{"id":634928,"date":"2026-01-06T14:40:38","date_gmt":"2026-01-06T19:40:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=634928"},"modified":"2026-09-21T18:44:06","modified_gmt":"2026-09-21T22:44:06","slug":"claritin-generic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/claritin-generic\/","title":{"rendered":"Claritin vs. generic loratadine: What\u2019s the difference?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Claritin<\/a> is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication used to relieve allergy symptoms<\/a>, such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. It contains the active ingredient loratadine, which belongs to a class of drugs called antihistamines<\/a>. Claritin is available in many forms (i.e., tablets, chewable tablets, liquid solution) and is marketed under several product names (i.e., Claritin, Claritin Childrens<\/a>, and Claritin-D<\/a>, which contains loratadine and pseudoephedrine).<\/p>\n

Although many associate brand-name Claritin with allergy relief, it is also available as a generic medication.<\/p>\n\t\t\t

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Save up to 80% on Claritin with SingleCare<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t

Different pharmacies offer different prices for the same medication. SingleCare helps find the best price for you.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tClaritin 10 mg (30 Tablet)\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t23666 - Hampton, VA\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\"Kroger\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t$9.46\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\ti<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tGet free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\"Harris\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t$9.46\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\ti<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tGet free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\tSee Claritin prices at all pharmacies<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n

Is there a generic for Claritin?<\/h2>\n

Yes, the generic name for Claritin is loratadine<\/a>. The generic was approved by the FDA soon after brand-name Claritin was switched from prescription-only to over-the-counter in 2002<\/a>. Currently, both brand-name Claritin and generic loratadine are available in pharmacies across the U.S.<\/p>\n

What are the differences between brand-name and generic Claritin?<\/h2>\n

Brand-name and generic Claritin are much more similar than different. \u201cClaritin and generic loratadine have the same active ingredient, the same dose options, and the same expected effect<\/a>,\u201d says Kara Wada, MD, FAAAAI<\/a>, a board-certified allergist and immunologist in central Ohio. \u201cThe FDA requires generics to meet strict standards for quality and performance.\u201d<\/p>\n

That said, brand-name and generic drugs<\/a> often differ in two ways: Appearance and cost.\u00a0<\/p>\n

For instance, the visual difference between Claritin and generic loratadine is that the brand-name tablets are white and round, whereas the generic tablets may be oval or a different color (depending on the manufacturer).\u00a0<\/p>\n

Some patients prefer brand over generic, possibly because of a 2020 study<\/a> that found individuals taking a brand-name antidepressant<\/a> had a lower risk of hospitalization than those who took a generic. However, there is much more evidence suggesting that brand-name and generic drugs offer the same benefits. \u201cI would assure a patient who prefers the brand name that they are paying for advertising, not better medicine,\u201d says Heather Gosnell, MD,<\/a> a board-certified pediatrician<\/a> and plant-based health coach in Phoenix, Arizona.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Main differences between brand-name and generic Claritin<\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

Drug information<\/td>\nClaritin (loratadine)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Uses<\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Relieves allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy and watery eyes, and an itchy nose and\/or throat<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Standard dosage<\/td>\n\n
Common side effects<\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Headache<\/li>\n
  • Fatigue or drowsiness<\/li>\n
  • Diarrhea or nausea\u00a0<\/li>\n
  • Dry mouth<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Contraindications<\/td>\n\n
Other considerations<\/td>\n\n