Claritin vs. Xyzal

• Are Claritin and Xyzal the Same Thing?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Claritin?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Xyzal?
• What is Claritin?
• What is Xyzal?
• What Drugs Interact with Claritin?
• What Drugs Interact with Xyzal?
• How Should Claritin Be Taken?
• How Should Xyzal Be Taken?

Claritin (loratadine) and Xyzal (levocetirizine dihydrochloride) are antihistamines used to treat allergy symptoms such as itching, sneezing, runny nose, and allergic skin rashes.

Claritin and Xyzal are available over-the-counter (OTC) and Claritin is also available as a generic.

Common side effects of Claritin include:

• headache,
• sleepiness,
• feeling tired,
• drowsiness,
• fatigue,
• nervousness,
• stomach pain,
• diarrhea,
• dry mouth,
• sore throat,
• hoarseness,
• eye redness,
• blurred vision,
• nosebleed, or
• skin rash.

Tell your doctor if you experience serious side effects of Claritin including fast or uneven heart rate, feeling like you might pass out, jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes), or seizures (convulsions).

Common side effects of Xyzal include:

• drowsiness,
• fatigue,
• weakness,
• tired feeling,
• stuffy nose,
• sinus pain,
• sore throat,
• cough,
• vomiting,
• diarrhea,
• constipation,
• dry mouth, or
• weight gain

Tell your doctor if you have serious side effecs of Xyzal including:

• lightheadedness,
• nosebleeds (especially in a child),
• pain or fullness in your ear,
• hearing problems,
• depression,
• agitation,
• aggression,
• hallucinations,
• numbness or tingling around your lips or mouth,
• yellowing of your skin or eyes (jaundice),
• painful or difficult urination,
• dark-colored urine,
• foul-smelling stools,
• fever,
• stomach pain, or
• loss of appetite

Claritin (loratadine) is an antihistamine used to treat allergy symptoms. Claritin blocks the action of histamine, a substance in the body that initiates allergic symptoms like itching, sneezing, runny nose, and allergic skin rashes. Claritin is available as a generic drug.

Xyzal is a medicaiton that is used to treat allergy symptoms associated with hay fever. Xyzal is also used to treat hives.

Claritin may interact with certain antibiotics, antifungal medications, and acid-reducing drugs.

Xyzal may interact with alcohol, other medicines that make you sleepy (such as other cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression, or anxiety). Xyzal may also interact with ritonavir or theophylline.

Claritin is available as a 10 mg tablet, a 5 or 10 mg rapidly-disintegrating tablet, a 10 mg chewable tablet, and a syrup (5 mg per 5 ml). Claritin is taken once a day. Drug interactions may occur with certain antibiotics, antifungal medications, and acid-reducing drugs. Warnings may apply to individuals who have asthma, kidney disease, or liver disease. People who have phenylketonuria (PKU) should avoid certain brands of orally disintegrating tablets that may contain aspartame. Claritin is generally avoided during pregnancy and nursing. Pregnant women may take Claritin only if it is clearly needed. Nursing mothers should consult their doctor before breastfeeding. Claritin should not be used in children younger than 6 years of age unless directed by a doctor. Chewable tablets should not be used in children younger than 2 years of age unless directed by a pediatric doctor.

Xyzal is available as 2.5 mg/5 mL (0.5 mg/mL) oral solution and as 5 mg breakable (scored) tablets, allowing for the administration of 2.5 mg, if needed. Xyzal can be taken without regard to food consumption.