healthcare.

Edited by:

Christina Aungst, PharmD

Christina Aungst, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She began writing for GoodRx Health in 2019, transitioning from freelance writer to editor in 2021.

Reviewed by:

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD, is the director of pharmacy content for GoodRx. She has over a decade of experience as a pharmacist and has worked in clinical, academic, and administrative roles.

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