Claritin (Loratadine): Uses, Dosage and Side Effects in Canada

Claritin is a non-prescription, non-drowsy antihistamine (loratadine) for hay fever and hives. Learn the label dose, side effects, warnings and when to see a doctor.

allergyDoctor-reviewedOver-the-counterAvailable in Canada
Illustration of a blister card of tablets for Claritin (loratadine)

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Overview

Claritin is a brand name for loratadine, a second-generation antihistamine. It is sold as a non-drowsy antihistamine because loratadine does not readily enter the brain. A small number of people still feel sleepy.

Health Canada has authorized Claritin for the symptoms of hay fever (allergic rhinitis) and for hives and other allergic skin conditions. It comes as 10 mg tablets and liquid capsules, Rapid Dissolve tablets that melt on the tongue, and Claritin Kids oral solution and Rapid Dissolve tablets for children 2 years and older.

Claritin is sold without a prescription in Canada. If your symptoms do not improve, or you are not sure it is safe for you, BC residents can speak with a BC-licensed doctor by phone through Avee Health.

In Canada, Claritin is authorized to relieve:

  • Symptoms of seasonal and year-round allergic rhinitis (hay fever), such as sneezing, a runny or itchy nose, and itchy, burning eyes
  • Chronic hives (urticaria) and other allergic skin conditions

The children's products are authorized for seasonal allergies. Claritin Kids oral solution is also authorized for hives.

Claritin relieves symptoms. It does not cure allergies, and it is not a treatment for a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). Call 911 for trouble breathing, throat swelling or fainting.

Generic name

Loratadine

Drug class

Second-generation antihistamine

Category

allergy

Availability

Over-the-counter

In Canada

Available

How Claritin Works

During an allergic reaction the body releases histamine, which causes sneezing, a runny nose, itchy watery eyes and hives. Loratadine blocks the H1 receptors that histamine acts on, which eases these symptoms.

Most people feel relief within 2 hours, and one dose lasts 24 hours. Loratadine acts mainly outside the brain, which is why it is less likely to cause drowsiness.

Dosage Instructions of Claritin

Follow the package directions. The usual doses are:

  • Adults and children 12 years and over: 10 mg once a day (one 10 mg tablet, liquid capsule or Rapid Dissolve tablet, or two 5 mg Rapid Dissolve tablets)
  • Children 2 to 9 years who weigh 30 kg or less: 5 mg once a day (5 mL of Claritin Kids oral solution, or one 5 mg Claritin Kids Rapid Dissolve tablet)
  • Children 10 years and over who weigh more than 30 kg: 10 mg once a day (10 mL of oral solution, or two 5 mg Rapid Dissolve tablets)
  • Children under 2 years: not recommended, because it has not been shown to be safe and effective at this age

If your child's age and weight do not fit the same group, ask a pharmacist which dose to use.

Take one dose in 24 hours and no more. Swallow tablets with water. Rapid Dissolve tablets melt on the tongue, need no water, and should be taken on an empty stomach.

How long to take it: adults and children 12 and over can take Claritin for up to 6 months. Ask a doctor before using it for longer. Children 2 to 12 should not take it for more than 14 days unless a doctor recommends it.

Missed dose: take it when you remember. Do not take more than one dose in 24 hours.

People with severe liver disease need a lower starting dose. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking Claritin.

Storage Instructions

Store tablets and oral solution at 15°C to 30°C, and protect tablets from moisture. Store Rapid Dissolve tablets at 20°C to 25°C and take each one as soon as you open its blister. Keep out of the reach of children.

Side Effects of Claritin

Side effects are usually mild. In clinical trials in adults taking 10 mg once a day, the most common were:

  • Headache: 8%, compared with 6% with placebo
  • Sleepiness or sedation: 8%, compared with 6% with placebo
  • Dry mouth: 4%, compared with 2% with placebo
  • Fatigue: 4%, the same as with placebo

Fewer than 1% of people had dizziness, cough, increased appetite or palpitations. Stomach discomfort and nausea can also occur. In children, nervousness and overactivity have been reported, and stomach or bowel upset may be slightly more common in children who weigh 30 kg or less.

