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

Most common
Headache (up to 2%)
Back pain (up to 2%)
Dizziness (up to 2%)
Stomach discomfort (up to 2%)

Clarinex

Most common
Pharyngitis (up to 4.1%)
Dry mouth (up to 3.0%)
Myalgia (up to 2.1%)
Fatigue (up to 2.1%)

Allegra vs. Clarinex Dosage

Allegra

Dosage
Dosage Table
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

Dosage
Dosage Table
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

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