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Drug overview & main differences | Conditions treated | Efficacy | Insurance coverage and cost comparison | Side effects | Drug interactions | Warnings | FAQ
Allergies can cause runny nose, watery eyes or itchy eyes, an itchy throat or sore throat, sneezing, and nasal congestion. Whether your allergies are seasonal or year-round (from allergens like pet dander or dust mites), these pesky allergies affect more than 50 million Americans yearly. Luckily, many allergy medications, both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC), are available to help relieve those bothersome symptoms and make allergy sufferers feel better.
Two popular FDA-approved allergy medicines are Xyzal (levocetirizine) and Claritin (loratadine). Both medications are known as H1 blockers, or antihistamines. By blocking the action of histamine, they treat allergy symptoms. Xyzal and Claritin are less sedating than first-generation antihistamines like Benadryl (diphenhydramine).
Xyzal and Claritin are classified as non-sedating antihistamines along with other popular medications such as Zyrtec (cetirizine) and Allegra (fexofenadine). However, they still do have the potential to cause some drowsiness.
Xyzal and Claritin both bring allergy relief, but there are some notable differences between the two drugs.
What are the main differences between Xyzal and Claritin?
Xyzal (levocetirizine) and Claritin (loratadine) are antihistamines. They are available over-the-counter (OTC) in brand name and generic, and in various formulations to suit patient preferences. Xyzal is also still available in prescription form. Claritin is also available as Claritin-D, which contains a decongestant (pseudoephedrine) to help with a stuffy nose.
| Main differences between Xyzal and Claritin? | ||
|---|---|---|
| Xyzal | Claritin | |
| Drug class | Antihistamine | Antihistamine |
| Brand/generic status | Brand and generic | Brand and generic |
| What is the generic name? | Levocetirizine | Loratadine |
| What form(s) does the drug come in? | Tablet, liquid | Tablet, chewable tablet, liquid, liquid gel, redi-tabs (dissolving tablet) |
| What is the standard dosage? | Adults: 2.5 to 5 mg every evening Children: varies by age |
Adults: 10 mg daily Children: varies by age |
| How long is the typical treatment? | Varies | Varies |
| Who typically uses the medication? | Adults and children 6 years and older | Adults and children 2 years and older |
Conditions treated by Xyzal and Claritin
Xyzal and Claritin are both indicated for seasonal allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria (hives). Xyzal is also indicated for perennial (year-round) allergic rhinitis.
| Condition | Xyzal | Claritin |
| Perennial allergic rhinitis | Yes | Off-label |
| Chronic idiopathic urticaria | Yes | Yes |
| Seasonal allergic rhinitis | Yes | Yes |
Is Xyzal or Claritin more effective?
One meta-analysis looked at several studies comparing Xyzal and Claritin for allergic rhinitis and found Xyzal to be significantly better than Claritin in relieving allergic symptoms.
When looking at treating hives, one study found Xyzal to be more effective and have fewer side effects than Claritin.
In practice, either Xyzal or Claritin can be effective. Since both medications are available OTC, the question of which drug is better seems to be a matter of trial and error and personal preference. For example, some people prefer a dissolving tablet, while others prefer a liquid. People may also experience different side effects, which could also affect preference. You can also ask your healthcare provider for professional medical advice regarding allergy treatment with Xyzal or Claritin.
Coverage and cost comparison of Xyzal vs. Claritin
Xyzal is available in both prescription (as generic only) and OTC form (as both brand and generic). The average out-of-pocket price of generic Xyzal (levocetirizine) is about $50 for 5 mg, 30 tablets but you can purchase it for less than $20 with a SingleCare levocetirizine coupon. Insurances and Medicare prescription plans typically cover the generic prescription form of levocetirizine. To purchase the OTC version of Xyzal, you will need a prescription.
Claritin is available OTC in both brand and generic. Claritin’s average retail price for 30, 10 mg tablets ranges from $14 (generic) to $35 (brand). You can get the generic version of Claritin for as low as $3.34, using a SingleCare Coupon. Claritin is typically not covered by insurance or Medicare prescription plans; however, some state Medicaid plans may cover generic loratadine. You can use a SingleCare card for Claritin, along with a prescription from your healthcare provider.
Contact your insurance provider for up-to-date information regarding medication coverage.
| Xyzal | Claritin | |
| Typically covered by insurance? | Yes (prescription generic form) | No (because it is only OTC); some states may cover generic under Medicaid |
| Typically covered by Medicare Part D? | Yes (prescription generic form) | No |
| Standard dosage | 30, 5 mg tablets | 30, 10 mg tablets |
| Typical Medicare copay | $0-44 | $10 |
| SingleCare cost | $17+ | $3.34+ |
Common side effects of Xyzal vs. Claritin
The most common side effects of Xyzal and Claritin are sleepiness, fatigue, and dry mouth. Headache is also a common side effect of Claritin.
