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Compare Claritin vs. Dayquil

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

Key takeaways

Loratadine (Claritin) and acetaminophen/dextromethorphan/phenylephrine (Dayquil Cold and Flu) are both over-the-counter medications, but they have some important differences. Loratadine is an antihistamine used primarily for allergy symptoms like runny nose and itchy eyes, while Dayquil Cold and Flu is a combination medication that includes an analgesic, a cough suppressant, and a decongestant to treat cold and flu symptoms such as cough, sore throat, and fever. Loratadine is typically taken once daily and is available in various forms like tablets and oral solutions, whereas Dayquil Cold and Flu is taken every 4 hours and comes in pills and liquid form. Loratadine is less likely to cause drowsiness compared to other antihistamines, but it can still cause headaches and tiredness. Dayquil Cold and Flu can cause stomach upset and nervousness, and it may affect your sleep due to its decongestant component. You should avoid taking loratadine with other antihistamines and Dayquil Cold and Flu with other medications containing acetaminophen to prevent overdose.

  • Loratadine (Claritin)
    Dayquil cold and flu
  • Loratadine (Claritin)
    Dayquil cold and flu

  • Summary of Claritin vs. Dayquil

    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.

    Summary for Analgesic / Cough suppressant / Decongestant

    Dayquil Cold and Flu is a combination of three active ingredients: acetaminophen (an analgesic), dextromethorphan (a cough suppressant), and phenylephrine (a decongestant). Dayquil Cold and Flu helps treat symptoms from the common cold and flu in adults and children. It can relieve stuffy nose, cough, sore throat, headache, aches, and fever. Besides Dayquil Cold and Flu, this medication is available under many other brand names and as a generic. It's available as pills and a liquid that's typically taken every 4 hours. Side effects aren't common but can include stomach upset and nervousness.

  • Indications of Claritin vs. Dayquil

    Indications for
    •Short-term relief of allergy symptoms (runny nose, itchy nose, itchy or watery eyes)
    Indications for
    •Short-term relief of symptoms from the common cold and flu:
    •Minor aches and pains
    •Headache
    •Stuffy nose (nasal congestion)
    •Cough
    •Sore throat
    •Fever

  • Pros and Cons of Claritin vs. Dayquil

    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.
    Pros and Const for Analgesic / Cough suppressant / Decongestant
    Pros
    •Can treat a wide variety of common cold or flu symptoms
    •More convenient to take three medications in a single dose
    •Available over the counter and as a lower-cost generic
    •Alcohol-free liquid forms of the medication are available
    Cons
    •Might need to take as often as every 4 hours to relieve symptoms
    •More difficult to customize the dose since Dayquil Cold and Flu is a fixed combination of three medications
    •Might not be the best choice for people with certain medical conditions, such as high blood pressure
    •Might not be the best choice for people who drink alcohol regularly

  • Common Side Effects of Claritin vs. Dayquil

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (12%)
    •Sleepiness (8%)
    •Fatigue (4%)
    •Dry mouth (3%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Stomach upset
    •Nervousness or anxiety

  • Warnings of Claritin vs. Dayquil

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness
    •Accidentally taking too much medication
    •Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Liver damage
    •Allergic skin reactions
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Accidentally taking too much medication
    •Worsening of certain medical conditions

  • Prices with our coupons for Claritin vs. Dayquil

    Learn more about Loratadine
    Learn more about Dayquil cold and flu

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