The 18 best antihistamine tablet brands
Zyrtec, Claritin and Kirkland Signature lead our ranking of 18 antihistamine tablet brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Antihistamine Tablet brands, ranked
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1
Zyrtec
Cetirizine 10 mg tablets that work for a full 24 hours, with a separate children's line for younger patients.
Top products: Zyrtec Allergy Relief 10mg· Zyrtec Allergy 10 mg Indoor & Outdoor
Website: zyrtecprofessional.com |Brands like Zyrtec
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
Claritin
Non-drowsy loratadine 10 mg tablets, usually sold in large counts for seasonal use.
Top products: Claritin 24hr Non-drowsy Allergy Antihistamine Tablets· Claritin Non-Drowsy Tablets 10 mg
Website: claritin.com |Brands like Claritin
Popularity 7.8/10
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3
Kirkland Signature
Costco's own label, with cetirizine and loratadine tablets sold in very large 365-count bottles.
Top products: Kirkland Signature AllerClear· Kirkland Signature ALLER-TEC Cetirizine
Brands like Kirkland Signature
Popularity 7.5/10
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4
BENADRYL
Diphenhydramine tablets and liquid gels that cause drowsiness, so they suit night-time use better.
Top products: Benadryl Ultratabs· Benadryl Liqui Gels
Website: benadryl.com |Brands like BENADRYL
Popularity 7.4/10
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5
Allegra
Fexofenadine 180 mg tablets, a non-drowsy choice for daytime allergy symptoms.
Top products: Allegra 24 HR Non-Drowsy Fexofenadine HCl 180mg Tablets· Allegra Allergy Relief Indoor/Outdoor 24 Hour
Website: allegra.com |Brands like Allegra
Popularity 7.3/10
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6
XYZAL
Levocetirizine 5 mg tablets giving 24-hour relief, a lower-dose relative of cetirizine.
Top products: XYZAL Allergy 24HR Relief 5mg
Website: xyzal.com |Brands like XYZAL
Popularity 4.7/10
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7
GoodSense
Store-label loratadine 10 mg tablets in large packs, usually a cheaper match for brand names.
Top products: GoodSense Allergy Relief Loratadine Tablets 10 mg
Website: goodsense.com |Brands like GoodSense
Popularity 3.8/10
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8
Alavert
Dissolving loratadine tablets in fresh mint and citrus burst flavours, taken without water.
Top products: Alavert Allergy Disintegrating Citrus Burst 10mg· Alavert Non-Drowsy 24 Hour Allergy Relief Fresh Mint
Website: alavert.com |Brands like Alavert
Popularity 3.2/10
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9
Major Pharmaceuticals
Chlorpheniramine 4 mg tablets, an older generic that can cause some drowsiness, sold in bulk.
Top products: Chlorpheniramine Maleate 4 mg Anti-Allergy Tablets
Brands like Major Pharmaceuticals
Popularity 2.8/10
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10
Perrigo
Perrigo offers personal care products. The company believes in providing high-quality items that give your skin and you time to rejuvenate. The Acne Spot Patches help you tackle stubborn pimples and breakouts without being visible to others. The Classic 100%...
Website: perrigodirect.com |Brands like Perrigo
Popularity 1.5/10
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11
Elixir
Nanoweb-coated guitar strings are the line Elixir is widely recognised for, with a thin polymer coating on each string. The coating is designed to keep strings clean and extend their playing life. Elixir is an American string maker, and it...
Website: elixirstrings.com |Brands like Elixir
Popularity 1.1/10
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12
Johnson & Johnson
Doc Johnson has celebrated over 45 years as the leading player in the adult novelty industry. Rather than spreading its wings and flying abroad, the brand has decided to grow its even roots further and stick to its Californian heritage....
Website: docjohnson.com |Brands like Johnson & Johnson
Popularity 0.9/10
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13
Reactine
Canadian cetirizine range with Extra and Regular strengths for itchy eyes or a runny nose.
Website: reactine.ca |Brands like Reactine
Popularity 0.8/10
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14
Bayer
Bayer grew from a dye and chemicals business in Germany and is now a multinational company in pharmaceuticals and health care. Its product range includes flea treatments for dogs, blood test products and anti-inflammatory medicines. The company describes its goal...
Website: bayer.com |Brands like Bayer
Popularity 0.7/10
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15
Herbs Etc
Allopathy medicines offer quick results but also come with many undesirable side effects. Herbs Etc aims to tackle this by manufacturing herbal medicines made only from natural ingredients with little to no side effects. It offers medications for many health...
Website: herbsetc.com |Brands like Herbs Etc
Popularity 0.7/10
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16
Dimetapp
Nowadays, the most common disease or allergy is Cold and Flu. Most people neglect it and think it will get over in some days. But that's not the actual case. Neglecting simple colds and flu can lead to more severe...
Website: dimetapp.com |Brands like Dimetapp
Popularity 0.7/10
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17
Boiron
Herbal medicines are getting popular now as they are easily available, less cost, and devoid of side effects. They are also easy to prepare, unlike allopathic medicines. Boiron company provides medicines made from natural resources to the patients. Natural medicines...
Website: boironusa.com |Brands like Boiron
Popularity 0.5/10
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18
Contac
Prevent the spread of flu with Contac. Contac's line of Cold+Flu products provides instant relief with maximum strength for all common cold and flu symptoms, including sniffles, sore throat, and more. They offer pills and syrups depending on your preferred...
