Generic Claritin (Loratadine ) – 24-Hour Allergy Relief
Active Ingredient: Loratadine
Drug Class: Antihistamine
Dosage Form: Oral tablet
For: Adults and children ages 6 years and older
Use: Temporary relief of common hay fever and upper respiratory allergy symptoms
Get once-daily allergy relief with Generic Claritin containing loratadine. Loratadine is an antihistamine used to temporarily relieve sneezing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, and itching of the nose or throat caused by hay fever and other upper respiratory allergies.
Each tablet contains loratadine, the same active ingredient and strength found in standard Claritin 10 mg tablets.
Key Benefits
Provides up to 24-hour allergy symptom relief when taken as directed
Helps relieve sneezing and runny nose
Helps relieve itchy, watery eyes
Helps relieve itching of the nose or throat
Convenient once-daily tablet
Suitable for adults and children ages 6 years and older when used according to the Drug Facts label
Loratadine is commonly marketed as a non-drowsy antihistamine when taken as directed, although drowsiness can occur in some people
What Is Generic Claritin?
Generic Claritin is commonly used to describe an allergy medicine containing loratadine, the active ingredient in Claritin.
Loratadine belongs to a group of medicines called antihistamines. It works by blocking the effects of histamine, a substance released by the body during an allergic reaction. Histamine contributes to symptoms such as sneezing, itching, runny nose, and watery eyes.
What Does Loratadine Treat?
Loratadine temporarily relieves symptoms caused by hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies, including:
Sneezing
Runny nose
Itchy, watery eyes
Itching of the nose
Itching of the throat
It may be useful during seasonal allergy periods or when exposure to common indoor or outdoor allergens triggers these symptoms.
How to Take Loratadine
Adults and Children 6 Years and Older
Take 1 tablet once daily.
Do not take more than 1 tablet in 24 hours.
Loratadine tablets may generally be taken with or without food. Always follow the Drug Facts label supplied with the specific product you purchase.
Children Under 6 Years
Ask a doctor before use.
People With Liver or Kidney Disease
Ask a doctor before using loratadine. A healthcare professional should determine whether a different dose is needed.
Is Generic Claritin Non-Drowsy?
Loratadine is considered a less-sedating antihistamine and products containing loratadine are commonly labeled non-drowsy when taken as directed.
However, drowsiness can occur in some people. Taking more than the recommended amount may increase the risk of drowsiness.
If you are unsure how loratadine affects you, use appropriate caution before driving or operating machinery.
Active Ingredient
Loratadine USP per tablet
Purpose: Antihistamine
Inactive ingredients can vary by manufacturer. Check the Drug Facts panel on the package for the complete ingredient list, especially if you have allergies or ingredient sensitivities.
Who Can Use Generic Loratadine?
Loratadine 10 mg tablets may be appropriate for:
Adults with seasonal or upper respiratory allergy symptoms
Children ages 6 years and older when used as directed
People looking for once-daily antihistamine allergy relief
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure whether loratadine is appropriate for you.
Warnings and Precautions
Do Not Use
Do not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to loratadine or any ingredient in the specific product.
Ask a Doctor Before Use If You Have
Liver disease
Kidney disease
Your doctor should determine whether you need a different dose.
While Using This Product
Do not take more than directed. Taking more than the recommended dose may cause drowsiness.
Stop Use and Seek Medical Advice
Stop taking loratadine if an allergic reaction to the product occurs and seek medical help right away.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, ask a healthcare professional before using loratadine.
Keep Out of Reach of Children
In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.
Possible Side Effects
Loratadine is generally well tolerated when used as directed, but side effects can occur. Reported side effects may include:
Headache
Drowsiness
Tiredness
Stop using loratadine and seek medical attention if you develop signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing or swallowing or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Contact a healthcare professional if a side effect is severe, persistent, or concerning.
Storage
Store loratadine tablets at controlled room temperature, generally 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C).
Keep the medicine:
In its original container
Tightly closed
Away from excess heat and moisture
Out of sight and reach of children
Always follow any storage instructions printed on the specific package.
Generic Claritin vs. Claritin
Both standard Claritin tablets and generic loratadine tablets can contain loratadine as the active ingredient.
A generic or store-brand product may have different inactive ingredients, tablet appearance, packaging, or manufacturer. Check the Drug Facts label to confirm the active ingredient and strength before use.
Claritin® is a registered trademark of its respective owner. Use of the name is for active-ingredient comparison and consumer identification only.
Generic Claritin vs. Claritin-D
They are not the same product.
Standard Generic Claritin-style tablets contain loratadine only.
Claritin-D products contain loratadine plus pseudoephedrine, a decongestant. Do not assume the products are interchangeable. Check the active ingredients on the Drug Facts panel before use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the generic name for Claritin?
The active ingredient in standard Claritin allergy tablets is loratadine. Loratadine tablets are commonly sold as generic or store-brand alternatives.
What is Generic Claritin used for?
Loratadine is used to temporarily relieve allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, and itching of the nose or throat.
How often can I take loratadine?
Adults and children ages 6 years and older generally take tablet once daily. Do not take more than one tablet in 24 hours unless directed by a healthcare professional.
How long does Generic Claritin last?
Loratadine products are designed for 24-hour allergy symptom relief when taken as directed, allowing for once-daily dosing.
Can children take Generic Claritin?
The standard tablet directions are for adults and children 6 years of age and older. Ask a doctor before giving this tablet strength to a child under 6.
Can loratadine make you sleepy?
Loratadine is less likely to cause drowsiness than some older antihistamines, but drowsiness can still occur. Do not take more than directed.
Can I take loratadine if I have kidney or liver disease?
Ask a doctor before use. A healthcare professional should determine whether you need a different dose.
Can I take loratadine while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Ask a healthcare professional before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Is Generic Claritin the same as Claritin-D?
No. Loratadine-only products do not contain the decongestant pseudoephedrine found in Claritin-D.
