What does Claritin help with? Instructions, price and reviews

One of the most popular antiallergic drugs

How much trouble an ordinary allergy can bring to a person is well known only to those who systematically suffer from this disease. As a rule, allergy sufferers are well aware of the causes of exacerbation of their disease, as well as the medications that can help them. One of them is Claritin, an antihistamine that has been produced on the pharmacological market for many years, but does not lose its popularity among buyers.

Due to its effective and long-lasting action, this drug is considered the most reliable for many people suffering from allergies. But since sometimes a familiar and favorite drug may not be at hand, you always need to know its closest analogue. Claritin is no exception to the rule. In this article we will take a detailed look at the indications for use of the drug, its medicinal composition and study drugs similar to it in composition and action. We will also look at the average cost of Claritin and the prices of its most popular analogues.

Average cost of Claritin

The price of Claritin (analogs, which are cheap compared to the cost of the drug itself, will be discussed below) depends on the form of release and may vary slightly depending on the final markup of pharmacies. On average, the price for Claritin in the form of syrup (60 ml) is 260 rubles and about 400 rubles (120 ml).

The cost of Claritin tablets depends on the packaging: 10 pcs. on average it costs 220 rubles (30 pieces - about 550 rubles).

Claritin side effects (syrup and tablets)

In clinical studies involving children aged 2 to 12 years, headache (2.7%), nervousness (2.3%), fatigue (1%) were observed more often than in the placebo group taking Claritin®. .

In clinical studies in adults, adverse events observed more often than with placebo (“dummy”) occurred in 2% of patients taking Claritin®. In adults, when using the drug Claritin®, headache (0.6%), drowsiness (1.2%), increased appetite (0.5%) and insomnia (0.1%) were noted more often than in the placebo group. ). In addition, in the post-marketing period there were very rare reports (<1/10,000) of dizziness, fatigue, dry mouth, gastrointestinal disorders (nausea, gastritis), allergic reactions such as rash, anaphylaxis, alopecia, liver function, palpitations and tachycardia.

Overdose

Symptoms: drowsiness, tachycardia, headache.

In case of overdose, consult a doctor immediately.

Treatment: symptomatic and supportive therapy. It is possible to lavage the stomach and take adsorbents (crushed activated carbon with water).

Loratadine is not eliminated by hemodialysis. After emergency care is provided, it is necessary to continue monitoring the patient's condition.

Indications for use of Claritin

Due to the fact that this drug has been known on the market for a long time, many patients have become accustomed to it and believe that it is impossible to find a worthy analogue. Claritin has long occupied a leading place among drugs prescribed to allergy sufferers. And this is not surprising, because the official instructions for the drug indicate the following as indications for use:

• various allergic reactions;
• allergic skin rashes, including urticaria;
• year-round and seasonal rhinitis of allergic origin.

"Claritin" is also prescribed for such symptoms of allergic rhinitis as frequent sneezing, swelling of the nasal mucosa, itching in the nose, as well as itching and increased tearing of the eyes.

Possible adverse reactions in a child

Based on the results of clinical studies of the drug’s effect on the children’s body, it was revealed that in rare cases Claritin can cause the following adverse reactions:

• attacks of headache;
• overexcitement;
• fatigue;
• dizziness;
• dry mouth;
• indigestion in the form of nausea and exacerbation of gastritis;
• liver dysfunction;
• allergic reactions - skin rashes, anaphylactic shock;
• increased heart rate;
• local hair loss.

If at least one of the listed symptoms appears, you should immediately stop taking the drug and show your baby to a doctor. If these phenomena are ignored, severe, and in some cases tragic, consequences can develop.

"Claritin": active ingredient, analogues, principle of action

The active substance in Claritin is loratadine. After taking a single dose (containing 10 mg of loratadine), the antihistamine effect begins within 1-3 hours. The maximum antihistamine effect on the body occurs within 8-12 hours after administration. The antiallergic effect lasts throughout the day.

Knowing the composition of the drug, indications for its use, as well as the principle of action on the body, you can easily choose an analogue for it. Claritin was no exception, and the list of analogue drugs will be discussed in detail below.

