Does Claritin make you drowsy?
Allergies are a common health issue that many people deal with. From seasonal hay fever to year-round allergies, the symptoms can be anything but pleasant. Claritin (loratadine) is one of the most popular antihistamines used to treat allergy symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, or itchy eyes, nose, or throat. It is available in many dosage forms, including pills, chewable tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, and syrup. It also comes combined with the decongestant pseudoephedrine under the brand name Claritin-D. Talk with your healthcare provider before taking Claritin-D, as it can raise blood pressure.
One of the advantages of taking Claritin is that it causes less drowsiness than first-generation antihistamines like Benadryl (diphenhydramine) or second-generation antihistamines like Zyrtec (cetirizine). However, it may still make some people drowsy. In clinical trials, 8% of people taking 10 mg of Claritin experienced drowsiness, compared to 6% of those taking a placebo. If Claritin makes you drowsy, try taking it at bedtime. If that doesn’t help, talk with your healthcare provider about alternatives.
Claritin FAQs
What is Claritin used for?
Claritin (loratadine) is a brand-name antihistamine approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat allergic rhinitis (hay fever), which causes sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy nose, and watery eyes. Common allergens include pollen, pet dander, mold, and dust mites.
How does Claritin work?
Claritin blocks histamine receptors. Histamine is a chemical produced by your immune system in response to allergens or infections. It’s responsible for allergy symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, coughing, and itchy eyes. Loratadine, the active ingredient in Claritin, is a second-generation antihistamine that helps reduce these symptoms without significant drowsiness in most people.
What is the dose of Claritin?
Your healthcare provider will determine your dose based on your age, medical history, and symptoms.
- Adults and children 6+: 10 mg once daily (max: 10 mg/day)
- Children 2 to under 6: 5 mg once daily (max: 5 mg/day)
- Children under 2: Consult a pediatrician
What are the side effects of taking Claritin?
Common side effects:
- Headache
- Sleepiness
- Fatigue
- Dry mouth
Other possible side effects:
- Cough
- Dizziness
- Sore throat
Rare but serious side effects:
- Anaphylaxis (hives, swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, shortness of breath)
- Complications in people with PKU if taking chewables or ODTs that contain phenylalanine
Disclaimer: These are not all of the possible side effects. Contact your healthcare provider with any concerns. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Are there any drug interactions with Claritin?
Yes. Always tell your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and vitamins you’re taking. Interactions may include:
- Other medications that cause drowsiness (e.g., antihistamines, opioids, sleep aids)
- Erythromycin
- Cimetidine
- Ketoconazole
Who should not take Claritin?
- People with known allergies to loratadine or inactive ingredients in the formulation
- Those with PKU should avoid forms containing phenylalanine (chewables or ODTs)
What does your healthcare provider need to know before starting Claritin?
- Liver or kidney disease
- Pregnancy or planning pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
- PKU diagnosis
- Upcoming allergy testing (Claritin can affect results)
Is it better to take Claritin at night or in the morning?
This depends on how Claritin affects you. Most people can take it any time, but if it makes you drowsy, take it at night. Avoid activities that require alertness, like driving, until you know how it affects you.
What is the difference between Claritin and Benadryl?
- Claritin (loratadine): Non-sedating, once daily, preferred for long-term use
- Benadryl (diphenhydramine): Sedating, taken every 4–6 hours, also used for motion sickness and sleep
Claritin is generally better tolerated in older adults and causes less drowsiness than Benadryl.
Should you take Claritin with food?
Yes — Claritin can be taken with or without food.
Can you take Claritin only as needed?
Yes. If you don’t have daily allergy symptoms, you can take Claritin only when needed. However, if you have persistent symptoms, regular use may be more effective.
Related Medications
- Allegra (fexofenadine)
- Clarinex (desloratadine)
- Claritin Syrup (loratadine)
- Flonase Nasal Spray (fluticasone)
- Zyrtec (cetirizine)
- Xyzal (levocetirizine)