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Compare Allegra vs. Claritin

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

Key takeaways

Fexofenadine (Allegra) and loratadine (Claritin) are both over-the-counter antihistamines used to relieve allergy symptoms, but they have several differences. Fexofenadine is available in various forms, including tablets, fast-melting tablets, and liquid, and is typically taken once or twice a day. Loratadine also comes in multiple forms, such as tablets, oral solution, and chewable tablets and is usually taken once daily. Fexofenadine starts working in about 2 hours, while loratadine can take 1 to 3 hours to start working, with full effects possibly taking up to 12 hours. Both medications are less likely to cause drowsiness compared to first-generation antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl), but fexofenadine might be the least likely to cause sleepiness among second-generation antihistamines. Additionally, loratadine is available in chewable tablets, which fexofenadine does not offer. Both medications can cause headaches, but loratadine may also cause tiredness and dry mouth.

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  • Fexofenadine (Allegra)
    Loratadine (Claritin)
  • Fexofenadine (Allegra)
    Loratadine (Claritin)

  • Summary of Allegra vs. Claritin

    Summary for Antihistamine

    Fexofenadine (Allegra) is an antihistamine. It's used to ease symptoms of allergy and hives in adults and children. Fexofenadine (Allegra) can be found over the counter as a tablet, fast-melting tablet, and liquid. This medication is taken once or twice per day, depending on the formulation. Fexofenadine (Allegra) starts to work in about 2 hours and its effects can last up to 24 hours. Fexofenadine (Allegra) doesn't make you as drowsy compared to some other antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl). Other possible side effects of fexofenadine (Allegra) include headache and dry mouth.

    Summary for Antihistamine

    Loratadine (Claritin) is an over-the-counter antihistamine. It's used to ease allergy symptoms, such as runny nose or watery eyes, in adults and children. Loratadine (Claritin) is taken by mouth, typically once daily. It's available in different formulations, such as tablets and oral solution. Loratadine (Claritin) is considered a non-drowsy medication because it's less likely to cause sleepiness than some other antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl). Other side effects of this medication include headache and tiredness.

  • Indications of Allegra vs. Claritin

    Indications for
    •Short-term relief of allergy symptoms (sneezing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, itchy nose or throat)
    •Treatment of hives
    Indications for
    •Short-term relief of allergy symptoms (runny nose, itchy nose, itchy or watery eyes)

  • Pros and Cons of Allegra vs. Claritin

    Pros and Const for Antihistamine
    Pros
    •First-choice option for relieving allergy symptoms
    •Some products can also be used to relieve itchiness from hives.
    •Available as 12-hour and 24-hour tablets, as well as a liquid and quick-dissolving tablets for those who have a hard time swallowing pills
    •All formulations available over the counter
    Cons
    •Liquid form might not be the best choice for people on a low-salt diet because it contains sodium
    •Once-daily formulations not recommended for children younger than 12 years old
    •Might have a higher risk of side effects if you have liver or kidney problems
    •Can cause headache
    Pros and Const for Antihistamine
    Pros
    •First-choice option for allergies
    •Appears to cause less sleepiness than diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
    •Oral liquids and certain chewable tablets can be taken by children as young as 2 years old
    Cons
    •Might not work as well in younger children compared to cetirizine (Zyrtec)
    •Might have a higher risk of side effects if you have liver or kidney problems
    •Tablets, capsules, and orally disintegrating tablets can't be used in children younger than 6 years.

  • Common Side Effects of Allegra vs. Claritin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (12%)
    •Sleepiness (8%)
    •Fatigue (4%)
    •Dry mouth (3%)

  • Warnings of Allegra vs. Claritin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Accidentally taking too much medication
    •Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - orally disintegrating tablet only
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness
    •Accidentally taking too much medication
    •Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU)

  • Prices with our coupons for Allegra vs. Claritin

    Learn more about Fexofenadine
    Learn more about Loratadine

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