Claritin vs Benadryl: What's The Difference?


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Table of Contents
- Key Findings
- Claritin vs Benadryl: An Overview
- How Effective Are They?
- Potential Side Effects and Cautions to Take
- Duration and Frequency of Use
- Claritin vs Benadryl: Choosing the Right Option
- Take the Next Step with Chemist Click
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
- NHS.UK (n.d). Loratadine. Retrieved 25th February 2025, from: https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/loratadine/
- NHS.UK (n.d). Acrivastine. Retrieved 25th February 2025, from: https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/acrivastine/
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.