{"id":3190,"date":"2018-10-10T21:20:32","date_gmt":"2018-10-11T01:20:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=3190"},"modified":"2026-05-15T17:19:57","modified_gmt":"2026-05-15T21:19:57","slug":"allegra-vs-claritin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/allegra-vs-claritin\/","title":{"rendered":"Allegra vs. Claritin: Differences, similarities, and which one is better for you"},"content":{"rendered":"

Allegra<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Claritin<\/span><\/a> are over-the-counter (OTC) drugs that block the effects of histamine after exposure to an allergen like tree pollen or pet dander. They\u2019re often used for hives and other symptoms of <\/span>seasonal allergies<\/span><\/a>, such as sneezing, a runny nose, and itchy or watery eyes. Both are second-generation antihistamines, which means they cause less drowsiness than older options like Benadryl (diphenhydramine) and Chlor-Trimeton (chlorpheniramine).<\/span><\/p>\n

What are the main differences between Allegra vs. Claritin?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Allegra<\/span> is the brand name for <\/span>fexofenadine<\/span><\/a>. It\u2019s available in different forms, including a tablet, oral suspension, and orally disintegrating tablet (ODT). Allegra is usually taken as 60 mg twice daily or 180 mg once daily. It\u2019s commonly taken in adults and children older than 2 years of age.<\/span><\/p>\n

Claritin,<\/span> known by its generic name <\/span>loratadine,<\/span><\/a> is available as a regular tablet, chewable tablet, capsule, oral solution, and ODT form. It\u2019s usually taken as 10 mg once daily or 5 mg twice daily, with the dosage depending on a person\u2019s age and symptoms. Claritin is typically taken by adults and children over 2.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Main differences between Allegra and Claritin<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

Drug information<\/strong><\/td>\nAllegra<\/b><\/td>\nClaritin<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Drug class<\/span><\/td>\nAntihistamine<\/span><\/td>\nAntihistamine<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Brand\/generic status<\/span><\/td>\nGeneric version available<\/span><\/td>\nGeneric version available<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the generic name?<\/span><\/td>\nBrand name: Allegra<\/span><\/p>\n

Generic name: Fexofenadine\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n

Brand name: Claritin<\/span><\/p>\n

Generic name: Loratadine\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

What form(s) does the drug come in?<\/span><\/td>\nOral tablet<\/span><\/p>\n

Orally disintegrating tablet<\/span><\/p>\n

Oral suspension<\/span><\/td>\n

Oral tablet<\/span><\/p>\n

Oral capsule<\/span><\/p>\n

Orally disintegrating tablet\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Oral solution<\/span><\/p>\n

Chewable oral tablet<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

What is the standard dosage for adults?<\/span><\/td>\n60 mg twice daily or 180 mg once daily<\/span><\/td>\n5 mg twice daily or 10 mg once daily<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
How long is the typical treatment?<\/span><\/td>\nDaily as needed<\/span><\/td>\nDaily as needed<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Who typically uses the medication?<\/span><\/td>\n2 years and older depending on indication and the dosage form taken<\/span><\/td>\n2 years and older depending on indication and the dosage form taken<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Conditions treated by Allegra and Claritin<\/span><\/h2>\n

Both <\/span>Allegra<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Claritin<\/span><\/a> are used to treat seasonal and perennial (year-round) allergic rhinitis, which involves inflammation of the lining of the nose due to allergens and is sometimes referred to as <\/span>hay fever<\/span><\/a>. Both medications are also approved for chronic urticaria, or hives, which is recurring and lasts for six weeks or more.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In particular, these drugs may be helpful for the following symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n

Itchy skin<\/span><\/h3>\n

Both medications may help with mild allergy-related itching, especially itching caused by hives or contact with allergens. They\u2019re not effective treatments for <\/span>eczema<\/span><\/a> or other non-histamine types of itching.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ear congestion<\/span><\/h3>\n

