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Is Claritin Vegan?

Frank Son, PharmD

Updated: 7 days ago

Generally, 3 out of 4 oral products contain animal derived ingredients. It becomes an arduous task to find over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription pharmaceuticals and supplements that are completely animal-free. Here at VeganMed, we are regularly asked about animal-free allergy medications, specifically we are asked whether Claritin is vegan.


According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, more than 50 million people in the U.S. experience allergies each year. There are several OTC antihistamines and homeopathic medications available to relieve allergy symptoms.


What is in Claritin (loratadine)?

Claritin is an antihistamine medication used for temporary relief of allergy symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, itching, rashes, hives, and watery eyes. It selectively blocks the H1 receptors in the body which are activated during an allergic reaction.


Claritin is the brand name for loratadine. Many Claritin or loratadine products can have different inactive ingredients. Depending on the company, some of the inactive ingredients in loratadine products may contain animal-derived ingredients such as gelatin, lactose, or magnesium stearate.


Animal-Free Claritin

As of September 2024, Claritin has no animal-free products based on our current knowledge:


Claritin (loratadine) only products:

  • Liquid-Gels 24 Hour 10 mg Not Vegan Friendly (contains Gelatin)

  • Adult Redi-Tabs 24 hours 10 mg Not Vegan Friendly (contains Gelatin)

  • Adult Redi-Tabs 12 Hour 5 mg Not Vegan Friendly (contains Gelatin)

  • Junior’s Redi-Tabs 24 Hour 10 mg Not Vegan Friendly (contains Gelatin)

  • Junior’s Redi-Tabs 12 Hour 5mg Not Vegan Friendly (contains Gelatin)

  • Children's Claritin Allergy Syrup  Not Vegan Friendly (Manufacturer cannot confirm absence of animal-derived ingredients)

Claritin-D [Loratadine (Antihistamine) + Pseudoephedrine (Nasal decongestant)] products:

  • 12 Hour Tablets Not Vegan Friendly (contains Lactose)

  • 24 Hour Tablets Not Vegan Friendly (contains Lactose)

Similar Products: Some people also derive benefits from these other verified animal-free products: e.g., Allegra, Zyrtec, and Genexa Allergy Care. If you can’t find something, contact us and we can work with our compounding pharmacies to possibly make you an animal-free product.


Animal-Free Loratadine

While there may not be an animal-free version of Claritin, our team has identified alternative loratadine options that are animal-free. For more details, feel free to reach out to us!

If you like what we are doing...

  1. Then please contact us with your comments and let us know if you support the use of our independent Animal Free Certification on medications and supplements.

  2. Sign this petition encouraging clear labeling of medications and supplements.


Research credit: Angelica Marquez

 

Disclaimer: The product and/or information provided on VeganMed is of a general nature and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not lab test the products to confirm that they are free from animal ingredients, and it is possible that the formulation and ingredients could have changed. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or product. The information provided in this post is accurate and up to date as of the date it was written. However, please note that circumstances and facts may change over time, and new information may become available that could alter the accuracy or relevance of the content. We encourage readers to verify and cross-reference any information provided here with trusted sources or consult relevant professionals for the most current and accurate updates.

 

Looking for certified and verified animal-free products?



Thank you for your awareness and concern for animal-derived ingredients!


As a reminder, please comment on our FDA Citizen Petition, requesting clear labeling of animal-derived ingredients in medications. Together, we can make a difference.


If you have any further questions about ingredients in your medicines and supplements, feel free to reach out to the VeganMed team!

 

References:


1. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. https://www.aafa.org/allergy-facts/. Accessed April 14, 2021.

2. https://www.claritin.com/ Accessed: 04/28/21

 

Looking for certified and verified animal-free products?

Want to learn more?

Thank you for your awareness and concern for animal-derived ingredients!

If you have any further questions about ingredients in your medicines and supplements, feel free to reach out to the VeganMed team!

 
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