Skip to main content
Drug vs. Drug

Allegra vs. Claritin: Differences, similarities, and which one is better for you

Find out if Allegra or Claritin is better for your allergies. Compare their effectiveness, side effects, dosage recommendations, and overall symptom relief.
Gerardo Sison medical writer headshot
By | Updated on Dec. 11, 2024 Medically reviewed by Chad Shaffer, MD
Rx pills comparing Allegra and Claritin

Key takeaways

  • Allegra and Claritin are both newer antihistamine drugs that are primarily used to treat allergies and hives.

  • Both of these antihistamines boast a lower likelihood of drowsiness than older generation antihistamines like Benadryl, and they are well tolerated otherwise as well.

  • Studies comparing the efficacy of Allegra and Claritin have provided mixed results on which might be better.

  • Allegra interacts with some of the same medications as Claritin, but each has its unique drug interactions to be aware of.

  • The retail price of brand-name Allegra and Claritin is quite similar, and the expense of both can be reduced with SingleCare discounts.

In this article:

If you are someone who experiences allergies, you may have been recommended an antihistamine drug such as Allegra (fexofenadine) or Claritin (loratadine). These medications work by blocking the effects of histamine when you come in contact with an allergen such as pollen, dust mites, or pet dander. Histamine can cause allergic symptoms such as sneezing, congestion, and itchy or watery eyes. 

Both Allegra and Claritin work as second-generation antihistamines to help relieve symptoms of seasonal allergies and hives. As second-generation antihistamines, they produce less sedation and drowsiness compared to first-generation antihistamines like Benadryl (diphenhydramine) or Chlor-Trimeton (chlorpheniramine).

What are the main differences between Allegra vs. Claritin?

Allegra is the brand name for fexofenadine hydrochloride. It is available in different dosage forms, such as an oral tablet, orally disintegrating tablet (ODT), and oral suspension. The oral tablet is usually used for treatment of those 12 years and older, the ODT form is often used for children aged 6 years and older, and the suspension is used for children aged 2 years and older. 

Claritin, also known by its generic name loratadine, is available in an oral tablet, capsule, and ODT form to treat people aged 6 and older. It can also be taken as a chewable tablet or oral solution in children aged 2 and older. Whereas the dose of Allegra may need to be adjusted in people with renal problems, Claritin may need to be adjusted in people with renal and/or liver problems. 

Main differences between Allegra and Claritin
Allegra Claritin
Drug class Antihistamine Antihistamine
Brand/generic status Generic version available Generic version available
What is the generic name?

Or

What is the brand name?

 Brand name: Allegra

Generic name: Fexofenadine hydrochloride

 Brand name: Claritin

Generic name: Loratadine 
What form(s) does the drug come in? Oral tablet

Orally disintegrating tablet

Oral suspension

 Oral tablet

Oral capsule

Orally disintegrating tablet 

Oral solution

Chewable oral tablet
What is the standard dosage for adults? Seasonal allergic rhinitis: 60 mg twice daily or 180 mg once daily

Chronic urticaria (hives): 60 mg twice daily or 180 mg once daily

 Seasonal allergic rhinitis: 10 mg once daily

Chronic urticaria (hives): 10 mg once daily
How long is the typical treatment? Daily as needed Daily as needed
Who typically uses the medication? 2 years and older depending on indication and the dosage form taken 2 years and older depending on indication and the dosage form taken

Conditions treated by Allegra and Claritin

Both Allegra and Claritin are used to treat seasonal allergic rhinitis, which involves inflammation of the lining of the nose due to allergens and is sometimes referred to as hay fever. These drugs can also treat perennial allergic rhinitis, which occurs year-round. Both medications can also treat chronic idiopathic urticaria, or hives, which is recurring and lasts for 6 weeks or more. 

Allegra may be prescribed off-label as a pretreatment for Hymenoptera immunotherapy, which is a type of desensitization therapy that uses bee or insect venom to decrease the severity of sting reactions. Collectively, the following conditions are the most common reasons to take Allegra:

  • Seasonal allergic rhinitis
  • Perennial allergic rhinitis
  • Pre-treatment before Hymenoptera immunotherapy

Claritin may also be prescribed off-label as an add-on treatment with other medications to help control asthma, especially asthma that is triggered by allergies. Similarly, Claritin may be prescribed off-label to help treat a type of nonallergic rhinitis called eosinophilic nonallergic rhinitis. Nonallergic rhinitis has the same symptoms as allergic rhinitis, except there may not be a known cause for it. The following uses are the most common conditions treated with Claritin:

  • Seasonal allergic rhinitis
  • Perennial allergic rhinitis
  • Allergic asthma
  • Eosinophilic nonallergic rhinitis

Is Allegra or Claritin more effective?

Allegra and Claritin are both effective at relieving symptoms of allergic rhinitis compared to using no medication at all. Studies comparing the two antihistamines have produced mixed results. Some trials looking to find which drug is superior suggest that Claritin has advantages, while others point to Allegra as the better choice.

In a randomized, double-blind clinical trial, loratadine was found to reduce symptom scores more dramatically and quickly than fexofenadine. Results showed that the active ingredient in Claritin produced a greater level of relief earlier than that of Allegra. 

In another randomized study, 688 participants with seasonal allergic rhinitis were given either Claritin, Allegra, or placebo. Results found that Allegra produced better relief of nasal congestion and eye symptoms such as itchy, watery eyes compared to Claritin. While both drugs relieved nasal symptoms, Allegra was also found to improve the overall quality of life compared to Claritin. 

