What Pharmacists Say About How Long Claritin Takes to Work (Plus 4 More Tips)

Many people have experienced allergy symptoms at some point in their life. Maybe you develop itchy eyes, a runny nose, or relentless sneezing. Whether it’s from the pollen in the air, a beloved pet, or a dusty attic, these symptoms can start to take a toll on your daily life.

Antihistamines are often a go-to choice to help get rid of or prevent allergy symptoms. Many of them are readily available over the counter (OTC). Claritin (loratadine) is one of the most commonly taken antihistamines.

If this is the first time you’re taking Claritin, it’s typical to have some questions about it. How fast will it work? When should you take it? Well, our pharmacists have you covered.

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What is Claritin?

Claritin is one of the brand names for loratadine. Loratadine is an OTC antihistamine used to treat the symptoms of allergies. It works by blocking a chemical called histamine in the body. Histamine is primarily responsible for those pesky allergy symptoms, like sneezing and runny nose.

Claritin comes as oral tablets and capsules in both brand-name and generic versions. Rapidly dissolving tablets, chewable tablets, and an oral liquid are also available. It can also be found in some combination products, such as Claritin-D (loratadine/pseudoephedrine).

5 pharmacist-backed tips for taking Claritin

There’s always tips and tricks when it comes to getting the most out of taking medication. Pharmacists can often provide advice and information to help you know what to expect. Let’s take a look at some tips on how and when to take Claritin.

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1. How long does Claritin take to work?

Claritin tends to start working within 1 to 3 hours after taking it. The difference in time can depend on which type of product you take. Oral tablets seem to kick in faster than capsules.

Claritin’s full effects should be felt about 8 to 12 hours after a dose. The medication should continue working for about 24 hours. This is why it's typically only recommended to take Claritin once a day.

2. What’s the best time to take Claritin?

You can take Claritin at any time of the day. What’s more important is taking it at the same time every day. This will help provide consistent effects, especially if you’re trying to prevent allergy symptoms.

Claritin is a second-generation antihistamine. It’s less likely to cause drowsiness than first-generation antihistamines like Benadryl (diphenhydramine). It’s also less likely than Zyrtec (cetirizine) — a second-generation antihistamine that commonly causes drowsiness — to make you sleepy. So most people can take Claritin during the day and go about their usual routines.

3. Should I take Claritin with food?

Claritin can be taken with or without food. Some healthcare providers may recommend taking it on an empty stomach. But taking it with a meal may help you to better remember your dose. If this is the case for you, know that food doesn’t affect how well Claritin works.

4. Should I separate any medications from Claritin?

Claritin is generally safe to take with most other medications. Still, it’s important to let your healthcare provider and pharmacist know all the medications you are taking. This includes OTC medications, vitamins, and supplements. They can check your unique list of medications for any issues while you take Claritin.

To note: It’s not usually recommended to take Claritin if you take other antihistamines, such as Benadryl or Zyrtec. Doing so can raise your risk of side effects.

5. What can I do if I experience side effects from Claritin?

Claritin is generally safe and effective when taken according to the package directions. But mild side effects are possible. Most commonly reported are headache, dizziness, and stomach upset.

Very rarely, some people may experience drowsiness with Claritin. If you’ve never taken it before, take your first dose when you’re at home and don’t have to do anything that requires focus or alertness.

People who have taken too much Claritin can experience changes in heart rhythm, agitation, or a high heart rate. If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. You can also contract Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.

Tips on how to save money with your Claritin prescription

Claritin is available as an affordable OTC allergy medication. Since it’s available as a generic option, this can help you save money. But if you fill Claritin as a prescription, GoodRx can help you save. Generic Claritin's price at certain pharmacies is as low as $4.81 with a free GoodRx discount.

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Clay M. Cooper, PharmD

Clay Cooper, PharmD, has over 10 years of pharmacy practice experience in a variety of healthcare settings, including in independent community pharmacy, retail pharmacy, and long-term care pharmacy. He is a licensed pharmacist in Tennessee, Mississippi, and Alabama.

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:

Joshua Murdock, PharmD, BCBBS

Joshua Murdock, PharmD, BCBBS, is a licensed pharmacist in Arizona, Colorado, and Rhode Island. He has worked in the pharmacy industry for more than 10 years and currently serves as a pharmacy editor for GoodRx.

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