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Claritin vs Benadryl: What's The Difference?

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The key difference is that Claritin is less likely to make you feel sleepy compared to Benadryl.
So, the million-dollar question is, how do I get rid of hay fever ASAP?
Both Claritin and Benadryl are proven to relieve irritating allergy symptoms such as sneezing and itchy eyes; however, it can be hard to know which one to choose because they work in slightly different ways.
This guide will help you decide on the best treatment option for your specific symptoms, so you can look forward to being symptom-free free whatever the season.

 

Key Findings

  • Claritin offers allergen protection for up to 24 hours, and you’re less likely to experience sleepiness, but it can take longer to kick in  
  • Benadryl works in as little as 1 hour, but can require more frequent use, which may cause drowsiness  
  • Claritin is effective for long-term use because of minimal drowsiness, while Benadryl may be preferable for short-term outbreaks 

Claritin vs Benadryl: An Overview

Feature Claritin (Loratadine) Bendaryl (Acrivastine)
Active Ingredient Loratadine Acrivastine
Onset of Action 1 - 3 hours 1 - 2 hours
Duration of Effect 24 hours 4 - 6 hours
Drowsiness Non-drowsy Can cause drowsiness
Best Used For Long-term use Short-term use
Common Side Effects Headaches, dry mouth, mild tiredness Drowsiness, faster heart rate, dizziness, blurred vision
Suitability Safe to use every day during allergy season Best for short periods due to the risk of sedation
Dosing Frequency Once daily Up to 2 - 3 times a day
Ideal For Chronic, persistent allergies Sudden, severe flare-ups
Safety for Long-term Use Safe for long-term, continuous use Not recommended for prolonged daily use
Overall Consideration Less likely to disrupt daily activities due to non-drowsiness Requires caution due to potential drowsiness

 

How Effective Are They?

Claritin

A superstar in the antihistamine world, Claritin offers powerful protection from pollen without causing drowsiness. Claritin is the brand name for Loratadine, which is the active ingredient in this medication. It works by blocking the effects of histamine and reduces symptoms such as sneezing, runny and blocked nose, and itchy eyes. 

So, how long does it take for Claritin to work? It can take up to three hours, which is a little longer than alternative antihistamines, but the effects are long-lasting. They can manage your symptoms from seasonal allergies for up to 24 hours.  

Benadryl

Benadryl works fast, kicking in at least an hour sooner than Claritin. It’s a fantastic prescription hay fever medicine which helps to reduce allergy symptoms, as well as eczema and hives, and because it is a second-generation antihistamine, it’s less likely to make you feel sleepy, although this is still a possibility for some people.  

Unlike the once-a-day dosage with Claritin, you may need to take Benadryl more often, up to three times a day, as the effects last for a shorter duration.

Potential Side Effects and Cautions to Take

Claritin

Despite Claritin being a non-drowsy antihistamine, the most common side effect listed on the NHS medicines directory is sleepiness, which affects more than one in ten people.  

There are a few more common side effects to look out for: 

  • Headaches 
  • Fatigue 
  • Nervousness 

Most people who do experience these will do so mildly. You can manage headaches by staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water, but if they’re bothersome, ask your pharmacist for some over-the-counter pain relief.  If the side effects don’t pass, it’s worth mentioning this to your GP or pharmacist so they can assess your medication and find you an alternative hay fever tablet.  

Benadryl

Fatigue and feeling sleepy can affect one in ten people, even though Benadryl is classified as a non-drowsy antihistamine.  

Around 1 in 100 people may experience additional common side effects, such as: 

  • Dry mouth 
  • Feeling dizzy 

Chewing sugar-free gum can help with a dry mouth. If you have dizziness, lying down until it passes can help. It’s best to stop taking Benadryl if these side effects are continuous and speak to your pharmacist or GP for advice; you may need to try a different antihistamine. 

Duration and Frequency of Use

Claritin

If you’re wanting to manage chronic allergic conditions, Claritin may be a good choice as it is considered safe for long-term use. It is a well-tolerated antihistamine when taken over longer periods for hay fever or year-round allergies.  

Its non-drowsy formulation means you won’t need to think about any sedating effects, which is the last thing you need when managing hay fever symptoms long-term. 

The dosage is the same when taken long-term, which is one tablet a day. You should always inform a healthcare professional if you’re taking any medications and want to use Claritin long-term, in case of any interactions.  

Bendaryl

Benadryl is known to cause a bit more drowsiness than Claritin, so it’s better suited for occasional use, treating sudden flare-ups.  

Dosage is a bit more frequent, too. Unlike Claritin’s one tablet a day dosing, you may need to take Benadryl up to 3 times a day. This is because it works for a shorter duration.  

Keep an eye on your dosage and any side effects. Benadryl is excellent for short-term relief, but if you want something to manage long-term allergies, Claritin may be a better option.

Claritin vs Benadryl: Choosing the Right Option

So, if you’re undecided about which hay fever medicine to choose, you may want to consider the type and severity of your symptoms and your lifestyle. 

There are a variety of options when it comes to antihistamine tablets. If you have chronic allergies, Claritin can help with your symptoms on a long-term basis. It’s less likely to make you feel drowsy like some first-generation antihistamines. Claritin is available to buy in a non-branded version named Loratadine, which has the same active ingredient and works in the same way, but is more affordable.  

Benadryl may be better for you if you’re prone to short, acute allergy flare-ups. It’s also a non-drowsy formulation, but is more likely to make you feel sleepy than Claritin. It requires multiple dosages per day, so you’ll need to be confident that you’ll do so. If not, a once-a-day antihistamine tablet such as Claritin may be better for you.  

Both hay fever medicines can cause side effects such as sleepiness and fatigue, although they are typically mild for most people. 

Take the Next Step with Chemist Click

Now that you’ve established the key differences between the two, it’s time to take the first steps to managing your hay fever symptoms at home. Our clinical team can help take away the confusion when it comes to finding the best hay fever tablets and tailor a treatment plan for your needs. Whether you’re looking for non-drowsy antihistamine tablets or a fast-acting nasal spray, Chemist Click can point you in the right direction.  

Once you’ve chosen your treatment, you’ll need to complete a quick and easy online consultation form, which will be assessed by one of our in-house pharmacists.  

FAQs

What is the Very Best Antihistamine?

This depends on the type of symptoms you have and your lifestyle. Non-drowsy antihistamines such as Cetirizine and Fexofenadine can be a good choice if you need to stay alert throughout the day, while some first-generation antihistamines are better taken in the evening, just before you go to bed. If you have a busy lifestyle and want long-lasting protection, you may prefer to opt for one-a-day allergy tablets, which typically work for up to 24 hours.  

Is Claritin Better than Benadryl?

Claritin tends to be preferable for more people because its non-drowsy formulation makes it suitable for daytime use. Benadryl is as effective in treating hay fever symptoms, but is more likely to leave you feeling sleepy. 

Sources


Whilst all of our content is written and reviewed by healthcare professionals, it is not intended to be substituted for or used as medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.

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