You want the lowest price on generic Claritin without getting scammed, waiting a week for delivery, or ending up with something that doesn’t work. That’s fair. Loratadine is simple, safe for most adults, and dirt-cheap when you know where to look-but confusing branding, fake pharmacies, and sneaky shipping fees can turn a £1 deal into a £9 headache. I’ll show you how to buy it online in the UK at a fair price, pick the right pack, avoid dodgy sellers, and use it properly so you actually feel better.
Quick heads-up on names: “Claritin” is the famous US brand. In Britain you’ll mostly see “Clarityn” (same drug) and a sea of own-brand boxes labelled “Loratadine 10 mg.” They all contain the same active ingredient. I’m in Birmingham, so I’ll keep delivery times and prices realistic for the UK. Between my household’s hay fever (my grass-pollen nemesis) and my wife Clodagh Gallagher ordering multipacks like a pro, we’ve road-tested just about every option.
Where to buy legit generic loratadine online in the UK (cheap, fast, safe)
First, a quick decoder ring:
- Drug name: Loratadine (10 mg tablets for adults/older kids).
- Famous brands: Claritin (US), Clarityn (UK). Same medicine.
- Category: “Non-drowsy” antihistamine for hay fever, hives, dust/mould allergies, pet dander.
- Status: Over the counter in the UK. No prescription needed for standard tablets/syrup.
Where should you actually buy?
- Big pharmacy chains online: Boots, LloydsPharmacy, Superdrug. Solid quality control, easy click & collect, frequent promos.
- Supermarket websites: Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons. Their own-brand loratadine is often the bottom price, and grocery delivery can bundle it with your weekly shop.
- Dedicated online pharmacies: Reputable UK sites with a visible GPhC registration. Good for bulk orders, often keen prices.
- Marketplaces: You can find deals, but stick to listings sold/fulfilled by established retailers you recognise. Watch expiry dates and packaging.
How to verify a UK online pharmacy is legit:
- Check the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) online register for the pharmacy premises and superintendent pharmacist. Every legit UK pharmacy lists their GPhC number on the site footer or “about” page.
- If the site offers online prescribing (not needed for loratadine), look for Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulation for the prescriber service.
- Contact and returns info: There should be a clear UK business name and a real way to get help. Avoid sites pushing bank transfer or crypto.
- Packaging: Expect sealed blister packs in a branded or pharmacy-own box with batch number and expiry date.
What’s a fair price? For standard 10 mg tablets, the UK has a big spread. In-season (spring/summer), promos come and go; off-season (autumn/winter), you’ll see deep discounts.
Typical ranges I’ve paid or tracked around the Midlands in 2024-2025:
| Product | Typical pack sizes | Usual UK online price range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loratadine 10 mg (generic tablets) | 7, 14, 30, 60, 90 | £1-£3 (30s), £2-£5 (60s) | Often the cheapest. Own-brand from supermarkets is usually the best value. |
| Clarityn (brand) 10 mg tablets | 7, 14, 30 | ~£4-£9 (30s) | Same active ingredient; you pay for the brand. |
| Loratadine oral solution/syrup (5 mg/5 mL) | 60 mL, 100 mL | ~£3-£6 | For children or adults who prefer liquid. Check dosing spoon/syringe included. |
| Cetirizine 10 mg (alternative) | 14, 30, 60 | £1-£3 (30s) | Similar price, slightly higher chance of drowsiness for some. |
| Fexofenadine 120 mg (alternative) | 30 | ~£4-£10 | Strong, non-drowsy option for hay fever; usually pricier. |
Delivery timelines in the UK:
- Standard post: 2-4 working days is common.
- Expedited/Next-day: Many offer it if you order before a cut-off (usually early afternoon). Good for sudden flare-ups.
- Click & collect: Often free and same/next-day at big chains; a lifesaver if you pass a city centre pharmacy after work.
My rule of thumb: If you’re paying more than 10p per tablet for generic loratadine, you can probably do better. Off-season bulk buys are your friend; I keep a spare box in the bathroom cabinet because hay fever doesn’t RSVP.
Prices, terms, and how to squeeze the best value without getting burned
When you’re hunting “cheap,” the game is won by checking the unit price, not the big number on the product page.
- Unit price math: Total price ÷ number of tablets = cost per tablet. A £2.80 box of 30 is about 9p per tablet. A flashy “£1.99” for 7 tablets is 28p per tablet-worse value.
