Claritin® FAQ

Claritin^® is the No. 1 doctor-recommended non-drowsy oral OTC allergy brand. It is an effective antihistamine that relieves allergy symptoms such as itchy eyes, nose and throat, sneezing, and runny nose for up to 24 hours. Claritin^® products are available in several forms, dosages and flavors for adults and children.

Explore Claritin® products to find one that’s right for you and your family.

Loratadine (an antihistamine ) is the active ingredient in Claritin® Tablets, Claritin® RediTabs®, Claritin® Liqui-Gels®, Children’s Claritin® Chewables, Children’s Claritin® Syrup and Claritin® RediTabs® for Juniors. Claritin-D® contains two active ingredients: loratadine and pseudoephedrine (a nasal decongestant ).

The inactive ingredients differ in each form. See individual product pages for ingredient lists.

When you inhale an airborne allergen like those from pollen , mold spores, pet dander or mold , it triggers a complicated series of reactions in your immune system known as the “allergic cascade.” This cascade ultimately leads to the release of many mediators, including histamine , which are organic compounds in the body that can cause symptoms such as itchy nose or throat and swelling of nasal passages. Claritin® hinders the part of the allergic cascade, which relieves symptoms of allergic rhinitis , or “ hay fever .”

Children age 2 and older can take Children’s Claritin® Chewables and Children’s Claritin® Syrup. Children age 6 and older can take Claritin® Tablets, Claritin® RediTabs®, Claritin® Liqui-Gels® and Claritin® Cool Mint Chewables. Children age 12 and older can take Claritin-D®. However, older children may prefer the flavors and easier delivery of Children’s Claritin® Chewables, Children’s Claritin® Syrup and Claritin® RediTabs® for Juniors. Read product labels and directions carefully before administering Claritin® to any child.

Claritin® products are non-drowsy and can be taken at any time. Do not take more than one dose every 12 hours if you are using a 12-hour product, or one dose every 24 hours if you are using a 24-hour product. Always follow the label directions. See individual product pages for label directions.

Claritin® is effective for the relief of symptoms triggered by all common airborne allergens, such as cat and dog dander, weed, grass and tree pollen , mold spores, and dust mites . The proteins in these substances trigger an immune response, which leads to allergy symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, and itchy eyes, nose and throat.

Claritin® products can be taken with or without food.

You should not cut or break Claritin® products in half. Always follow directions on the label.

Taking more than the recommended dose of Claritin® may cause drowsiness. In the case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away- always follow label directions. See individual product pages for label directions.

Claritin® products contain the active ingredient loratadine. Claritin® is not the same as Benadryl®, Zyrtec®, Allegra® or Xyzal®, which all contain different active ingredients.

See how Claritin® stacks up to other leading allergy brands.

When taken as directed, all Claritin® products do not cause drowsiness. With Claritin® and any medication, always follow dosage instructions. Contact your healthcare providers if you have any questions about your conditions or medication use.

For most people, Claritin® begins working within three hours after taking it.