Claritin® (Loratadine) Allergy Relief Tablets and 24-Hour Options

What Claritin® Is and How It Works

Claritin® is the brand name for loratadine, a second‑generation antihistamine used for seasonal and perennial allergy symptoms. It relieves sneezing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, and itchy throat. Options include standard Claritin allergy pills (10 mg once daily, non drowsy) and Claritin-D products that add a decongestant for nasal congestion. Many shoppers compare claritin price without insurance when choosing a package size.

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Loratadine blocks peripheral H1 histamine receptors. This reduces the cascade that drives allergy symptoms, with minimal penetration into the brain. That is why Claritin is considered non drowsy for most users. Claritin-D pairs loratadine with pseudoephedrine, an oral decongestant that shrinks swollen nasal passages. Claritin comes as tablets, rapidly disintegrating tablets, and liquid gels. Claritin-D comes as extended-release tablets in 12 hour and 24 hour strengths.

Dosage and Usage

• Adults and children 6 years and older (Claritin 10 mg loratadine): 1 tablet once daily. Do not exceed 10 mg in 24 hours unless directed by a healthcare professional.
• Children under 6 years: follow pediatric labeling for the specific product or seek guidance from a healthcare professional.
• Claritin-D 12 Hour (loratadine 5 mg/pseudoephedrine 120 mg): 1 tablet every 12 hours; do not exceed 2 tablets in 24 hours. Not for children under 12 years.
• Claritin-D 24 Hour (loratadine 10 mg/pseudoephedrine 240 mg): 1 tablet once daily; do not exceed 1 tablet in 24 hours. Not for children under 12 years.
• Swallow tablets with water. Claritin-D tablets are extended-release; do not crush, chew, or split.
• May be taken with or without food. Avoid taking Claritin-D close to bedtime due to possible stimulation.
• Missed dose: take when remembered unless close to the next dose. Do not double up.

• Store most Claritin products at 15–30 °C (59–86 °F) in a dry place.
• Keep in original blister or bottle with the cap tightly closed.
• Protect from moisture and direct heat; do not store in the bathroom.
• Travel: carry tablets in your hand luggage. Keep below 30 °C (86 °F) and away from humidity.
• Bring enough supply for the entire trip, plus a few extra days.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Benefits and Savings

Claritin allergy medicine provides 24-hour symptom relief with once-daily dosing. It helps control sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and throat irritation while staying non drowsy for most people. Claritin-D 12 hour and Claritin-D 24 hour add decongestant action for sinus pressure and nasal stuffiness caused by allergies. Many patients value the predictable relief and simple daily schedule.

Buying from Canada often brings 60–80% savings versus typical US pharmacy prices. Multi-month packs can lower the claritin cost per month, and you can set gentle reorder reminders. Budget-conscious customers also compare claritin price without insurance when choosing between Claritin and Claritin-D.

To see current deals, visit our promotions page for a claritin coupon.

Side Effects and Safety

• Common with loratadine: headache, dry mouth, fatigue, somnolence, nausea, stomach discomfort, and throat irritation.
• Less common: dizziness, nervousness, rash, or diarrhea.
• With Claritin-D (pseudoephedrine): insomnia, restlessness, jitteriness, faster heartbeat, increased blood pressure, dry mouth, and urinary difficulty.
• Allergic reaction symptoms: hives, swelling of lips or tongue, or breathing trouble require urgent care.

Serious effects are rare. Seek prompt care for severe rash, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, fainting, seizures, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or sudden severe headache. Claritin-D should be avoided with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or within 14 days of stopping an MAOI. Use caution with glaucoma, prostate enlargement, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease. Pregnant or breastfeeding patients should consult a healthcare professional before using any allergy medicine.

Onset Time

Loratadine starts working within 1–3 hours for many people. Symptom control often improves further after the first day of steady dosing. For congestion, the decongestant in Claritin-D 12 hour or Claritin-D 24 hour can begin to ease nasal blockage within 1–2 hours, with benefits lasting through the labeled dosing interval.

Compare With Alternatives

Cetirizine (often branded as Zyrtec) is another second‑generation antihistamine. It may act a bit faster for some users but can be more sedating. Those sensitive to drowsiness sometimes prefer Claritin as a daytime option.

Fexofenadine (commonly known as Allegra) is a low-sedating antihistamine with 12-hour and 24-hour dosing choices. It can be a good alternative when loratadine does not provide enough relief or when drug interactions favor fexofenadine.

Intranasal corticosteroids such as fluticasone or mometasone treat nasal inflammation directly and can be combined with an oral antihistamine for moderate to severe seasonal symptoms. For practical self-care tips, see our article Seasonal Allergies Frequently Asked Questions Resolved.

Combination Therapy

• Claritin plus an intranasal steroid for persistent nasal symptoms.
• Claritin plus saline nasal rinses to help clear allergens and mucus.
• Claritin plus lubricating or antihistamine eye drops for itchy, watery eyes.
• Avoid using Claritin with other oral antihistamines at the same time unless advised by a healthcare professional.
• Avoid combining Claritin-D with other decongestants, stimulants, or excessive caffeine to limit insomnia and blood pressure spikes.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Claritin is suitable for adults and children who need once-daily, non drowsy allergy control. Claritin-D 12 hr and Claritin-D 24 hour are options when congestion is significant, but they are intended for adults and adolescents 12 and older.

Claritin or Claritin-D may not suit people with certain conditions. Claritin-D should be avoided or used only under professional guidance in patients with high blood pressure, heart rhythm problems, glaucoma, urinary retention, thyroid disease, or diabetes. Those on MAOIs should not use Claritin-D. Patients with severe liver or kidney disease may need adjusted antihistamine dosing.

To save on claritin allergy pills, consider larger packs when appropriate, since multi-month supplies and periodic bulk promotions can reduce the monthly claritin cost. Set a reminder to reorder a week before you run out so you maintain steady control of seasonal symptoms. Cost-conscious buyers often compare options for claritin allergy medicine without insurance to match their budget and symptom needs.

Authoritative Sources

Claritin official consumer information and products

Health Canada Drug Product Database: Loratadine listings

DailyMed drug label search: loratadine and loratadine/pseudoephedrine

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This page is for educational purposes only and does not replace advice from your healthcare professional.