Taking the drug: 2nd trimester

The fetal placenta has already formed and taking the drug is already possible. But doctors are unanimous in their opinion that Claritin is prescribed only when the mother’s condition can harm the baby - all symptoms affect the baby. In this case, you need to take the drug only once a day at a dose of 10 mg.

If the effect of the medication is not observed within 3 days, and there is no relief of symptoms, and the pregnant woman continues to take the drug, then it should be discontinued immediately. This means that the doctor will have to look for another cause or another cure.

Reviews from patients taking Claritin

It is worth about (instructions for use, analogues are discussed in the article) is popular among allergy sufferers. Patients write that Claritin really quickly relieves allergy symptoms and its effects last for a day. Also, those who have experience using Claritin note as its undoubted advantage that the drug is very quickly able to stop the development of immediate allergic reactions (for example, Quincke's edema or after an insect bite). Parents note that this drug is well tolerated by children and side effects occur extremely rarely. Numerous reviews note that the drug does not dry out the mucous membranes, does not cause drowsiness and does not disrupt the functioning of the child’s gastrointestinal tract.

Negative reviews about this drug are, indeed, extremely rare and most often they are caused by the rather high price of the drug (in comparison with its cheaper analogues). Buyers for whom the price of this drug was initially very high and after purchasing did not receive the expected effect (individual rejection of the drug, features of allergic reactions, unauthorized use without a doctor’s prescription, when external allergy symptoms were caused by other diseases) speak out especially emotionally about Claritin. .

Precautionary measures

Claritin has several contraindications:

• Hypersensitivity to the components of the drug.
• During lactation and pregnancy.
• Children under 2 years old.

If the dosage is violated or there are contraindications, the drug causes adverse reactions:

In children:

• headache;
• irritability;
• decreased reaction speed.

In adults:

• headache;
• lethargy;
• fatigue;
• drying of the oral mucosa;
• nausea;
• inflammation of the gastric mucosa;
• alopecia;
• increased frequency of myocardial contractions;
• impaired liver function;
• skin rash.

With an independent increase in dosage or prolonged use, the heart rate increases, the patient has a severe headache, and drowsiness occurs. To eliminate these symptoms, you need to stop taking Claritin and consult an allergist. The doctor will rinse the stomach and prescribe enterosorbents (Polysorb, Enterosorb, etc.).

"Claritin": analogues (cheaper), list of synonyms

When trying to find a replacement for Claritin, you need to understand the pharmaceutical difference between such concepts as “analogue” and “synonym”. An analogue is a drug that has a similar effect to Claritin and has the same antihistamine effect on the human body. Synonyms are drugs that have an almost completely identical composition with Claritin, that is, the main component in them is loratadine. Such synonymous drugs include the following drugs in various forms of release:

• "Loratadine" (tablets and syrup);
• "Alerpriv" (tablets);
• Clarotadine (tablets and syrup);
• "Erolin" (syrup and tablets);
• "Lotaren" (rectal suppositories);
• "Claridol" (syrup and tablets);
• "Clarifer" (tablets);
• "Lomilan" (suspension, lozenges and tablets).

In all of the drugs listed above, loratadine is the main active ingredient and therefore they are all considered synonymous with a medicine such as Claritin. We will give analogues (cheap) below:

• "Peritol" (syrup and tablets);
• "Fexofast" (tablets);
• "Ketotifen" (tablets and syrup);
• "Semprex" (capsules);
• "Diazolin" (dragées and tablets);
• "Desloratadine Canon" (tablets);
• "Ketotifen Sopharma" (tablets and syrup);
• "Kestin" (syrup and tablets);
• "Rapido" (capsules);
• "Fexadin" (tablets);
• "Ketotifen-Ros" (tablets);
• Dramamine (tablets);
• "Telfast" (tablets);
• "Allerfex" (tablets);
• "Diacin" (tablets);
• "Dimedroquine" (tablets).

Therapeutic effect of Claritin

Claritin has three effects:

• antiallergic (can be used to treat allergies);
• antipruritic;
• antihistamine (saves during an acute allergic attack).

