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Drug Info

Can you take ibuprofen with Claritin?

There are no known interactions between Claritin and ibuprofen
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By | Jul. 20, 2024 Medically reviewed by Anne Jacobson, MD, MPH
Two Rx tablets: Can you take ibuprofen with Claritin?

Key takeaways

  • Claritin is an antihistamine that can treat allergy symptoms, and ibuprofen is an NSAID used for pain and inflammation. Both are available over the counter.

  • Claritin and ibuprofen don’t have any proven drug interactions so that most people can take them at the same time. But it’s best to speak with a healthcare provider if you have any other medications, pre-existing conditions, or concerns.

  • You typically won’t need to wait after taking Claritin to take ibuprofen. Just be aware of each medication’s possible side effects.

In this article:

When allergens such as dust, animal dander, and springtime pollen begin to affect your eyes, nose, and head, Claritin and ibuprofen may be your go-to medications for relief. Claritin (loratadine) is an antihistamine that can relieve a runny nose, watery eyes, and other allergy symptoms, while the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) ibuprofen can ease pain and inflammation.

If these medications appear to be compatible, you are correct. However, it is generally advised to consult a healthcare professional before combining medications. Claritin and ibuprofen are typically safe to take together.

Can you take Claritin and ibuprofen together?

“Yes, you can take these medications together. There are no interactions between these two drugs,” says Dr. Daniel Kim, DO, a family physician with Medical Offices of Manhattan and contributor to LabFinder. Over-the-counter (OTC) allergy medicines like Claritin, Allegra, Zyrtec (cetirizine), and Benadryl (diphenhydramine) are usually safe to take with NSAIDs, Tylenol, or other OTC painkillers. This assumes you follow the dosage instructions and only take them as directed. 

Claritin-D is also typically safe to take with ibuprofen since the only difference in its formula is the addition of a sinus decongestant called pseudoephedrine, which is also compatible with NSAIDs.

But check the ingredients because not every product contains just ibuprofen. Advil Cold & Sinus, for example, also contains pseudoephedrine, and Motrin PM contains diphenhydramine. So, using one of these alongside Claritin-D or Benadryl could put you over the recommended dosage for their active ingredients.

In short, most people can safely take Claritin and ibuprofen together. However, it is important to review each product’s label, and if there is any uncertainty or a need for medical advice, consult a healthcare professional first.

Does Claritin have ibuprofen in it?

No, Claritin does not contain ibuprofen. According to the FDA’s label, its active ingredient is 10 mg of loratadine. Claritin tablets also have the inactive ingredients corn starch, lactose, and magnesium stearate. At the same time, Claritin syrup contains citric acid, edetate disodium, artificial flavor, glycerin, propylene glycol, sodium benzoate, sugar, and water.

Loratadine and ibuprofen have different mechanisms of action in the body, so Claritin should be safe for anyone allergic to ibuprofen or other NSAIDs. Anyone concerned about a potential allergic reaction should consult their healthcare provider.

What happens if you take Claritin and ibuprofen together?

When the body senses an allergen, it releases immune system chemicals called histamines, which can cause inflammation and other issues. Loratadine blocks these chemicals, preventing sneezing, allergic rhinitis, hives, and other common allergy symptoms. Ibuprofen (brand names: Advil, Motrin) inhibits prostaglandins to help reduce inflammation and pain. Neither influences or hinders the other’s effectiveness so that they can work well together.

However, each has its own set of increased risks of potentially serious side effects and precautions you should know.

Side effects

Even though Claritin and ibuprofen don’t have specific interactions, “it is still important to keep an eye out for any possible adverse reactions,” says Dr. Andrew Youssouf, MD, medical director of Ikon Recovery Centers. “While Claritin may cause drowsiness in some cases, it is still considered less likely than other antihistamines. Also, taking Ibuprofen on an empty stomach or frequently can lead to irritation of the stomach lining and potentially result in discomfort or ulcers.” 

Per MedlinePlus, Claritin’s other side effects may include:

  • Headaches
  • Sore throat
  • Dry mouth
  • Nosebleeds
  • Mouth sores
  • Difficulty sleeping or sleepiness
  • Weakness
  • Eye irritation
  • Stomach pain
  • Diarrhea

There’s some crossover with ibuprofen’s list of common side effects, which includes:

  • Heartburn
  • Gassiness
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Stomach pain
  • Nausea
  • Constipation
  • Fluid retention
  • Liver problems
  • Ears ringing
  • Rash
  • Itching
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Cough
  • Decreased appetite

For either drug, seek immediate medical attention at the first sign of a severe allergic reaction, including a rash, itching, trouble breathing, or swelling of the hands, face, or mouth.

Other precautions

Both meds also have specific warnings and precautions. For example, “those with liver or kidney problems, asthma, and gastrointestinal disorders should seek guidance from a medical professional before mixing these medications,” says Dr. Youssouf. “This also applies to pregnant or breastfeeding women.” Claritin hasn’t shown negative effects during pregnancy, although it can transmit to breast milk in small amounts.

Ibuprofen has a somewhat longer list of precautions than Claritin does. Most importantly, people who have recently had a heart attack shouldn’t take it. Anyone with high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, a recent stroke, or other forms of heart disease should talk to a healthcare provider before taking it. Additionally, anyone who has asthma, nasal polyps, swelling of the extremities, lupus, liver disease, bleeding disorders, or kidney disease should consult a healthcare professional. Finally, ibuprofen can harm an unborn baby if taken around 20 weeks or later.

Ibuprofen may also increase the risk of anemia, bleeding, hypertension, and kidney damage. Since the liver processes ibuprofen, it may lead to liver issues as well, which is why it’s typically discouraged to take ibuprofen while drinking or to treat a hangover.

How long after taking Claritin can I take ibuprofen?

Most people don’t need to wait between Claritin and ibuprofen unless their doctor specifically recommends it. Typically, taking them together is fine, and “there is no need to alter either Claritin or ibuprofen dosing when doing so,” according to Dr. Kim. For ibuprofen, that’s 200–400 mg every 4–6 hours, not to exceed 1200 mg in a day unless a doctor prescribes it. Claritin is a 24-hour medicine, so the dosage is just one 10 mg tablet once per day. 

Is it safe to take Claritin and ibuprofen? 

In most cases, yes, you can take Claritin and ibuprofen simultaneously, as long as you follow each drug’s dosage instructions and directions from your doctor. Each drug has some potential side effects, and certain people should talk to a doctor before taking them. However, if you are experiencing significant allergies and aches, most individuals can safely use this antihistamine and painkiller combination to alleviate their symptoms.

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