Claritin vs. Wal-itin Allergies are a regular nuisance to millions of people around the world. The most common allergens are fragrances, dust mites, pollen, molds and pet dander. The ones who are affected generally have bouts of sneezing, sniffling, coughs, runny nose, itchy eyes, stuffy ears and sinus headaches which are most commonly known as hay fever. Thankfully, there are over the counter medicines known as antihistamines which are available to control and minimize these symptoms and available in name brand or generic versions such as Claritin and Wal-itin. Even though Claritin and Wal-itin have the same effectiveness treating the symptoms or allergic reactions, they differ in packaging and more importantly price. The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) recognizes loratadine as a successful active ingredient found in both Claritin and Wal-itin for controlling the various symptoms associated with everyday allergies. This active ingredient, loratadine, has different side effects such a dry mouth, drowsiness and headaches and should not be taken by persons with asthma, kidney disease or liver disease. Dispersion of this drug is generally oral and can be in liquid, gelatin capsules or pill form all with uniform dosage of the active ingredient. Claritin and Wal-itin both contain 10mg of loratadine per dose in all of the various oral forms available to over the counter consumers. Since the dosage of the active ingredient is the same in both products of antihistamines, the pharmacological affects are equivalent. The efficiency of Claritin and Wal-itin antihistamines may be the same but the packaging, shape, color and size differ a little. Claritin is a national brand that went to great extents to market a logo in an effort to make sure the general public recognizes their brand over all the others when consumers shop for antihistamine
