Can You Take Claritin-D With Lexapro?
In our latest question and answer, our pharmacist discusses the safety of combining Lexapro with Claritin-D.

Question
Can you take Claritin-D if you already take Lexapro?

Answered by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Medical Content Reviewed By HelloPharmacist
Staff
Last updated Apr 15, 2025
Key points
- Claritin-D and Lexapro have no known drug interactions and are considered safe to take together.
- It is important to always be aware of possible interactions between prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications, as some OTC drugs, like dextromethorphan, can interact with Lexapro and increase the risk of side effects.
Answer
Thanks for reaching out! I am happy to answer your question about taking Claritin-D while taking Lexapro.
Claritin-D is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication that contains loratadine, an antihistamine, and pseudoephedrine, a decongestant. It is used to relieve symptoms of allergies such as sneezing, runny nose, itching and watery eyes, and nasal congestion.
Lexapro (escitalopram) is a prescription medication used to treat several different conditions, including depression and anxiety. It belongs to a class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
There are no known drug interactions between Claritin-D and Lexapro. They are generally considered safe to take with one another.
It's Important To Always Look Out For Drug Interactions Between Prescription & Over The Counter Medications
I really appreciate you asking this question as it is important to note that there are some over-the-counter (OTC) medications that can interact with Lexapro, such as dextromethorphan, which is a cough suppressant found in many OTC cold and cough products.
In this example, dextromethorphan can interact with Lexapro and increase the risk of a rare but serious condition known as serotonin syndrome. They need to be used together cautiously.
However, as mentioned, Claritin-D and dextromethorphan are considered safe to take together.
Final Words
Thanks again for contacting us! Please do so again anytime.
-
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
- 3114 views