Allegra vs. Claritin

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

Allegra (fexofenadine hydrochloride) and Claritin (loratadine) are antihistamines used to treat allergic symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis (sneezing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes), hives, and allergic skin rashes.

Allegra and Claritin are available over-the-counter (OTC) and as generics.

Side effects of Allegra and Claritin that are similar include diarrhea, sleepiness, drowsiness, fatigue/tiredness, and headache.

Side effects of Allegra that are different from Claritin include nausea, upset stomach, muscle or back discomfort or pain, and menstrual cramps.

Side effects of Claritin that are different from Allegra include nervousness, stomach pain, dry mouth, sore throat, hoarseness, eye redness, blurred vision, nosebleed, and skin rash.

Both Allegra and Claritin may interact with certain antibiotics and antifungal medications.

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

Claritin may also interact with acid-reducing drugs.

Common side effects of Allegra include:

• nausea,
• diarrhea,
• upset stomach,
• muscle or back discomfort or pain,
• sleepiness,
• drowsiness,
• tiredness,
• headache, and
• menstrual cramps.

Contact your doctor if you have serious but less common side effects of Allegra including:

• allergic reactions,
• fever,
• chills,
• body aches,
• cough, or
• other flu symptoms.

Allegra is available as a generic drug.

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).

Allegra (fexofenadine hydrochloride) is an antihistamine used to treat allergic symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis.

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.

Allegra may interact with:

• ketoconazole, or
• erythromycin

Allegra may also interact with other medicines that make you sleepy such as:

• cold or allergy medicine,
• sedatives,
• narcotic pain medicine,
• sleeping pills,
• muscle relaxers, and
• medicine for seizures, depression, or anxiety

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.

Allegra is available in several strengths and forms; as tablets in strengths of 30, 60 and 180 mg, as 30 mg fast orally disintegrating tablets (available in foil blister packs and labeled "ODT"; the drug should not be touched by skin as it may begin to dissolve and reduce the oral dose) and as an oral suspension of 30mg per 5 ml.

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.