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

Most common
dry mouth (at least 2%)
fatigue (at least 2%)
somnolence (at least 2%)
nasopharyngitis (at least 2%)

Clarinex

Most common
dry mouth (up to 3.0%)
fatigue (up to 2.1%)
pharyngitis (up to 4.1%)
myalgia (up to 2.1%)

Xyzal vs. Clarinex Dosage

Xyzal

Dosage
Dosage Table
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

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

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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