Website: contac.com |Brands like Contac
Popularity 0.5/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zyrtec | zyrtecprofessional.com | – | – | – | – |
| Claritin | claritin.com | – | – | – | – |
| BENADRYL | benadryl.com | /benadryl | – | @benadryl | BenadrylOfficial |
| Allegra | allegra.com | /AllegraOTC | allegraotc | @allegraotc | Allegra OTC |
| XYZAL | xyzal.com | /Xyzal | xyzal | @XyzalAllergy | XYZAL Allergy 24HR |
| GoodSense | goodsense.com | /goodsensebrand | – | – | – |
| Alavert | alavert.com | – | – | – | – |
| Perrigo | perrigodirect.com | – | – | – | – |
Antihistamine Tablets Buying Guide
If you suffer from allergies, you know how frustrating they can be. From sniffling and sneezing to itchy eyes and a scratchy throat, allergies can make even the most routine tasks difficult. Thankfully, antihistamine tablets can help ease your allergy symptoms and get you back to feeling your best. But with so many options available, how do you choose the right antihistamine tablet for you? In this buying guide, we’ll explore the different types of antihistamines available and explain what factors to consider when making your purchase.
Types of Antihistamines
Before we dive into the buying guide, it’s important to know that there are two types of antihistamines: first-generation and second-generation. The first-generation antihistamines, such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine) and Chlor-Trimeton (chlorpheniramine), are the oldest and most well-known. They work by blocking the release of histamine in the body, which helps to relieve allergy symptoms. However, these drugs also tend to cause drowsiness and other side effects, which can make them less desirable options for some people.
The second-generation antihistamines, such as Claritin (loratadine) and Allegra (fexofenadine), are newer and typically have fewer side effects. They work in a similar way to first-generation antihistamines, but with a different chemical structure that helps to reduce drowsiness and other side effects.
Factors to Consider
Now that you know the two types of antihistamines available, let’s explore what factors to consider when choosing the right antihistamine tablet for you.
Allergy Symptoms
The first factor to consider is your allergy symptoms. Different antihistamines can target different types of allergy symptoms. For example, if you suffer from seasonal allergies and experience symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, and a runny nose, an antihistamine like Claritin or Zyrtec (cetirizine) may be a good choice. However, if you suffer from more severe allergy symptoms, such as hives or swelling, a first-generation antihistamine like Benadryl may be more effective.
Age and Other Medications
The second factor to consider is your age and any other medications you may be taking. First-generation antihistamines are not recommended for children under the age of six, as they can cause serious side effects such as seizures. Second-generation antihistamines are considered safe for children over the age of two, but it’s always a good idea to check with your child’s pediatrician before giving them any new medication.
In addition, antihistamines can interact with other medications you may be taking, such as antidepressants or blood pressure medications. It’s important to talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medication, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.
Drowsiness and Other Side Effects
The third factor to consider is drowsiness and other side effects. As we mentioned earlier, first-generation antihistamines tend to cause more drowsiness and other side effects than second-generation antihistamines. If you need relief from allergy symptoms during the daytime, a second-generation antihistamine may be a better option. If you’re taking an antihistamine at night to help you sleep and don’t mind the drowsiness, a first-generation antihistamine may be a better option.
Dosage and Duration
The final factor to consider is the dosage and duration of the medication. The dosage and duration of an antihistamine will depend on your age and symptoms. Make sure to follow the instructions on the packaging and do not exceed the recommended dosage or duration. If your symptoms persist or worsen after a few days of taking an antihistamine, it’s important to talk to your doctor.
Top Antihistamine Tablets
Now that you know what factors to consider when choosing an antihistamine tablet, let’s take a look at some of the top brands available on the market.
Claritin (loratadine)
Claritin is a second-generation antihistamine that is available in tablet, liquid, and chewable form. It’s designed to provide relief from seasonal allergies and has a lower risk of drowsiness and other side effects than first-generation antihistamines. It’s also safe for children over the age of two.
Zyrtec (cetirizine)
Zyrtec is another second-generation antihistamine that is available in tablet, liquid, and chewable form. It’s designed to provide relief from seasonal and indoor allergies, and has a lower risk of drowsiness and other side effects than first-generation antihistamines. It’s also safe for children over the age of two.
Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
Benadryl is a first-generation antihistamine that is available in tablet, liquid, and topical form. It’s designed to provide relief from allergy symptoms such as itching, hives, and swelling. However, it tends to cause more drowsiness and other side effects than second-generation antihistamines. It’s not recommended for children under the age of six.
Allegra (fexofenadine)
Allegra is a second-generation antihistamine that is available in tablet and liquid form. It’s designed to provide relief from seasonal allergies and has a lower risk of drowsiness and other side effects than first-generation antihistamines. It’s also safe for children over the age of two.
Chlor-Trimeton (chlorpheniramine)
Chlor-Trimeton is a first-generation antihistamine that is available in tablet, liquid, and topical form. It’s designed to provide relief from allergy symptoms such as itching, sneezing, and runny nose. However, it tends to cause more drowsiness and other side effects than second-generation antihistamines. It’s not recommended for children under the age of six.
Conclusion
Choosing the right antihistamine tablet can make a world of difference in managing your allergy symptoms. By considering factors such as your symptoms, age, and other medications, you can find an antihistamine that works best for you. Be sure to follow the instructions on the packaging and talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.
