Loratadine Childrens Coupons & Prices

Children's loratadine is an over-the-counter, non-drowsy antihistamine that eases seasonal and year-round allergy symptoms in kids ages 2 and up, sold as Children's Claritin, Alavert, and lower-cost store brands. Because it is available without a prescription, prices vary a lot by store and package size, and a loratadine-childrens coupon from Rx.com can sometimes beat the shelf price when the item is filled at the pharmacy counter. Enter your ZIP above to see today's price at pharmacies near you.

What is children's loratadine and how does it work?

Loratadine is a second-generation (non-sedating) antihistamine, meaning it blocks the H1 histamine receptor that drives allergy symptoms without the heavy drowsiness of older allergy medicines. In children it is used for relief of seasonal and perennial (year-round) allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, and itching of the nose or throat. It is also used to relieve itching and hives caused by chronic idiopathic urticaria. The same medicine is sold under brand names including Children's Claritin, Claritin, and Alavert, as well as store-brand Children's Loratadine.

Children's versions come in kid-friendly forms and strengths, including chewable tablets, an oral syrup or solution you can measure by dose, and orally disintegrating tablets (RediTabs) that melt on the tongue. Always follow the dosing directions on the package for your child's age and weight, and use the measuring device that comes with a liquid.

How to save on children's loratadine with an Rx.com coupon

Because children's loratadine is available over the counter, the cash price swings widely by store, brand, and bottle size, and store brands are usually far cheaper than name-brand Children's Claritin for the exact same active ingredient. Some OTC allergy products are actually less expensive with a pharmacy coupon, or when your child's doctor writes it as a prescription so it runs through the pharmacy. To compare, just enter your ZIP above to see today's price with an Rx.com coupon at pharmacies near you, then weigh that against the front-of-store shelf price.

The maker of Claritin also runs an official savings program on its own website, Claritin.com; those manufacturer terms and eligibility rules vary and change over time, so check the brand's site directly. An Rx.com coupon is free to use, requires no insurance, and can be shown right on your phone at the counter.

How it compares to other children's allergy medicines

Loratadine is one of several non-drowsy antihistamines used for children's allergies. It is the generic form of Claritin (see also loratadine). Close alternatives include cetirizine (the generic of Zyrtec) and fexofenadine (the generic of Allegra). All three relieve similar symptoms; they differ mainly in how quickly they work and how likely they are to cause mild drowsiness in a given child.

For allergy symptoms combined with nasal congestion, there are combination products such as loratadine-pseudoephedrine, though decongestant combinations have their own age limits and cautions. If one non-drowsy antihistamine does not seem to help your child, another in this group sometimes works better; your pediatrician or pharmacist can help you choose. This is general information, not medical advice.

Safety and things to know

Children's loratadine has no boxed warning and is generally very well tolerated. The most common side effects are headache, drowsiness, and fatigue; it is less sedating than older antihistamines, but some drowsiness can still occur, especially above the recommended dose. Do not exceed the recommended dose for your child's age, and talk to a doctor first before using it in a child under 2, or if your child has liver or kidney disease, since a reduced or less-frequent dose may be needed.

Stop the medicine and seek care right away if your child shows signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as rash, hives, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or trouble breathing or swallowing. This information does not replace your pediatrician's or pharmacist's guidance; when in doubt, check with your child's provider before starting or continuing any allergy medicine.