Key takeaways
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and loratadine (Claritin) are both over-the-counter medications, but they serve different purposes. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain, reduce fever, and lessen inflammation. It works by blocking proteins called cyclooxygenase (COX) that cause these symptoms. On the other hand, loratadine is an antihistamine that helps relieve allergy symptoms like runny nose, itchy eyes, and sneezing by blocking histamine, a natural chemical in your body. While ibuprofen can be taken every 4 to 8 hours depending on the dosage, loratadine is typically taken once a day. Ibuprofen can cause side effects like nausea, heartburn, and stomach pain, whereas loratadine might cause headaches, sleepiness, and dry mouth. Additionally, ibuprofen is available in various forms, including tablets, capsules, and liquids, while loratadine comes in tablets, chewable tablets, and oral solutions.
