| Claritin | Xyzal | |
|---|---|---|
| Generic | loratadine | levocetirizine |
| Active ingredient | Loratadine 10 mg | Levocetirizine dihydrochloride 5 mg |
| Type | Oral antihistamine (pill) | Oral antihistamine (pill) |
| Label uses | runny nose, itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, itching of the nose or throat | runny nose, sneezing, itchy, watery eyes, itching of the nose or throat |
| Nasal congestion on label | No | No |
| Drowsiness | Labeled non-drowsy | May cause drowsiness |
| How often | Once a day | Once a day, in the evening |
| Youngest age on label | 6 years | 6 years |
| Maximum | 1 tablet (10 mg) in 24 hours | 1 tablet (5 mg) in 24 hours for ages 12 to 64 |
The main differences
Both are oral antihistamines and list the same core uses on the label: itching of the nose or throat, itchy, watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing.
On drowsiness: Claritin: The carton says "Non-Drowsy" when taken as directed. Taking more than directed may cause drowsiness. Xyzal: The label says "drowsiness may occur" and to avoid alcohol. It is taken in the evening.
Dosing: Claritin is once a day; Xyzal is once a day, in the evening.
Which might suit you
- you need to stay alert during the day
- you want a single daily pill
- you prefer a once-a-day dose at night
This is based only on what the two labels say. Neither label claims to work better than the other. A pharmacist can help if you have other conditions or take other medicines.
Dose by age
Claritin
- Adults and children 6 years and over: 1 tablet daily. Not more than 1 tablet in 24 hours.
- Children under 6: Ask a doctor.
- Liver or kidney disease: Ask a doctor.
Xyzal
- Adults and children 12 to 64: 1 tablet (5 mg) once daily in the evening. Not more than 1 tablet in 24 hours.
- Children 6 to 11: Half a tablet (2.5 mg) once daily in the evening. Not more than half a tablet in 24 hours.
- Adults 65 and older: Ask a doctor.
- Children under 6: Do not use.
Key warnings
Claritin
- Do not use if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this product or any of its ingredients.
- Ask a doctor before use if you have liver or kidney disease.
- Do not take more than directed.
- If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use.
Xyzal
- Do not use if you have kidney disease.
- Do not use if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this product or any of its ingredients.
- Ask a doctor before use if you have ever had trouble urinating or emptying your bladder.
- Alcohol, sedatives and tranquilizers may increase drowsiness.
Compare prices for Claritin Compare prices for Xyzal
Frequently asked questions
Is Claritin or Xyzal better?
Neither label claims to work better than the other. Which suits you depends on your symptoms, age, and whether drowsiness matters, as compared above. A pharmacist can help you choose.
Can you take Claritin and Xyzal together?
Both are antihistamines, and the labels don't cover combining them. Ask a pharmacist or doctor before combining allergy medicines.
Sources: Claritin Drug Facts label (Drugs.com, from the manufacturer's label); Xyzal Allergy 24HR Drug Facts label (Drugs.com, from the manufacturer's label). Checked October 17, 2026. Not medical advice. How we check.