In humans (child, adult), allergies are caused by the substance histamine. It is “activated” when an allergen, for example, plant pollen, enters the body.

It is histamine that causes symptoms such as redness of the skin, inflammation, swelling of the mucous membrane, runny nose, and severe itching. Claritin tablets (the loratadine they contain) block histamine.

Classification of allergens

New symptoms do not appear, and those that are already disturbing quickly pass. The drug begins to act within half an hour. The achieved effect lasts throughout the day.

Important! The main advantage of Claritin tablets is the fact that they do not have a negative effect on the central nervous system, which means that after taking the medicine you will not feel sleepy.

This is a selective type of effect on histamine. 2nd generation drugs, Suprastin and others, cannot boast of this property.

The most popular analogues of Claritin

All of the above drugs have an antihistamine effect and their indications for use are the same as Claritin. But practice shows that most often, when choosing an antihistamine, allergy patients are faced with a choice between Claritin and analogue drugs such as:

• "Erius";
• "Cetrin";
• "Zodak".

Next, we will briefly look at the composition, indications for use and average cost of each of these drugs. We will also try to compare these drugs and find out their disadvantages and advantages in comparison with Claritin.

Claritin and analogues - application features

1. It is not recommended to use antihistamines before performing skin tests for an allergen.
2. When taking any drug, follow the dosage.
3. The antihistamine effect is observed for another 4 days after the last dose.
4. When taking Claritin and antibiotics together, the effect of the latter increases.
5. Claritin and alcohol are incompatible. Drinking alcohol increases the risk of adverse reactions.
6. Claritin has good interactions with other drugs.

Taking any antihistamine cannot completely cure an allergy, but it can temporarily eliminate its symptoms and improve overall well-being.

A brief comparison of Erius and Claritin

The drug "Erius" is a fairly effective and popular analogue of "Claritin". The tablets are classified as third generation antihistamines.

Their main active ingredient is desloratadine. The drug is available both in syrup and tablet form. Indications for its use are:

• urticaria (relieves itching and skin rashes);
• allergic rhinitis (year-round and seasonal).

The effect of 1 tablet (5 mg) lasts 24 hours; accordingly, patients over 12 years of age are prescribed 1 tablet. per day, regardless of food intake. The average cost of a package of Erius (10 tablets) is 560 rubles.

If we compare Claritin and Erius, it is worth noting that both of these drugs belong to the third generation antihistamines. Therefore, they have almost the same therapeutic effects. Also, such a common side effect of antihistamines as drowsiness, both Claritin and Erius are minimized. At the same time, according to the observations of allergists, “Erius” has a slightly wider spectrum of action, because it also quite effectively helps fight allergic cough.

Claritin: instructions

Tablets and syrup can be taken at any convenient time of the day, regardless of meals. Medicine in any form should be washed down with clean water. The dosage is determined by a specialist depending on age and the presence of concomitant pathologies. Children under 3 years old are given syrup, and at an older age you can drink Claritin in any convenient form of your choice.

Adolescents (from 12 years of age) and adult patients can take Claritin in tablet form once a day at a dosage of 10 mg. In this case, 10 ml of syrup corresponds to two measuring spoons (attached to the package) or one tablet. For those patients who suffer from liver or kidney failure or liver pathologies, caution should be exercised. To do this, start taking Claritin with one tablet or two tablespoons of syrup every other day. Other dosage regimens are also possible; before starting allergy treatment, it is better to consult with your doctor.

Attention: If allergy tests are indicated, then stop taking Claritin 48 hours before the procedure, otherwise the results will be false negative.

Overdose

Cases of Claritin overdose are recorded if the dose per day is more than 40 mg. The following symptoms develop:

• Drowsiness;
• Headache;
• Cardiopalmus.

You should be careful when choosing the dosage for children. Self-medication can be very dangerous for the health of a young patient. In children weighing less than 30 kg, the following symptoms develop in case of overdose:

• Cardiopalmus;
• Twisted mouth;
• Violation of muscle tone;
• Worm-like slow movements of the fingers;
• Torticollis;
• Twitching oak;
• Tick ​​and tremors;
• Swinging movements of limbs.

