Can You Take Dimetapp With Claritin?

Hello and thank you for your question! In general, you don't want to combine Dimetapp and Claritin on a consistent basis since both of them contain an antihistamine. If you take both together, you are essentially 'double dosing' on antihistamines.

It's important to note that there are several different Dimetapp products on the market, and they all have different ingredients.

Regardless, they all contain either diphenhydramine or brompheniramine, which are antihistamines. Since Claritin contains loratadine, yet another antihistamine, a good rule of thumb is to not combine medications that are in the same class.

Dimetapp Products

As mentioned, there are several Dimetapp products on the market. They include:

• Dimetapp Cold & Allergy (brompheniramine; phenylephrine)
• Dimetapp Cold & Cough (brompheniramine; phenylephrine; dextromethorphan)
• Dimetapp Multi‑Symptom Cold & Flu (acetaminophen; phenylephrine; diphenhydramine)
• Dimetapp Nighttime Cold & Congestion (phenylephrine; diphenhydramine)

In the product list above, the antihistamines are bolded.

Antihistamines In Both Products

Claritin contains the antihistamine loratadine, which is considered a 'second-generation' antihistamine.

The antihistamines contained in Dimetapp products (brompheniramine and diphenhydramine) are considered 'first-generation' antihistamines.

Although 'first' and 'second' generation antihistamines have the same overall way of working, they do differ in certain aspects.

Perhaps most notably, first-generation ones tend to cause more sedation, which is why they are commonly added to nighttime sleep aids (Dimetapp Nighttime Cold & Congestion contains diphenhydramine for example, which is also the active ingredient in Benadryl).

Another differentiating feature is that 'first-generation' antihistamines have a shorter duration of action, while 'second-generation' ones, like loratadine, last 24 per dose in most individuals.

Taking Two Antihistamines?

In the vast majority of cases, it's not recommended to take two medications that work the same way, and are in the same class, and that is what you would be doing taking Dimetapp products with Claritin.

Doing so generally provides little added benefit, and can increase the risk of side effects occurring.

There are exceptions of course, but it's good advice to go by for most situations.

So, what would happen if you do take both Claritin and Dimetapp? The chance of serious side effects would be uncommon.

For most, you likely would just be at a greater risk for some of the side effects they both share, such as sedation, dry mouth, dry eyes, headache. 

For children, in particular, antihistamines can cause nervousness and restlessness, so there would be a greater risk of happening as well.

Now, I do want to mention that many children take Claritin on a daily basis as an allergy preventative.

If you used Dimetapp once in a while to help with cough/cold symptoms, and your child already takes Claritin, serious effects would be uncommon, and you'd likely just see a greater chance of the side effects mentioned above. However, given your child's young age, it's a good idea to speak with your pediatrician or pharmacist before combining these medications, to make sure the choice and dosing are appropriate.

Alternatives

If you are looking for medication that helps with cough/cold symptoms, you can find them in other products that don't contain an antihistamine already.

If you need a cough suppressant, Delsym contains dextromethorphan.

Mucinex contains guaifenesin, which can help thin out focus secretions and of course, Tylenol and Advil are available to help with a fever.

For congestion, phenylephrine (the decongestant in some Dimetapp products), is available in Sudafed PE products.

Final Words

Thanks again for your question and feel free to reach out again!