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Compare Claritin vs. Sudafed

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

Key takeaways

Loratadine (Claritin) and pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) are both over-the-counter medications, but they serve different purposes and belong to different drug classes. Loratadine is an antihistamine used to relieve allergy symptoms like runny nose and itchy eyes. It is typically taken once daily and is less likely to cause drowsiness compared to other antihistamines. On the other hand, pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that helps relieve nasal and sinus congestion. It works by narrowing blood vessels in the nasal passages and is available in both short-acting and extended-release forms. While loratadine is generally safe for children as young as 2 years old, pseudoephedrine is not recommended for children under 4 years old. Additionally, pseudoephedrine can raise blood pressure and heart rate, making it unsuitable for people with certain health conditions. Loratadine is not likely to cause these cardiovascular side effects. Both medications should be used with caution to avoid accidental overdose, especially since they can be found in many combination products.

  • Loratadine (Claritin)
    Sudafed (pseudoephedrine)
  • Loratadine (Claritin)
    Sudafed (pseudoephedrine)

  • Summary of Claritin vs. Sudafed

    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 Alpha agonist

    Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) is a non-drowsy decongestant taken by mouth to treat nasal and sinus congestion from allergies and the common cold. It's available in a short-acting version that's taken once every 4 to 6 hours. It also comes in longer-acting versions that are taken every 12 or 24 hours, depending on the dose. Side effects of Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) include anxiety and headache. This medication might also keep you awake at night if you take it too close to bedtime. Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) is an OTC medication, but it's restricted, so you can only purchase it at the pharmacy counter.

  • Indications of Claritin vs. Sudafed

    Indications for
    •Short-term relief of allergy symptoms (runny nose, itchy nose, itchy or watery eyes)
    Indications for
    •Short-term relief of nasal and sinus congestion and pressure

  • Pros and Cons of Claritin vs. Sudafed

    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 Alpha agonist
    Pros
    •Works well to treat congestion
    •Available in longer-acting versions that last 12 hours or 24 hours
    •Children's oral liquids can be taken by kids as young as 4 years old
    •Available as lower-cost generics
    Cons
    •Several products have different age cut-offs for use in children, so can be confusing
    •Might make it hard for some people to sleep
    •Can raise blood pressure and heart rate
    •Not recommended during pregnancy

  • Common Side Effects of Claritin vs. Sudafed

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (12%)
    •Sleepiness (8%)
    •Fatigue (4%)
    •Dry mouth (3%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sweating
    •Nervousness
    •Excitability
    •Difficulty sleeping
    •Low appetite
    •Difficulty urinating

  • Warnings of Claritin vs. Sudafed

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness
    •Accidentally taking too much medication
    •Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Fast heart rate and high blood pressure
    •Worsening of medical conditions
    •Accidental overdose

  • Prices with our coupons for Claritin vs. Sudafed

    Learn more about Loratadine
    Learn more about Sudafed

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