Other adverse effects may occur. Consult your healthcare provider for a full list of side effects.
| Xyzal | Claritin | |||
| Side effect | Applicable? | Frequency | Applicable? | Frequency |
| Drowsiness/sleepiness | Yes | 6% | Yes | 8% |
| Throat inflammation | Yes | 4% | No | – |
| Fatigue | Yes | 4% | Yes | 4% |
| Dry mouth | Yes | 2% | Yes | 3% |
| Headache | No | – | Yes | 12% |
Source: DailyMed (Xyzal), Product Information (Claritin)
Drug interactions of Xyzal vs. Claritin
High doses of theophylline (a breathing medication) may result in slightly increased levels of Xyzal. Alcohol should not be used in combination with Xyzal because the combination can cause impairment and affect alertness. Also, CNS (central nervous system) depressants should not be taken with Xyzal due to additive effects. CNS depressants include drugs such as anxiety medications, insomnia medications, and barbiturates. CNS depressants are sometimes called sedatives or tranquilizers.
While the Claritin prescribing information does not list these same interactions, it is advisable to check with your healthcare provider about the use of alcohol or CNS depressants with Claritin, based on your medical profile.
Other drug interactions may occur. Ask your healthcare provider if Xyzal or Claritin is safe to take with the other medications you take.
| Drug | Drug class | Xyzal | Claritin |
| Theophylline | Xanthine | Yes | No |
| Alcohol | Alcohol | Yes | Possibly |
| Anxiety medications such as Xanax (alprazolam), sleeping medications such as Ambien (zolpidem), barbiturates such as phenobarbital | CNS depressants | Yes | Possibly |
Warnings of Xyzal and Claritin
- Xyzal and Claritin warnings include drowsiness/sedation or sleepiness, and fatigue. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how you react to Xyzal or Claritin.
- Avoid alcohol and CNS depressants (see drug interaction section above) while taking Xyzal, because the combination can affect alertness and cause impairment. Consult your healthcare provider about the use of alcohol or CNS depressants with Claritin.
- If you have kidney problems, ask your doctor before using Xyzal. If you have kidney or liver problems, ask your doctor before taking Claritin.
- Do not use Xyzal or Claritin if you have had an allergic reaction to the medication or any of the ingredients.
- Xyzal or Claritin may also cause urinary retention and should be used with caution in patients with a prostate condition. Consult your healthcare provider for medical advice if you have prostate problems.
- When using the liquid formulation of Xyzal or Claritin, only use an approved measuring cup or oral syringe. Do not use a kitchen spoon to measure the dosage.
- Follow dosage instructions on the packaging or prescription label. Do not take additional doses.
Frequently asked questions about Xyzal vs. Claritin
What is Xyzal?
Xyzal is an antihistamine. The active ingredient is levocetirizine. It treats symptoms of allergies and hives. Xyzal is available by prescription or OTC.
What is Claritin?
Claritin is an OTC antihistamine that is used to treat allergies and hives. It is available in brand and generic and in a variety of formulations.
Are Xyzal and Claritin the same?
Xyzal and Claritin are both antihistamines and work the same way. They have different ingredients, and some other differences, such as in dosage, side effects, and drug interactions, as outlined above.
Is Xyzal or Claritin better?
Some studies have found Xyzal to be better in comparison to Claritin in terms of efficacy and side effects. However, everyone is different and can react differently to either medication in terms of response and side effects. Finding the best medication for you may be a matter of trial and error and/or a consultation with your allergist or healthcare provider.
Can I use Xyzal or Claritin while pregnant?
There is very little data about the use of Xyzal or Claritin in pregnancy. Xyzal or Claritin may be safe to use during pregnancy—ask your healthcare provider if one of these drugs is safe for you. If you are already taking Xyzal or Claritin and find out that you are pregnant, consult your healthcare provider for guidance. Consult your healthcare provider for advice if you are breastfeeding.
Can I use Xyzal or Claritin with alcohol?
Xyzal should not be combined with alcohol. The combination can increase the risk of CNS depression, which can impair alertness and cause excessive drowsiness. It can also increase the risk of respiratory depression, causing slowed breathing.
Claritin’s prescribing information does not list a direct interaction with alcohol. However, it is best to check with your healthcare provider to see if you can drink alcohol with Claritin, based on your individual medical profile, because additive effects may still be possible.
Does Xyzal help post-nasal drip?
Xyzal can help a post-nasal drip. You can use other, non-medicinal methods as well, such as elevating your pillow and using a humidifier when you sleep. If Xyzal is not adequately helping, consult an allergist.
Why is Xyzal taken at night?
The Xyzal manufacturer recommends taking Xyzal at night, to help relieve allergy symptoms while you sleep, get a good night’s sleep, and wake up feeling refreshed.
What should you not take with Claritin?
Claritin is safe in combination with most drugs. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if Claritin is safe with all of the other medications you take, including prescription, OTC, and vitamins.
