Can You Take Claritin-D With Lexapro?
In our latest question and answer, our pharmacist discusses the safety of combining Lexapro with Claritin-D.
Can you take Claritin-D if you already take Lexapro?
Feb 09, 2023- Claritin-D and Lexapro are generally considered safe to take together with no known drug interactions between them.
- Be cautious with other over-the-counter medications like dextromethorphan (a cough suppressant) when taking Lexapro, as they can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome.
- Always check with your pharmacist about potential interactions before combining any over-the-counter medication with your Lexapro.
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.
References & sources
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Antihistamine
- A medication that blocks the effects of histamine, a chemical released during allergic reactions that causes itching, swelling, and other allergy symptoms.
- Decongestant
- A medication that reduces nasal congestion and swelling in the nasal passages to help you breathe more easily.
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- A class of antidepressant medications that work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain to improve mood and reduce anxiety.
- Drug interactions
- The way two or more medications can affect each other when taken together, potentially reducing effectiveness or causing harmful side effects.
- Cough suppressant
- A medication that reduces or stops coughing by affecting the cough reflex in the brain.
- Serotonin syndrome
- A rare but serious condition caused by too much serotonin in the body, which can cause fever, confusion, muscle rigidity, and other dangerous symptoms.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Doctor of Pharmacy, board certified clinical pharmacist (BCPS), American Herbalist Guild, Medication Therapy Management certified
Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS, is a licensed pharmacist with more than 13 years of experience across retail pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, medication safety, pharmacy program development, and healthcare administration. He is the founder of HelloPharmacist.com, where he helps patients...
More answers from Brian →