Alternatives to Claritin: What to Take When You Can't Find It

If you've been relying on Claritin (Loratadine) for allergy relief and suddenly can't find it at your local pharmacy, don't worry. There are several effective alternatives available over the counter that work in a similar way to keep your allergy symptoms under control. Whether you're dealing with hay fever, seasonal allergies, or chronic hives, you have options.

In this article, we'll explain what Claritin is, how it works, and walk you through four proven alternatives — so you can find the right fit for your needs.

What Is Claritin?

Claritin is the brand name for Loratadine, one of the most popular second-generation antihistamines in the United States. It's approved by the FDA for the treatment of:

• Allergic rhinitis (seasonal and year-round hay fever) — relieving sneezing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, and nasal congestion
• Chronic urticaria (hives) — reducing itching and the appearance of skin welts

Claritin is available over the counter and comes in multiple formulations, including 24-hour tablets, RediTabs (orally disintegrating tablets), Liqui-Gels, chewable tablets, children's syrup, and Claritin-D (which adds the decongestant Pseudoephedrine). For a complete overview, see our guide on what Claritin is, its uses, and dosage.

How Does Claritin Work?

Claritin works by blocking histamine H1 receptors in your body. When you're exposed to an allergen — like pollen, dust mites, or pet dander — your immune system releases a chemical called histamine. Histamine binds to H1 receptors and triggers the familiar allergy symptoms: sneezing, itching, swelling, and a runny nose.

Loratadine selectively blocks these peripheral H1 receptors, preventing histamine from causing symptoms. Unlike first-generation antihistamines (such as Benadryl), Claritin doesn't easily cross the blood-brain barrier, which means it provides allergy relief with minimal drowsiness. It typically starts working within 1 to 3 hours and lasts for a full 24 hours.

To learn more about how this process works, read our article on how Claritin works.

4 Effective Alternatives to Claritin

All of the alternatives listed below are second-generation antihistamines that work similarly to Claritin. They're all available without a prescription and are widely stocked at pharmacies across the country.

1. Cetirizine (Zyrtec)

Cetirizine, sold under the brand name Zyrtec, is one of the most popular alternatives to Claritin. Like Loratadine, it's a second-generation antihistamine that blocks H1 receptors to relieve allergy symptoms.

Key facts about Cetirizine:

• Dose: 10 mg once daily for adults and children 6 and older; 5 mg for children ages 2 to 5
• How it compares: Some studies suggest Cetirizine may work slightly faster and be somewhat more effective than Loratadine for certain patients, particularly for skin allergies and hives
• Drowsiness: Cetirizine is more likely to cause drowsiness than Loratadine. About 14% of users report some sedation compared to about 8% with Loratadine
• Price: Generic Cetirizine costs $3 to $8 for a 30-day supply with a discount card
• Available as: Tablets, liquid gels, chewable tablets, and children's syrup

Best for: People who want strong allergy relief and don't mind a slight chance of drowsiness.

2. Fexofenadine (Allegra)

Fexofenadine, sold as Allegra, is often called a "third-generation" antihistamine because it's the active metabolite of the older drug Terfenadine. It's considered the least sedating antihistamine available.

Key facts about Fexofenadine:

• Dose: 180 mg once daily for adults and children 12 and older; 30 mg twice daily for children ages 2 to 11
• How it compares: Fexofenadine is effective for allergic rhinitis and chronic hives with virtually no sedation
• Drowsiness: Minimal — comparable to placebo in clinical studies
• Price: Generic Fexofenadine costs $5 to $15 for a 30-day supply with a discount card
• Available as: Tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, and oral suspension
• Note: Fexofenadine should not be taken with fruit juices (orange, apple, grapefruit) as they can reduce absorption by up to 36%

Best for: People who are sensitive to drowsiness or need to stay fully alert (drivers, students, professionals).

3. Levocetirizine (Xyzal)

Levocetirizine, sold as Xyzal, is the active left-handed isomer (enantiomer) of Cetirizine. It's a potent second-generation antihistamine that became available OTC in 2017.

Key facts about Levocetirizine:

• Dose: 5 mg once daily (usually taken in the evening) for adults and children 12 and older; 2.5 mg for children ages 6 to 11
• How it compares: Levocetirizine provides the same or slightly better efficacy as Cetirizine at half the dose
• Drowsiness: Less than Cetirizine but slightly more than Loratadine or Fexofenadine. Many people take it at bedtime
• Price: Generic Levocetirizine costs $5 to $12 for a 30-day supply with a discount card
• Available as: Tablets and oral solution

Best for: People who want potent allergy relief and prefer to take their medication at bedtime.

4. Desloratadine (Clarinex)

Desloratadine, sold as Clarinex, is the active metabolite of Loratadine — meaning it's the compound your body naturally converts Claritin into after you take it. It's available by prescription only.

Key facts about Desloratadine:

• Dose: 5 mg once daily for adults and children 12 and older; 2.5 mg for children ages 6 to 11; 1.25 mg for ages 1 to 5
• How it compares: Very similar to Loratadine in effectiveness, but may have fewer drug interactions since it doesn't require the same CYP3A4 metabolism
• Drowsiness: Similar to Loratadine — minimal
• Price: Generic Desloratadine costs $10 to $25 for a 30-day supply (requires a prescription)
• Available as: Tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, and oral syrup

Best for: People who do well on Claritin and want a prescription-grade option with potentially fewer drug interactions.

Quick Comparison Chart

Here's how these alternatives stack up against Claritin:

• Claritin (Loratadine): OTC, 10 mg/day, minimal drowsiness, $2-$5 generic
• Zyrtec (Cetirizine): OTC, 10 mg/day, mild drowsiness, $3-$8 generic
• Allegra (Fexofenadine): OTC, 180 mg/day, least drowsiness, $5-$15 generic
• Xyzal (Levocetirizine): OTC, 5 mg/day, mild drowsiness, $5-$12 generic
• Clarinex (Desloratadine): Rx only, 5 mg/day, minimal drowsiness, $10-$25 generic

How to Choose the Right Alternative

When picking an alternative to Claritin, consider:

• Drowsiness sensitivity: If drowsiness is a concern, Fexofenadine (Allegra) is the best choice. If you don't mind mild sedation, Cetirizine (Zyrtec) may provide slightly stronger relief.
• Time of day: If you prefer taking allergy medication at bedtime, Levocetirizine (Xyzal) works well since any drowsiness occurs while you sleep.
• Cost: All generic second-generation antihistamines are affordable. Generic Cetirizine is typically the cheapest option.
• Children: All four alternatives are approved for pediatric use, with age-appropriate dosage forms available.

Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist before switching allergy medications, especially if you have liver or kidney conditions, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or take other medications. For information about drug interactions, see our guide on Claritin drug interactions.

Final Thoughts

If you can't find Claritin at your pharmacy, there's no need to suffer through allergy season. Cetirizine (Zyrtec), Fexofenadine (Allegra), Levocetirizine (Xyzal), and Desloratadine (Clarinex) are all effective alternatives that work through the same mechanism of blocking histamine to relieve your symptoms.

Use Medfinder to check availability of these medications at pharmacies near you. And if you're looking for ways to save, don't miss our guide on how to save money on Claritin and allergy medications.