Xyzal vs. Clarinex
See how Xyzal and Clarinex compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Xyzal is available over the counter, while Clarinex requires a prescription, which affects both access and cost.
Both drugs treat seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria, but Clarinex is approved down to 6 months old for two of these uses.
Xyzal can cause more drowsiness than Clarinex, which is labeled non-sedating at the recommended dose.
Xyzal vs. Clarinex Drug Summary
Xyzal
Xyzal (levocetirizine) is a second-generation antihistamine that blocks H1 receptors to control allergy symptoms. It treats seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria in adults and children as young as 6 months. It is taken as a tablet or oral solution once daily, usually in the evening, and is available over the counter.
Clarinex
Clarinex (desloratadine) is a second-generation antihistamine that blocks H1 receptors to control allergy symptoms and hives. It treats seasonal allergic rhinitis starting at age 2, and perennial allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria starting at 6 months. It is available as a tablet, a dissolving tablet, or an oral solution taken once daily, and requires a prescription.
Xyzal vs. Clarinex Side Effects
Xyzal
Clarinex
Xyzal vs. Clarinex Dosage
Xyzal
Clarinex
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 1.25 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 5 mg once daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 2 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 |
Xyzal
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 1.25 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 5 mg once daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 2 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 |
Xyzal vs. Clarinex Indications
Xyzal
Xyzal is approved for adults and children as young as 6 months to relieve symptoms of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis. It is also approved to relieve itching and skin symptoms of chronic idiopathic urticaria (hives).
Seasonal allergic rhinitis (age 6 months+)
Perennial allergic rhinitis (age 6 months+)
Chronic idiopathic urticaria itching and hives
Available without a prescription
Clarinex
Clarinex is approved for people 2 and older to relieve symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis. It is also approved for perennial allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria in adults and children as young as 6 months.
Seasonal allergic rhinitis (age 2+)
Perennial allergic rhinitis (age 6 months+)
Chronic idiopathic urticaria itching and hives
Multiple pediatric formulations available
Xyzal vs. Clarinex Pros and Cons
Xyzal
Xyzal offers effective, once-daily relief for allergic rhinitis and hives and is sold over the counter at a much lower price than Clarinex. It carries a real risk of drowsiness for some patients and needs dose adjustment or avoidance in significant kidney disease.
Pros
Available over the counter, no prescription
Roughly $15 to $45 per month without insurance
Oral tablet and liquid forms for flexible dosing
Cons
Drowsiness is a common reported side effect
Contraindicated in end-stage kidney disease or dialysis
Not approved for infants under 6 months old
Clarinex
Clarinex covers the same core allergy and hives indications and is labeled non-sedating at the recommended dose, with pediatric-friendly formulations. It requires a prescription and typically costs far more out of pocket than over-the-counter Xyzal.
Pros
Labeled non-sedating at the recommended dose
Approved down to 6 months for two indications
Comes as tablet, dissolving tablet, or liquid
Cons
Requires a prescription, unlike Xyzal
Roughly $270 to $300 per month without insurance
Seasonal allergy use only approved from age 2
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