Claritin-D 24 Hour has efficacy comparable to Claritin-D 12 Hour in relieving allergic rhinitis symptoms while producing significantly less insomnia.

CLARITIN Syrup contains 1 mg/mL micronized loratadine, an antihistamine, to be administered orally. It also contains the following inactive ingredients: citric acid, edetate disodium, artificial flavor, glycerin, propylene glycol, sodium ben- zoate, sugar, and water. The pH is between 2.5 and 3.1.

Loratadine is known as a non-drowsy antihistamine. It's less likely to make you feel sleepy than other, so-called, sedating antihistamines such as Piriton (chlorphenamine). Most people prefer to take a non-drowsy antihistamine instead of a sedating one.

These antihistamines are much less likely to cause drowsiness:

• Cetirizine (Zyrtec, Zyrtec Allergy)
• Desloratadine (Clarinex)
• Fexofenadine (Allegra, Allegra Allergy)
• Levocetirizine (Xyzal, Xyzal Allergy)
• Loratadine (Alavert, Claritin)

“Claritin is a 24-hour antihistamine that works in the same way as Zyrtec, however, research has found that Claritin may be less potent than Zyrtec and therefore less effective,” explains Dr. Parikh. Although potential side effects may also be minimized as a result, she adds.

Claritin. Claritin is a brand name for the drug loratadine, which doesn't usually raise blood pressure. Claritin-D, a combination of loratadine and pseudoephedrine, can elevate blood pressure.

Common Claritin side effects include headache, sleepiness, and fatigue. Less commonly, some people may experience dry mouth, dizziness, or an upset stomach. Claritin side effects are typically mild and can be managed at home. If they become too bothersome, stop taking Claritin and talk to your healthcare provider.

To prevent Claritin-D from keeping you awake, don't take it close to bedtime, recommends Mayo Clinic. Or, you can try switching to just Claritin (without the decongestant). “Unless you have a stuffy nose every single day, you might not need the pseudoephedrine,” Hill says.

Take the medication at the same time daily to ensure that you don't exceed the 24-hour dose recommendation. It's best to take loratadine on an empty stomach, as food can interfere with absorption, but it will also work when taken with food.

“Claritin is a 24-hour antihistamine that works in the same way as Zyrtec, however, research has found that Claritin may be less potent than Zyrtec and therefore less effective,” explains Dr. Parikh. Although potential side effects may also be minimized as a result, she adds.

What time of day should I take Claritin®? Claritin® products are non-drowsy and can be taken at any time. Do not take more than one dose every 12 hours if you are using a 12-hour product, or one dose every 24 hours if you are using a 24-hour product. Always follow the label directions.