Key takeaways:
Loratadine (Claritin, Alavert) is an over-the-counter antihistamine that treats allergy symptoms. How much loratadine costs without insurance may depend on your dose and dosage form, among other factors.
With a prescription, the average cash price of 30 loratadine 10 mg tablets is $8.02 without insurance or discounts. But you could pay as little as $4.78 for the same quantity and dose with a GoodRx discount — or get the medication for free with a GoodRx Companion subscription.
Asking for a 90-day supply or using a tax-advantaged health account could also help you lower your out-of-pocket costs.
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Loratadine (Claritin, Alavert) is an over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine. It treats allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, itchy eyes, and a runny nose. Since allergies can stick around for weeks or even months, the cost of taking loratadine regularly can add up.
How much you pay for loratadine may depend on the dosage form, dose, and quantity you get, among other factors. Here’s what to know about how much loratadine costs without insurance, along with ways to lower your out-of-pocket costs.
How much does loratadine cost without insurance?
Loratadine is available in several forms, including tablets, orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs), and an oral solution. The price of 30 loratadine 10 mg tablets can range from around $6 to $20 if you purchase the medication OTC. You can also purchase loratadine from the pharmacy with a prescription from a healthcare professional.
The chart below shows the average retail prices for different forms and doses of brand-name Claritin and generic loratadine when purchased with a prescription.
What factors affect the cost of loratadine?
Several factors can affect what you pay for loratadine.
Brand-name vs. generic availability
Loratadine is available as a generic medication. But there are also brand-name versions, such as Claritin and Alavert. Generic loratadine usually costs less than the brand-name versions. Choosing a generic version can help you save money without sacrificing quality.
Dose and quantity
Loratadine comes in different doses and dosage forms. Which product you choose can affect what you pay. For example, the chewable tablets or ODTs may cost more than the regular tablets. The number of tablets in the package can also change the total price. Looking at the price per dose can help you understand the overall costs of a package size.
Location
Where you live can affect how much you pay for medication. GoodRx research shows that average cash prices for prescription medications vary among U.S. cities. For example, people living in New Orleans tend to pay more than people living in Dallas.
Pharmacy
Pharmacies set their own cash prices for OTC and prescription medications. So the cost of loratadine can vary among locations — even ones within the same local area. GoodRx can help you compare prices at pharmacies in your area to find the best deal.
Insurance coverage
Insurance may help lower the price of loratadine. But you’ll need a prescription from a healthcare professional in order for the pharmacy to bill your plan.
Keep in mind that many prescription insurance plans don’t cover OTC medications. You can review your plan’s summary of benefits and coverage and formulary (list of covered medications) to confirm you have coverage and find out your copay or coinsurance amount.
What to do if loratadine isn’t covered by your insurance
If your insurance doesn’t cover loratadine, try these options:
Use GoodRx coupons or other discount offers to lower your costs.
Talk with your prescriber about a prescription-only antihistamine, such as desloratadine (Clarinex), which is more likely to be covered by your insurance.
Ways to save on loratadine
Here are five ways to save on the cost of loratadine.
1. Use a GoodRx discount
A free GoodRx discount could help you save on the cost of loratadine. But you’ll need a prescription from a healthcare professional to take advantage of savings.
The chart below shows the lowest GoodRx prices compared with the average retail prices for common forms and doses of generic loratadine.
Generic product and quantity | Average cash price | GoodRx low price |
Loratadine 10 mg, 30 tablets | ||
Loratadine 10 mg, 30 ODTs |
To save with a GoodRx discount:
Visit www.goodrx.com or download the GoodRx app.
Search for “loratadine” or “children’s loratadine” and click on “Start saving.”
Select your dose, form, and quantity.
Choose to receive the discount information by text or email, or print it out. If you’re using the app, you can also download the coupon to your phone.
If possible, provide the discount information to the pharmacy before arriving to pick up your prescription to avoid delays.
Keep in mind: GoodRx savings may vary by pharmacy and geographic location. The GoodRx website and app can help you compare prices in your area.
2. Try GoodRx Companion
You can access discounted prescription medications with a GoodRx Companion subscription. More than 250 medications (including some forms of loratadine) are available for free, with hundreds more for under $10. The program also gives you access to lower prices for online care visits and discounts on dental, vision, laboratory, and imaging services. Prescription medication prices and availability may vary by pharmacy.
3. Sign up for manufacturer savings
You can access exclusive savings on OTC brand-name Claritin products by signing up for discounts on the manufacturer’s website. Coupon redemptions are limited to one per month per person. Other limitations may apply.
4. Ask about larger packages or a 90-day supply
If you take loratadine every day, you may be able to save on the price per pill by choosing a larger OTC package or filling a prescription for a 90-day supply.
Some insurance plans may also offer a lower copay or coinsurance amount for a 3-month supply. Just keep in mind that you may need to use a preferred mail-order pharmacy to access these savings.
5. Tap into your HSA, FSA, or HRA
If you have a health savings account (HSA), flexible spending account (FSA), or health reimbursement arrangement (HRA), you may be able to use it to lower your out-of-pocket costs for loratadine. These tax-advantaged accounts allow you to pay for eligible healthcare expenses with tax-free dollars, reducing your overall spending.
HSA funds generally roll over from year to year. FSA rules vary by employer, so check whether your plan offers a carryover option or grace period. Be sure to keep your receipts and confirm eligibility with your account administrator.
Frequently asked questions
Claritin is considered a nondrowsy antihistamine. But it can make some people feel sleepy. Taking Claritin at night may help manage this side effect. You can also talk to your prescriber or pharmacist about other options if the drowsiness doesn’t improve.
Yes, loratadine can help with allergy symptoms in children ages 2 and older. Just be sure to follow the recommended dosage on the package, or the dosage recommended by your child’s pediatrician.
Yes, generic loratadine is the same as brand-name Claritin. Generic medications are FDA approved to work the same way as their brand-name counterparts. So generic loratadine will work the same way as Claritin, and it may also help you save money.
Claritin is considered a nondrowsy antihistamine. But it can make some people feel sleepy. Taking Claritin at night may help manage this side effect. You can also talk to your prescriber or pharmacist about other options if the drowsiness doesn’t improve.
Yes, loratadine can help with allergy symptoms in children ages 2 and older. Just be sure to follow the recommended dosage on the package, or the dosage recommended by your child’s pediatrician.
Yes, generic loratadine is the same as brand-name Claritin. Generic medications are FDA approved to work the same way as their brand-name counterparts. So generic loratadine will work the same way as Claritin, and it may also help you save money.
The bottom line
Loratadine (Claritin, Alavert) is an over-the-counter antihistamine that treats allergy symptoms. How much loratadine costs without insurance may depend on your dose and dosage form, among other factors.
With a prescription, the average cash price of 30 loratadine 10 mg tablets is $8.02 without insurance or discounts. But you could pay as little as $4.78 for the same dose and quantity with a GoodRx discount — or get the medication for free with a GoodRx Companion subscription. Asking for a 90-day supply or using a tax-advantaged health account could also help you lower your out-of-pocket costs.
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