Is Claritin prescription or over-the-counter?
Claritin is sold as an over-the-counter (OTC) medicine. It is not a prescription drug.
What is Claritin used for?
Claritin (loratadine) is used to relieve symptoms of:
- Allergic rhinitis (hay fever), such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy nose, and itchy/watery eyes
- Hives (urticaria), to reduce itching and rash
If you tell me which exact product you have (for example, “Claritin 10 mg tablets” or “Claritin-D”), I can confirm what that specific version is meant for.
What’s the difference between Claritin and Claritin-D?
Many people confuse the names. “Claritin-D” products typically include a decongestant in addition to loratadine, so they are aimed more at congestion from allergies. If you share the label wording, I can help interpret the intended uses.
When you should be careful
Because these are OTC medicines, dosing and suitability still matter—especially for people with certain medical conditions or those taking other meds. If you share the dose on your box and the age of the person taking it, I can help you check common use instructions.