Allegra vs. Clarinex
See how Allegra and Clarinex compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Allegra and Clarinex are both non-sedating second-generation antihistamines used for allergy symptoms and chronic hives, but their dosing schedules and costs differ a lot.
Allegra offers a once-daily 180 mg option for people 12 and older, while Clarinex is once-daily at every approved dose but comes at a much higher price.
Clarinex has a broader label, covering perennial allergies and children as young as 6 months, which Allegra does not.
Allegra vs. Clarinex Drug Summary
Allegra
Allegra (fexofenadine) is a second-generation H1 antihistamine used to relieve seasonal allergy symptoms and chronic hives. It comes as a tablet, an orally disintegrating tablet, or an oral suspension, with dosing options ranging from twice daily to a single 180 mg dose.
Clarinex
Clarinex (desloratadine) is a second-generation H1 antihistamine used for seasonal and perennial allergies as well as chronic hives with itching. It's taken once daily in tablet, RediTabs, or oral solution form, with the dose adjusted by age.
Allegra vs. Clarinex Side Effects
Allegra
Clarinex
Allegra vs. Clarinex Dosage
Allegra
Clarinex
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 30 mg twice daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 60 mg once daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 3 increases | As tolerated |
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 1 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 5 mg once daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 3 increases | As tolerated |
Allegra
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 30 mg twice daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 60 mg once daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 3 increases | As tolerated |
Clarinex
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 1 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 5 mg once daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 3 increases | As tolerated |
Allegra vs. Clarinex Indications
Allegra
Allegra is FDA-approved for seasonal allergic rhinitis and chronic hives (urticaria) in adults and children. It's available in tablet, orally disintegrating tablet, and oral suspension forms for flexible dosing across age groups.
Seasonal allergic rhinitis relief
Chronic idiopathic urticaria (hives)
Approved for ages 6 and up
Available as tablet, ODT, or suspension
Clarinex
Clarinex treats both seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis, plus chronic hives (urticaria) with itching. It's approved for very young children, down to 6 months old for perennial rhinitis and hives.
Seasonal allergic rhinitis relief
Perennial (year-round) allergic rhinitis
Chronic idiopathic urticaria (hives)
Approved for children as young as 6 months
Allegra vs. Clarinex Pros and Cons
Allegra
Allegra has a well-established safety profile with minimal liver metabolism and multiple dosing options, including a once-daily 180 mg tablet. It's also widely available at low cost, often without a prescription.
Pros
Once-daily 180 mg option for ages 12 and up
Minimal liver metabolism (~5%), fewer drug interactions
Available as an ODT for easy swallowing
Typically $6 to $20 per month, far cheaper than Clarinex
Cons
Not approved for perennial (year-round) allergies
Lower pediatric dose still requires twice-daily dosing
ODT contains phenylalanine, unsuitable for PKU patients
Clarinex
Clarinex offers simple once-daily dosing at every strength and covers a broader label, including perennial allergies and infants as young as 6 months. It comes at a significantly higher price than many other antihistamines.
Pros
Approved for perennial (year-round) allergic rhinitis
Approved for infants as young as 6 months
Once-daily dosing at every approved strength
RediTabs and oral solution add dosing flexibility
Cons
Typically $270 to $300 per month, far pricier than Allegra
Not removed by dialysis, a factor for kidney failure patients
More reports of dry mouth and fatigue in clinical trials
Common Symptoms and Related Diseases You Can Explore
Explore a range of common symptoms the Doctronic Symptom Checker can help you understand.