{"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":"2026-01-28T13:38:04","modified_gmt":"2026-01-28T18:38:04","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<\/span><\/a> is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication used to <\/span>relieve allergy symptoms<\/span><\/a>, such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. It contains the active ingredient loratadine, which belongs to a class of drugs called <\/span>antihistamines<\/span><\/a>. Claritin is available in many forms (i.e., tablets, chewable tablets, liquid solution) and is marketed under several product names (i.e., Claritin,<\/span> Claritin Childrens<\/span><\/a>, and<\/span> Claritin-D<\/span><\/a>, which contains loratadine and pseudoephedrine).<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

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

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

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

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

Some patients prefer brand over generic, possibly because of a<\/span> 2020 study<\/span><\/a> that found individuals taking a brand-name <\/span>antidepressant<\/span><\/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<\/span> Heather Gosnell, MD,<\/span><\/a> a<\/span> board-certified pediatrician<\/span><\/a> and plant-based health coach in Phoenix, Arizona.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Main differences between brand-name and generic Claritin<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

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