Claritin
® (
loratadine) and Clarinex
® (
desloratadine) are both medications approved for treating
allergies. They are both antihistamines that can also be used to treat itching due to hives.
Many people are confused about the difference between Clarinex and Claritin. The two medicines work in similar ways, and both come in tablet, orally disintegrating tablet, and syrup form. However, Clarinex is available by prescription only, while Claritin can be purchased over the counter.
Also, different side effects have been reported with these drugs. In clinical studies, Claritin was shown to cause
headaches and drowsiness. The most common side effects reported with Clarinex are dizziness, sore throat, and nausea.
(Click Clarinex and Claritin to learn more about the differences between Clarinex and Claritin, and for information about these drugs' uses, effects, and dosing guidelines.)
