A 38-year-old member asked:
Can claritin (loratadine) non-drowsy antihistamine still cause drowsiness?
2 doctor answers • 11 doctors weighed in
Dr. Anlin Xuanswered
Allergy and Immunology 24 years experience
Yes: Claritin is a second generation antihistamine which causes much less drowsiness than first generation antihistamine, like benadryl (diphenhydramine). The number of people who feel drowsy on Claritin is so low that it is labeled "non-drowsy". But each of us is unique. I have plenty of patients who feel drowsy on claritin, especially petite women.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Steven Machtinger commented
Allergy and Immunology 44 years experience
Allegra (fexofenadine) is the only truly non-sedating antihistamine as it doesn't cross from the bloodstream into the brain.
Apr 4, 2012
Dr. Anlin Xu commented
Allergy and Immunology 24 years experience
Provided original answer
Agree!
Apr 4, 2012
Dr. Jeffrey Rumbyrtanswered
Allergy and Immunology 32 years experience
Yes: Claritin (loratadine) is considered "non-sedating" in doses of 10 mg or less per day. At doses higher than that, which have been used in europe, sedation can occur. That being said, even at low doses, some patients can have paradoxical sedation, but it is not common.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
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Last updated Aug 16, 2021
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