Claritin vs. Claritin D

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

Claritin D (loratadine and pseudoephedrine) and Claritin (loratadine) are antihistamines 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.

A difference is that Claritin D contains a decongestant and is also used to treat nasal congestion and sinus pressure.

Both Claritin D and Claritin are available over-the-counter (OTC) and in generic versions.

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 Claritin D include:

• dizziness,
• drowsiness,
• palpitations,
• dry mouth,
• headache,
• fatigue,
• nausea,
• stomach pain,
• constipation,
• loss of appetite,
• stomach upset,
• nervousness,
• sleep problems (insomnia),
• sore throat,
• blurred vision,
• flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling under your skin),
• restlessness or excitability (especially in children),
• skin rash or itching,
• problems with memory or concentration, or
• ringing in your ears.

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.

Claritin D (loratadine and pseudoephedrine) is a combination antihistamine and decongestant used to treat allergies, nasal congestion, and sinus pressure. Claritin D is available over-the-counter and in generic versions.

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

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

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.

Claritin D is available in 12-hour and 24-hour dosing. Do not use if you are taking an MAOI or have taken an MAOI in the past 2 weeks. Claritin D should not be used by patients with severe high blood pressure (hypertension), glaucoma or severe coronary artery disease without physician supervision. Claritin D may interact with other medicines that can cause drowsiness (cold or allergy medicine, sedatives, narcotic pain medicines, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicines for seizures, depression or anxiety), blood pressure medications, diuretics (water pills), medications to treat irritable bowel syndrome, bladder or urinary medications, aspirin or salicylates, beta-blockers, or antidepressants. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use. If pregnant or breastfeeding, consult a doctor before use. Stop use if an allergic reaction occurs or symptoms do not resolve within 7 days.