What is the Difference Between Claritin and Claritin D?

The main difference between Claritin and Claritin-D is that Claritin-D contains an added ingredient, pseudoephedrine, which is a decongestant that provides further relief of nasal congestion and sinus pressure. Both Claritin and Claritin-D contain loratadine, an antihistamine that helps block the effect of histamine and reduces allergy symptoms.

Key differences between Claritin and Claritin-D include:

Drug Class: Claritin is a second-generation antihistamine, while Claritin-D is a combination of an antihistamine (loratadine) and a decongestant (pseudoephedrine).
Dosage Forms: Claritin is available in various dosage forms, including oral capsules, tablets, and chewable tablets, as well as a syrup. Claritin-D is available in oral tablet forms only, with options for 12-hour and 24-hour dosages.
Side Effects: Claritin may cause drowsiness, but it generally causes less drowsiness than first-generation antihistamines. Claritin-D, due to the stimulant effects of pseudoephedrine, may cause trouble sleeping.
Indications: While both Claritin and Claritin-D can be used to relieve allergy symptoms, Claritin-D is specifically indicated for temporarily relieving nasal congestion and sinus pressure in addition to allergy symptoms.

Neither medication is more effective than the other at relieving allergy symptoms; the only added benefit of Claritin-D is the pseudoephedrine component that targets nasal congestion.