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Compare Claritin vs. Xyzal Allergy

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

Key takeaways

Loratadine (Claritin) and levocetirizine (Xyzal) are both antihistamines used to relieve allergy symptoms, but they have some differences. Loratadine is available over-the-counter and is less likely to cause drowsiness compared to levocetirizine. Levocetirizine can be obtained both over-the-counter and by prescription and is known to work a bit faster than loratadine. However, levocetirizine is not recommended for people with severe kidney problems. Loratadine is generally taken once daily and is available in various forms, including tablets and liquids, while levocetirizine also comes in tablets and liquid but is typically taken in the evening. Neither medication should be combined with other antihistamines to avoid serious side effects.

  • Loratadine (Claritin)
    Levocetirizine (Xyzal Allergy)
  • Loratadine (Claritin)
    Levocetirizine (Xyzal Allergy)

  • Summary of Claritin vs. Xyzal Allergy

    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 Antihistamine

    Levocetirizine (Xyzal Allergy) is an antihistamine. It's used to relieve allergy symptoms and chronic hives in adults and children. Levocetirizine (Xyzal Allergy) is available both over the counter and by prescription, and comes as a tablet and a liquid. Your dosage can depend on your age. This medication is taken by mouth, typically once daily. Some side effects of levocetirizine (Xyzal Allergy) include drowsiness and the common cold-like symptoms.

  • Indications of Claritin vs. Xyzal Allergy

    Indications for
    •Short-term relief of allergy symptoms (runny nose, itchy nose, itchy or watery eyes)
    Indications for
    •Short-term relief of allergy symptoms (sneezing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, itching of the nose or throat)
    •Relief of itchiness due to chronic (long-term) hives - by prescription only

  • Pros and Cons of Claritin vs. Xyzal Allergy

    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 Antihistamine
    Pros
    •First-choice option for relieving allergy symptoms
    •Taken by mouth once per day
    •Liquids are fruit-flavored for better taste
    •Safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding
    Cons
    •Might make you sleepier compared to loratadine (Claritin) or fexofenadine (Allegra)
    •Might not be a good option for people with kidney problems because of higher risk of side effects
    •Tablets can't be used in children younger than 6 years

  • Common Side Effects of Claritin vs. Xyzal Allergy

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

    People 12 years and older:

    •Sleepiness (up to 6%)
    •Cold-like symptoms (up to 6%)
    •Fatigue (up to 4%)

    Children under 12 years old:

    •Fever (4%)
    •Diarrhea (up to 4%)
    •Vomiting (up to 4%)

  • Warnings of Claritin vs. Xyzal Allergy

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

  • Prices with our coupons for Claritin vs. Xyzal Allergy

    Learn more about Loratadine
    Learn more about Levocetirizine

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