Lani asked
Can you crush Claritin? I am having trouble swallowing the tablets.
Answer
Yes, most formulations of Claritin (loratadine) can be crushed. However, only Claritin products that are in caplet or tablet form should be crushed. You should not crush the liquigel dosage forms.
Crushing Claritin (Loratadine)
Crushing tablets or pills is a common need for those who have trouble swallowing pills or need to have drugs administered via a feeding tube. Fortunately, most immediate release dosage forms, such as Claritin tablets, can be crushed and administered.
After crushing Claritin, it should immediately be taken and not stored for later use. The crushed Claritin can be mixed with a small amount of liquid or a semi-solid food such as pudding or applesauce and taken by mouth.
It should be noted that if you are having trouble swallowing Claritin tablets, it is available in other dosage forms that are easier to swallow such as:
- Claritin Reditabs (dissolvable)
- Claritin Chewtabs
- Claritin Syrup
In addition, most generic forms of Claritin (loratadine) can be crushed and taken by mouth as well.
Claritin (Loratadine) Information
Claritin (loratadine) is a second generation antihistamine. Other second-generation antihistamines include Allegra (fexofenadine) and Zyrtec (cetirizine). Antihistamines bind to histamine receptors that are found in the nose, lungs, eyes, and skin and block histamine from binding and creating the symptoms associated with allergies such as a runny nose and watery eyes.
Claritin, like most second generation antihistamines, is non-drowsy and lasts for around 24 hours per dose.
Summary
- Claritin tablets can be crushed and taken by mouth in a small amount of liquid or semi-solid food such as applesauce or pudding.
- Claritin liquigels should not be crushed.
- Claritin is available in a variety of dosage forms including tablets, dissolvable tablets and as a syrup.