Serious effects are rare. Stop taking Claritin and get medical help right away if you have:

  • Signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as a rash, swelling of the face, lips or throat, or trouble breathing
  • A fast or pounding heartbeat
  • Signs of liver problems, such as yellowing of the skin or eyes
  • A seizure

Important Safety Information About Claritin

  • Allergy: do not use Claritin if you are allergic to loratadine, desloratadine or any ingredient in the product.
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding: do not use Claritin. Its safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established, and loratadine passes into breast milk. Ask a doctor or pharmacist what you can use instead.
  • Liver disease: loratadine stays in the body longer in people with severe liver disease, so a lower starting dose is needed. Ask a doctor or pharmacist first.
  • Kidney disease: no dose change is needed, but people with severe kidney disease should use Claritin with caution. Ask a doctor or pharmacist first.
  • Children: not recommended under 2 years.
  • Driving: Claritin is unlikely to make you sleepy, but see how it affects you before you drive or use machinery.
  • Overdose: if you or a child take too much, call a poison control centre, doctor or pharmacist right away.

Drug Interactions

Tell your pharmacist about everything you take, including non-prescription and natural health products.

  • Ketoconazole, erythromycin and cimetidine: these raise the level of loratadine in the blood. Studies found no clinically significant effects, including on heart rhythm. Ask a pharmacist if you take one of them.
  • Other medicines that slow how the liver breaks down drugs: use Claritin with caution and ask a pharmacist first.
  • Alcohol: in studies, loratadine did not add to the effects of alcohol.
  • Allergy skin tests: stop Claritin about 48 hours before testing, because antihistamines can hide a positive result.
  • Other antihistamines and cold or allergy products: ask a pharmacist before combining them with Claritin.

Brands & DIN Number of Claritin

Brand Names

Claritin

Key Takeaways

  • 1Claritin is loratadine, a second-generation antihistamine sold without a prescription in Canada for hay fever and hives.
  • 2The dose for adults and children 12 and over is 10 mg once a day. Do not take more than one dose in 24 hours.
  • 3Children 2 to 9 who weigh 30 kg or less take 5 mg once a day. Claritin is not recommended under 2 years.
  • 4Relief usually starts within 2 hours and lasts 24 hours.
  • 5In adult trials, 8% of people taking Claritin reported sleepiness, compared with 6% taking a placebo.
  • 6Do not use Claritin during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
  • 7People with severe liver disease need a lower starting dose. Stop Claritin about 48 hours before allergy skin tests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a prescription for Claritin in Canada?
No. Claritin is sold without a prescription in Canada. A pharmacist can help you choose a product and check that it is safe with your other medicines and health conditions.
How much does Claritin cost in Canada, and does BC PharmaCare cover it?
The price depends on the pharmacy, the form and the package size, so ask your pharmacist. BC PharmaCare does not cover medicines bought over the counter unless you are eligible under a specific PharmaCare plan. Coverage rules change, so check with BC PharmaCare or your pharmacist.
Does Claritin make you drowsy?
Usually not. Loratadine does not readily enter the brain. In adult clinical trials, 8% of people taking Claritin reported sleepiness, compared with 6% taking a placebo. See how you react before driving or using machinery.
How long does Claritin take to work?
Most people feel relief within 2 hours. One dose lasts 24 hours, so it is taken once a day.
Can I take Claritin while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. Claritin should not be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Its safety has not been established, and loratadine passes into breast milk. Ask a doctor or pharmacist what you can use instead.
What is the difference between Claritin and Reactine?
They contain different medicines. Claritin is loratadine and Reactine is cetirizine. Both are second-generation antihistamines taken once a day for hay fever and hives, and both are sold without a prescription. A pharmacist can help you choose.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Claritin?
In studies, loratadine did not add to the effects of alcohol. Alcohol can still affect your alertness on its own, so take care with driving.
When should I talk to a doctor?
Talk to a doctor or pharmacist if your symptoms get worse or do not improve, if you have liver or kidney disease, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Children 2 to 12 need a doctor's advice to take it for more than 14 days, and adults for more than 6 months. In BC, pharmacists can also assess and treat allergies, hay fever and hives. Call 911 for trouble breathing, throat swelling or fainting.
Written By
Avee Editorial

Avee Editorial

Avee Editorial Team

Updated:April 1, 2026