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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)

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Levocetirizine

(Xyzal Allergy)

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Summary for Claritin

Over-the-counter

Loratadine (Claritin) is an over-the-counter antihistamine for adults and kids. It helps relieve allergy symptoms like a runny nose, sneezing, and watery eyes. This allergy medication is taken by mouth, usually once a day. It comes as different formulations, including regular tablets, chewable tablets, and a liquid. Loratadine (Claritin) is a non-drowsy allergy medication because it's less likely to make you sleepy. Other side effects can include headache and feeling tired. Loratadine (Claritin) is available as a brand-name and generic.

Indications for Claritin

  • Short-term relief of allergy symptoms (runny nose, itchy nose or throat, itchy or watery eyes)

Pros and Cons for Claritin

Pros

Cons

  • Can take 1 to 3 hours to start working
  • Regular tablets and quick-dissolving tablets not for children younger than 6
  • Might have a higher risk of side effects if you have liver or kidney problems

Common Side Effects for Claritin

  • Headache (12%)
  • Sleepiness (8%)
  • Feeling tired (4%)
  • Dry mouth (3%)

Warnings for Claritin

  • Sleepiness
  • Accidentally taking too much medication
  • Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - chewable tablets and orally disintegrating tablets

Summary for Xyzal Allergy

Prescription or over-the-counter

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 for Xyzal Allergy

  • 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 for Xyzal Allergy

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

Common Side Effects for Xyzal Allergy

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 for Xyzal Allergy

  • Sleepiness
  • Accidentally taking too much medication

Prices with our coupons for Claritin vs. Xyzal Allergy

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Loratadine30 tablets / 24 hour
$7.94$16.02
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Levocetirizine30 tablets / 5mg
$10.16$76.99
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