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Compare Desloratadine vs. Loratadine

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

  • Clarinex (desloratadine)
    Loratadine (Claritin)
  • Clarinex (desloratadine)
    Loratadine (Claritin)

  • Summary of Desloratadine vs. Loratadine

    Summary for Antihistamine
    Prescription only

    Clarinex (desloratadine) is an antihistamine used to relieve allergy symptoms. It comes as a tablet and orally disintegrating tablet (ODT). Clarinex (desloratadine) is typically less likely to cause side effects, like sleepiness, than some other antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl). Clarinex (desloratadine) isn't over the counter (OTC), but instead is only available by prescription.

    Summary for Antihistamine

    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 of Desloratadine vs. Loratadine

    Indications for
    •Seasonal or year-round allergy symptoms (runny nose, itchy nose, itchy or watery eyes)
    •Long-term hives - some oral tablets only
    Indications for
    •Short-term relief of allergy symptoms (runny nose, itchy nose or throat, itchy or watery eyes)

  • Pros and Cons of Desloratadine vs. Loratadine

    Pros and Const for Antihistamine
    Pros
    •First-choice option for allergies
    •Unlikely to cause sleepiness
    •Only need to take once a day
    •Available as a tablet and orally disintegrating tablet (ODT)
    Cons
    •Available by prescription only
    •Might need a lower dose if you have liver or kidney problems because of risk of side effects
    •Tablets aren't approved for use for children younger than 12 years old
    •ODTs aren't approved for use for children younger than 6 years old
    Pros and Const for Antihistamine
    Pros
    •First-choice option for allergies
    •Tends to cause less sleepiness than some other antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
    •Liquid form and some chewable tablets okay for children as young as 2 years old to take
    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 of Desloratadine vs. Loratadine

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sore throat (4%)
    •Dry mouth (3%)
    •Sleepiness (2%)
    •Muscle pain (2%)
    •Fatigue (2%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (12%)
    •Sleepiness (8%)
    •Feeling tired (4%)
    •Dry mouth (3%)

  • Warnings of Desloratadine vs. Loratadine

    Common Side Effects for
    •Allergic reactions
    •Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - ODT formulation only
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness
    •Accidentally taking too much medication
    •Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - chewable tablets and orally disintegrating tablets

  • Prices with our coupons for Desloratadine vs. Loratadine

    Learn more about Clarinex
    Learn more about Loratadine

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