Taking Claritin With Mucinex
In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses whether or not Claritin (loratadine) can be taken with Mucinex (guaifenesin).
Is it ok to take Mucinex and Claritin together?
May 23, 2022- Mucinex and Claritin can be safely taken together since there is no interaction between the two medications.
- Mucinex works by loosening and thinning mucus to make coughs more productive, while Claritin is an antihistamine used to treat seasonal allergies.
- Both medications are generally well tolerated, though Mucinex may cause dizziness, drowsiness, headache, nausea, or stomach pain, and Claritin's most common side effect is headache.
Yes, Mucinex (guaifenesin) and Claritin (loratadine) can be taken together as there is no interaction between the two medications. I've written some additional information about both drugs below.
Taking Claritin And Mucinex Together
Mucinex (guaifenesin) is an expectorant that helps loosen and thin mucus to make a cough more productive.
There are several other products that guaifenesin is found in, in addition to Mucinex. It can also be found in combination products like Mucinex-DM (which also contains an antitussive agent called dextromethorphan that helps control a cough) and DayQuil Severe.
Mucinex (guaifenesin) is generally a well-tolerated medication.
Some side effects that have been reported are dizziness, drowsiness, headache, rash, nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain. Mucinex (guaifenesin) also has no known drug interactions.
Claritin (loratadine) is a second-generation antihistamine that is used in the treatment of seasonal allergies and urticaria (itching due to hives).
Second-generation antihistamines, like Claritin (loratadine), typically do not cause sedation or drowsiness.
It too is also a generally well-tolerated medication. The most common side effect reported is headache followed by drowsiness, fatigue, and stomach pain.
Final Words
As stated above, taking Mucinex (guaifenesin) and Claritin (loratadine) together is fine and there are no known drug interactions between the two medications. Thanks again for your question! Please reach back out any time and our pharmacists can assist you.
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Expectorant
- A medication that helps thin and loosen mucus to make coughs more productive.
- Antitussive
- A medication that helps suppress or control coughing.
- Antihistamine
- A medication that blocks histamine to relieve allergy symptoms like itching and sneezing.
- Second-generation antihistamine
- A newer type of antihistamine designed to treat allergies with less drowsiness than older versions.
- Urticaria
- A skin condition involving itching and raised welts, commonly known as hives.
- Sedation
- A state of reduced alertness or drowsiness caused by medication.
- Drug interactions
- When two medications affect each other in ways that change how they work in your body.
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...
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