Treatment for an overdose of Claritin is aimed at eliminating such symptoms. It is necessary to remove the drug from the body as quickly as possible. This is done by gastric lavage with saline solution. Additionally, adsorbents are used: activated carbon is crushed and drunk with water.

Claritin: interactions with other drugs

Before using anti-allergy medication, you should consult an allergist. During a visit to a medical office, concomitant diseases and methods of their treatment must be discussed. Ketoconazole, Cimetidine, Erythromycin can increase the concentration of Claritin in the patient's blood. It does not have any clinical manifestations. This feature is taken into account during allergy treatment to avoid overdose.

Use of Claritin for children

The medicine can be given to children with allergies from the age of two. At the same time, up to 3 years - only in syrup form to avoid risks (the baby may simply choke). After the age of three, the drug is taken in any form. Because of this purpose, the syrup is called children's Claritin.

The dosage is determined taking into account the child’s body weight. It is best if the baby receives the daily dose at the same time. Typically the dosage is as follows:

• For children weighing more than 30 kg – 10 mg/day (1 tablet or 2 scoops of syrup);
• For children weighing up to 30 kg – 5 mg/day (half a tablet or 1 measuring spoon) or 10 mg every other day at the discretion of the attending physician.

The duration of the course is set individually. It depends on the speed of elimination of allergy manifestations. Treatment usually lasts from a couple of days to 14 days. At the same time, Claritin can be used for preventive purposes over a long period of time.

There are situations when treatment with Claritin is indicated for children under two years of age. This is due to the high effectiveness of the product. It quickly relieves the infant from all symptoms and has virtually no side effects on the central nervous system. Tablets are not given to infants, but the dosage is reduced:

• Up to 1 year – 1.5 ml/day;
• 1-2 years – 3 ml/day.

How to treat with Claritin during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

No studies have been conducted in pregnant women. During animal testing, no adverse reactions to the fetus were detected. It is believed that pregnant women can treat allergies and their manifestations with Claritin if the benefits of such therapy exceed the level of negative effects on the developing fetus.

Claritin tends to pass into breast milk. Moreover, its concentration is as high as that of the mother’s blood. If there is a need to take pills during lactation, then breastfeeding is temporarily abandoned. In this case, the baby is transferred to formula until the treatment is completed.

Which is better: Cetrin or Claritin?

"Cetrin" is a fairly cheap antihistamine analogue. "Claritin" is very similar to it in its action, but their main active ingredient is different. The basis of "Cetrina" is cetirizine and the drug is available in the form of tablets and syrup.

Due to its pleasant taste, this syrup is the best analogue of Claritin for children, since they take it more readily than regular tablets. The antihistamine effect from taking 1 dose of syrup and one tablet (10 mg) lasts 24 hours. The average cost of a package (20 tablets) is 160 rubles, syrup in a 60 ml bottle costs about 110 rubles.

If we compare Cetrin with Claritin, it is worth noting that they belong to different generations of antihistamines. Cetrin is a representative of the second generation and its effect is weaker than that of Claritin, while it has many more possible side effects. When comparing these two drugs, your preference can be given to Claritin, while Cetrin retains one main advantage - price.

It is indeed much cheaper and, accordingly, is a more accessible analogue of Claritin for the majority of the population.

Release form, composition, dosage

The manufacturer, the Belgian company Schering-Plough Labo NV, supplies Claritin tablets in small cardboard boxes. They contain from one to three blisters (silver plates) with 7, 10 or 15 oval-shaped and white tablets.

The box contains instructions for use and a description (abstract) of the medication. You should definitely read it before taking the medicine.

How to take Claritin tablets

In the composition of each such Claritin tablet, the manufacturer included loratadine in a dosage of 10 mg (active) and excipients that cannot cause allergies (for example, corn starch).

Previously, it was possible to buy ointment and drops with the same name, “Claritin,” but today only tablets and syrup intended for two-year-old children are on sale. This medicine is contraindicated for newborns and infants.