Oral antihistamines like Allegra and Claritin do not directly help relieve <\/span>ear congestion<\/span><\/a>. However, they can help reduce inflammation and mucus caused by allergies, which may help reduce pressure in the ears.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Postnasal drip<\/span><\/h3>\n

Both drugs may help reduce <\/span>postnasal drip<\/span><\/a> caused by allergic rhinitis. They directly reduce the inflammatory effects of histamine that can cause a runny nose and subsequent postnasal drip.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Cough<\/span><\/h3>\n

Allegra and Claritin may help with managing a <\/span>cough<\/span><\/a> caused by allergic rhinitis, especially if the cough is caused by postnasal drip. However, they\u2019re not effective for coughs from colds, asthma flare-ups, or infections.<\/span><\/p>\n

These drugs are only effective for symptoms caused by allergies. Since they block the action of histamine, they won\u2019t work for other conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n

Is Allegra or Claritin more effective?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Allegra and Claritin are both more effective at relieving symptoms of allergic rhinitis than a placebo or using nothing at all. Studies comparing the two antihistamines have produced mixed results.<\/span><\/p>\n

In one large <\/span>randomized trial<\/span><\/a>, both drugs were effective with mild side effects. However, Allegra helped manage eye symptoms and nasal congestion better than Claritin, with an improved overall quality of life. Another study found that Allegra provided relief faster and had stronger effects for <\/span>histamine-related skin reactions<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Still, not everyone reacts the same to these medications. One clinical trial found slightly better overall symptom relief with Claritin. In addition, when people didn\u2019t respond to the first medication they tried, they improved more after <\/span>switching to Claritin<\/span><\/a> than after switching to Allegra.<\/span><\/p>\n

Allergy Medicine Coupons & Resources<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Coverage and cost comparison of Allegra vs. Claritin<\/span><\/h2>\n

Allegra and Claritin are not generally covered by insurance. Both drugs are OTC medications that can be purchased without a prescription. However, if deemed medically necessary, Medicaid may cover generic OTC drugs depending on your state\u2019s program. Using a <\/span>SingleCare discount card<\/span><\/a> can help lower the price of an antihistamine for those paying out-of-pocket.<\/span><\/p>\n

Allegra costs an average of around $29 for a 30-tablet package of the 180-mg strength. However, with a SingleCare <\/span>Allegra coupon<\/span><\/a>, you can purchase a 30-tablet package of generic fexofenadine at a lower price of about $4 at Walmart.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Claritin has an average retail cost of approximately $34 per 30, 10 mg tablets. However, with a SingleCare <\/span>Claritin coupon<\/span><\/a>, you may only have to pay about $4 for the same amount of generic loratadine tablets at Walgreens.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

To use a SingleCare coupon for an OTC drug, you\u2019ll need a <\/span>prescription<\/span><\/a> from your doctor or healthcare provider.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Cost and insurance coverage<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

Cost information<\/td>\nAllegra<\/b><\/td>\nClaritin<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by insurance?<\/span><\/td>\nNo<\/span><\/td>\nNo<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by Medicare?<\/span><\/td>\nNo<\/span><\/td>\nNo<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Quantity<\/span><\/td>\n30, 180 mg tablets<\/span><\/td>\n30, 10 mg tablets<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
SingleCare cost for generic version<\/span><\/td>\nSee latest prices<\/span><\/a><\/td>\nSee latest prices<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

The SingleCare prices in this article are the most accurate at the time of publishing in ZIP code 23666 as of 11\/24\/25. Prices vary by pharmacy. Visit our each coupon page for updated prices near you.<\/small><\/p>\n

Side effects of Allegra and Claritin<\/span><\/h2>\n

Allegra and Claritin share some potential side effects, such as headache, drowsiness, and dizziness. These side effects are also common with other second-generation antihistamines like <\/span>Zyrtec (cetirizine)<\/span><\/a>. However, Allegra may produce less drowsiness than Claritin and other antihistamines.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Side effects of Allegra and Claritin may include the following:<\/span><\/p>\n