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Compare Ibuprofen vs. Claritin

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

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.

  • Ibuprofen
    Loratadine (Claritin)
  • Ibuprofen
    Loratadine (Claritin)

  • Summary of Ibuprofen vs. Claritin

    Summary for NSAID

    Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that's used to temporarily relieve fever, pains, and aches in adults and children. In general, ibuprofen is taken by mouth every 4 to 8 hours, though the dosage depends on your age, weight, and other medical problems. Ibuprofen side effects include nausea, heartburn, and stomach pain, but taking it with food might help prevent these side effects. Ibuprofen is available over the counter and by prescription, depending on the strength you need.

    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.

  • Indications of Ibuprofen vs. Claritin

    Indications for

    Over-the-counter ibuprofen:

    •Short-term relief of minor aches and pains due to headache, muscle aches, minor arthritis pain, toothache, backache, the common cold, or menstrual cramps
    •Fever

    Prescription ibuprofen:

    •Mild-to-moderate pain
    •Pain from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or osteoarthritis (OA)
    •Pain from menstrual cramps
    Indications for
    •Short-term relief of allergy symptoms (runny nose, itchy nose, itchy or watery eyes)

  • Pros and Cons of Ibuprofen vs. Claritin

    Pros and Const for NSAID
    Pros
    •Works well for fever, pain, and swelling
    •Available over the counter and by prescription and as lower-cost generics
    •Available as tablets, capsules, chewable tablets, and an oral liquid
    •Chewable tablets and liquid can be used in children
    Cons
    •Lasts for only about 6 hours, so might need to take multiple doses throughout the day
    •Might not be the best option if you're 65 years or older or if you have kidney, heart, liver, or bleeding problems
    •Has risk of stomach bleeding, stomach ulcers, and kidney problems
    •Shouldn't take other NSAIDs at the same time because of higher risk for side effects
    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.

  • Common Side Effects of Ibuprofen vs. Claritin

    Common Side Effects for

    The following side effects were reported in up to 9% of people in clinical studies.

    •Nausea
    •Stomach pain
    •Heartburn
    •Dizziness
    •Rash
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (12%)
    •Sleepiness (8%)
    •Fatigue (4%)
    •Dry mouth (3%)

  • Warnings of Ibuprofen vs. Claritin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Stomach bleeding and ulcers
    •Heart attack and stroke
    •High blood pressure and heart failure
    •Kidney damage
    •Liver problems
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Harm to unborn babies
    •Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - chewable tablets only
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness
    •Accidentally taking too much medication
    •Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU)

  • Prices with our coupons for Ibuprofen vs. Claritin

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