Some reports say that Allegra has less sedative effects than Claritin and other antihistamines. However, one post-marketing study found that there was no significant difference in the level of sedation between Claritin and Allegra. Both drugs were found to be appropriate for workers with jobs that require some level of alertness for safety, such as flight crew. 

Coverage and cost comparison of Allegra vs. Claritin

Allegra and Claritin are not generally covered by insurance. Both drugs are over-the-counter (OTC) medications that can be purchased without a prescription. However, if deemed medically necessary, Medicaid may cover generic OTC drugs depending on your state’s program. Using a SingleCare discount card can help to lower the price of antihistamines for those paying out-of-pocket.

Allegra costs an average of approximately $34 for a 30-tablet package. However, with a SingleCare Allegra coupon, you can purchase a 30-tablet package of generic fexofenadine at a lower price of about $3. 

Claritin has an average retail cost of approximately $30 per 30 capsule packages. However, with a SingleCare Claritin coupon, you may only have to pay about $6 for the same amount of generic loratadine tablets. 

Allegra Claritin
Typically covered by insurance? No No
Typically covered by Medicare? No No
Standard dosage form 60 mg or 180 mg tablets 10 mg tablets
SingleCare cost for generic version $3+ $6+

Side effects of Allegra and Claritin

Allegra and Claritin share some mild common side effects such as headache, drowsiness, and fatigue. These side effects are also common with other second-generation antihistamines like Zyrtec (cetirizine). However, Allegra may produce less drowsiness than Claritin and other antihistamines. Side effects of Allegra and Claritin include the following:

  • Drowsiness
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Dry mouth
  • Nausea
  • Stomach discomfort
  • Back pain

Serious side effects are rare with Allegra and Claritin. However, allergic reactions to any of the ingredients in either drug are possible. Those with allergies to either drug may experience rash, swelling, or trouble breathing. Seek medical attention immediately if this occurs.

Drug interactions of Allegra and Claritin

Allegra and Claritin can both interact with the antibiotic erythromycin and the antifungal drug ketoconazole. When taken together, these interactions can cause increased levels of Allegra or Claritin in the body, which may increase the risk of side effects. Taking Claritin with the antacid drug cimetidine can likewise cause increased Claritin levels and side effects. The lethal heart arrhythmia torsades de pointes has been reported when loratadine was taken with the antiarrhythmic drug amiodarone, possibly from the two drugs interacting, increasing Claritin levels, and prolonging the QT interval.

Collectively, the drugs that interact with Claritin include:

  • Erythromycin
  • Ketoconazole
  • Cimetidine
  • Amiodarone

Taking Allegra with antacids containing aluminum or magnesium, such as Maalox, can cause decreased levels of Allegra in the body. Drinking grapefruit juice while on Allegra could do the same thing. These interactions could leave you with residual allergy symptoms like a runny nose and itchy eyes. The drugs that interact with Allegra include the following:

  • Erythromycin
  • Ketoconazole
  • Aluminum or magnesium-containing antacids
  • Grapefruit juice

Warnings of Allegra and Claritin

Allegra is labelled as being in pregnancy category C. Claritin is in pregnancy category B according to its label. No adequate trials have been performed in pregnant women taking either drug. However, there does not appear to be a risk in animal fetus studies. While they should only be taken if benefits outweigh the possible risks, they are considered to be likely safe.

Allegra should be used with caution in those with kidney problems. Because Claritin is heavily processed in the liver, it should be used with caution in those with liver problems. Claritin’s dose may need to be adjusted as well in those with kidney problems. 

Frequently asked questions about Allegra vs. Claritin

What is Allegra?

Allegra is a second-generation antihistamine that is FDA approved for seasonal allergic rhinitis and chronic urticaria (hives). It is usually taken as a 60 mg tablet twice daily or 180 mg tablet once daily. The drug can be taken regularly or on an as-needed basis.

What is Claritin?

Claritin is a commonly used antihistamine that treats allergic rhinitis and skin hives. It is usually taken as a 10 mg tablet once daily. Claritin can be taken regularly or as-needed.

Are Allegra and Claritin the same?

No, Allegra and Claritin are not the same. They are in the same class of drugs called antihistamines, but they contain different active ingredients. Allegra contains fexofenadine hydrochloride and Claritin contains loratadine. 

Is Allegra or Claritin better?

Allegra and Claritin are effective when compared to placebo. However, Claritin has been shown in some studies to provide greater relief compared to Allegra and may also be useful for people with allergic asthma. Allegra was found to be superior in other studies and may be preferred for treating itchy eye symptoms. 

Can you take Claritin and Allegra together?

Claritin and Allegra should not be taken together. Because they work in similar ways, it’s not recommended to combine two second-generation antihistamines unless under the direction of a healthcare provider. Taking both drugs at the same time may increase the risk of adverse effects. 

Is Claritin or Allegra better for postnasal drip?

Both Claritin and Allegra can treat postnasal drip and other symptoms related to allergic rhinitis. Compared to first-generation antihistamines, these drugs are both effective. However, intranasal medications like an antihistamine or corticosteroid nasal spray may offer better relief for this symptom. 

Does Allegra raise blood pressure?

Antihistamines like Allegra don’t typically affect blood pressure. However, products like Allegra-D or Claritin-D may affect blood pressure. These products contain pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine which can raise blood pressure. Consult a doctor if you have high blood pressure and allergic rhinitis.