The average price of the drug is 250 ₽. But the numbers may differ if the number of tablets is different. Let's look at the effect Claritin tablets have.

Claritin - tablets and syrup for children

Zodak is another antihistamine

Just like all the Claritin analogues we are considering, Zodak is a long-acting drug. The main active ingredient of Zodak (as well as Cetrin) is cetirizine. The drug is available in the form of tablets and drops. Indications for the use of this drug are:

• Quincke's edema;
• allergic dermatoses;
• conjunctivitis and rhinitis of allergic origin;
• hay fever
• hives.

1 Zodak tablet contains 10 mg of cetirizine, the same amount of active ingredient is contained in 1 ml of drops. This dosage is enough for the antihistamine effect of Zodak to last 24 hours after taking it. On average, the cost of a bottle of drops (20 ml) is 200 rubles, and the price for a package of tablets (10 pcs.) varies around 140 rubles.

Like the previous analogue "Cetrin", "Zodak" belongs to the second generation of antihistamines, and in terms of the strength of its therapeutic effect and the number of side effects it is inferior to "Claritin".

But for the sake of fairness, it is worth noting that most pediatricians, when making prescriptions for their young patients suffering from allergies, do not prefer Claritin, but Zodak drops.

Despite the fact that both drugs need to be taken once a day, Zodak has a much lower dosage. And only when it turns out to be ineffective, therapists prescribe Claritin to children.

In cases with adult patients, therapists and allergists recommend starting to take antihistamines immediately with Claritin, since its effect is much stronger and more effective than that of Zodak.

Claritin - cheap analogues

If it is not possible to purchase the original medicine or for some reason Claritin is not suitable for a person, the drug can be replaced with similar drugs. The choice of antihistamines is quite large, so when searching for an analogue, you need to pay attention not only to the price, but also to the generation of the drug, the active ingredient, contraindications and possible adverse reactions.

Almost all analogues have the same mechanism of action - they block histamine receptors. The difference between them lies in the dose and type of active ingredients, excipients, and the technology used to produce the drug. The pharmaceutical industry offers a fairly large list of structural analogues of Claritin, the price of which is much lower than the brand name. You can replace the drug with products with a different composition, but identical therapeutic effects. Cheap analogues of Claritin include:

• Loratadine – 30 rub.
• Clarice — 68.00 rub.
• Zyrtec - 180 rubles (tablets) and drops (240 rubles).
• Cetrin – 160 rub.
• Allertek – 140 rubles;
• Zodak – 140 rub.
• Suprastin – 160 rub.

There are other analogues of Claritin, the price of which is much lower, but you need to buy any drug on the recommendation of a doctor and only after studying the instructions. Some people prefer more expensive antihistamines, considering them the most effective in relieving allergy symptoms. Expensive drugs include Erius, the price of which is 550 rubles for 10 tablets and 600 rubles for 60 ml syrup. If a person is faced with choosing an expensive or cheap drug, the first step is to rely on its effect, safety, and only then on the price.

Cetrin or Claritin – what to choose?

Cetrin is a second-generation antihistamine, which is not a structural analogue of Claritin, since it contains another active component - cetirizine dihydrochloride. Cetrin can be purchased in the form of tablets, drops or syrup.

Drops can be prescribed to children from 6 months, while Claritin syrup is prescribed to children from 2 years of age. Reviews from people who have had the opportunity to experience both drugs often focus on Claritin, but at the same time note that Cetrin is also able to relieve allergy symptoms well. The visible difference between the drugs is the price. Cetrin tablets cost about 160 rubles . Cetrin in syrup - 130 rubles per 60 ml bottle.

Loratadine or Claritin – which is better?

Loratadine is a structural analogue of Claritin, with an affordable price. The drug belongs to the 2nd generation and contains 10 mg of loratadine. Some allergy sufferers don’t see the point in overpaying, so they buy Loratadine tablets together with Claritin. However, the significant difference in price makes many people wonder what is better: Claritin or Loratadine?

In order to understand how the drugs differ, it is important to know that Claritin is the trade proprietary name of the drug from a Belgian company. Therefore, the drug is a branded one; during the production process it goes through several degrees of purification, which makes it safer for use.

Loratadine is a domestically produced drug, produced by many companies as a generic analogue of Claritin, it goes through fewer degrees of purification, although it contains the same amount of the active component - 10 mg.

Loratadine tablets are not as advertised and promoted as Claritin, which is also reflected in the price. Many of those who took Claritin and then replaced it with Loratadine did not feel a significant difference, but at the same time saved a decent amount. The price of Loratadine is about 40 rubles for 10 tablets. Many pediatricians still recommend that young children buy Claritin syrup and not split Loratadine tablets.

Zodak or Claritin – what to choose for your child?

A worthy analogue of Claritin in terms of therapeutic action is Zodak, the active ingredient of which is cetirizine. It belongs to the second generation of antihistamines, while Claritin is the 3rd generation. Many doctors prefer to prescribe Zodak in the form of drops to young children, because they believe that its composition is better accepted by the child’s body. If there is no effect from treatment with Zodak drops, then Claritin syrup is prescribed.

Unlike Claritin, Zodac may cause drowsiness. Claritin is more often prescribed to adults because it has a more pronounced therapeutic effect, does not impair psychomotor functions, and does not affect driving. Zodak tablets No. 10 costs about 130 rubles . Drops for children – 190 rubles.

Claritin or Zyrtec - which is cheaper?

Zyrtec is a drug based on cytirizine (10 mg), which can replace taking Claritin. Both drugs have different compositions, belong to different generations, but can be used in the treatment of allergic diseases of different etiologies. It is quite difficult to answer the question of which is better, since everything depends on the individual characteristics of the organism. Doctors in the field of allergology recommend initially trying one drug and only if it is ineffective, buying another. The difference between drugs is in price. The average cost of Zyrtec is 208 rubles for 10 tablets.

Claritin or Suprastin - what is the difference?

Suprastin is an allergy tablet that has been on the market for many years and is used in the treatment of allergic diseases. They belong to the first generation of antihistamines. Available in tablets and ampoules for injection, it has a large list of contraindications and side effects. Suprastin causes drowsiness and inhibited reactions and is not intended for long-term use. The big disadvantage of the drug is the need for twice daily dosing. Suprastin contains chloropyramine hydrochloride. Claritin and Suprastin have many differences, so it is not recommended to replace them yourself, especially when it comes to prescribing the drug to a child. The price of Suprastin in pharmacies is 130–160 rubles for tablets No. 20.

Which drug should you give preference to?

We reviewed the most popular analogues of Claritin, reviews of which are mostly positive. All of these drugs are proven antihistamines, but we should not forget that the reaction of each organism to the same drug may be different. A medicine that has helped many patients and about which you can read only the best and most positive reviews may turn out to be completely ineffective in one specific case. When choosing an antihistamine, do not forget about the individual sensitivity and reaction of the body.

We must also remember that even the best antihistamines have such unpleasant side effects as inhibition of reaction speed and drowsiness. In second generation drugs they are more pronounced; in third generation drugs, which include Claritin, they are not so pronounced. It is best if the prescription of any drugs, even such reliable and proven ones as Claritin and its analogues, is made by a qualified doctor (the attending physician or an allergist).

Reviews

Arthur, 39 years old, started taking Claritin tablets as prescribed by the doctor. My course of treatment lasted 2 weeks. On the first day I noticed that congestion and headaches no longer bother me. The lacrimation went away only after a few days.

Olga, 27 years old I have been suffering from allergies for 5 years now. I tried many remedies, but nothing helped. My torment ended after I started taking Claritin tablets. I felt better within 20 minutes after taking the first pill.

Alina, 31 years old I am an experienced allergy sufferer. Claritin helps me well. I started taking pills on the doctor’s advice, because everything I took before stopped helping. Now I'm not afraid of flowering. I took pills even when my son was a baby. My son was temporarily switched to formula (I consulted with the pediatrician in advance about which one to choose), and I pumped the milk so that it wouldn’t “waste.”