- Multipacks win: 60s and 90s often drop the per-tablet price below 8p. Just check expiry dates if you’re buying for the year.
- Own-brand = bargain: Pharmacists buy from the same licensed manufacturers as the “big” brands. Same loratadine, different box, lower price.
- Shipping tricks: A £1.50 box plus £3.49 delivery is not a deal if a supermarket will bundle it with your grocery slot for free.
Deal-hunting tactics I actually use in Birmingham:
- Off-season stock-up: November-February is sleepy for pollen; prices tend to dip. I buy two 60s then and don’t think about it till spring.
- Newsletter/loyalty: Chains rotate coupon codes and club points. If you shop a retailer anyway, grab the points.
- Click & collect to dodge postage: If you’re near a city centre or retail park, this can beat home delivery fees.
- Basket bundling: If you need eye drops or a steroid nasal spray too, adding them can tip you over the free delivery threshold.
What about safety and legit terms?
- Returns: Medicines can’t usually be sent back once dispatched unless damaged or wrong item. Check the policy before you buy.
- Expiry: Aim for 18-24 months out. Short-dated “clearance” can be fine if you’ll use it, but don’t overbuy.
- Payment: Card or PayPal gives you buyer protection. Avoid bank transfer or anything sketchy.
- Data privacy: A proper UK pharmacy will show a privacy policy that actually explains what happens to your info. If it’s vague or missing, walk away.
Is brand-name Claritin/Clarityn ever worth it? Not for most people. It’s the same loratadine. Some swear the brand “works better,” but controlled trials don’t show a therapeutic difference beyond expectations. If you start on an own-brand and it works, stick with it.
When generic loratadine might not be your best buy:
- Itchy, watery eyes front-and-centre? Add antihistamine eye drops (sodium cromoglicate or olopatadine) and compare total cost to switching tablets.
- Blocked nose beating you up? A steroid nasal spray (beclometasone, fluticasone, mometasone) often outperforms tablets for congestion.
- Hives/urticaria: Some people respond better to cetirizine or fexofenadine. If loratadine underdelivers, swap rather than doubling your dose.
Snapshot price and delivery expectations by retailer type:
| Retailer type | Best for | Watch out for | Delivery expectations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supermarket online | Rock-bottom own-brand pricing; bundling with groceries | Out-of-stock during peak pollen surges | Same-day/next-day with your grocery slot |
| Big chain pharmacy sites | Promos, reliable stock, click & collect | Postage on small orders | Standard 2-4 days; next-day often available |
| Dedicated online pharmacies | Bulk multipacks, sharp unit prices | Postage may wipe small savings | 2-3 days standard; next-day options |
| Marketplaces | Occasional deals, fast fulfilment | Seller authenticity, short-dated stock | Prime-style next-day if fulfilled by platform |
Ethical CTA: pick a GPhC-registered seller you trust, target under 10p per tablet, and bundle your order to beat delivery fees. If you need it today, click & collect wins. If you can wait 48 hours, standard post is fine and cheaper.
Use it right: dose, safety, who shouldn’t take it, and what to try if it’s not enough
Loratadine works best when you match the dose to age/weight and give it a little time. It starts to kick in within 1-3 hours and lasts a full day. For pollen season, take it daily at the same time; don’t play catch-up only when your nose starts a riot.
Standard dosing (UK guidance; cross-checked with NHS advice):
- Adults and children 12+: 10 mg once daily (one tablet).
- Children 6-12 years: Many UK packs direct 10 mg once daily if body weight is 30 kg or more; 5 mg once daily (usually as oral solution) if under 30 kg.
- Children 2-5 years: 5 mg once daily (oral solution). Check the pack instructions for the exact dosing by weight.
- Under 2 years: Speak to a GP or pharmacist first.
Do not exceed 10 mg daily for adults unless a clinician tells you to. Taking two tablets “for luck” won’t help and can raise side effects.
Common side effects (usually mild):
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Nausea or tummy upset
- Sleepiness (less common than with cetirizine, but can happen)
Less common but important:
- Allergic rash or swelling-stop and get medical help.
- Liver problems are rare but possible; avoid or seek advice if you have known liver disease.
Interactions and cautions:
- Some medicines can raise loratadine levels (for example, ketoconazole, erythromycin). It’s usually not dramatic at OTC doses, but mention your meds to the pharmacist if you’re unsure.
- Severe liver disease: lower dosing may be advised-check with a clinician.
- Alcohol: Loratadine is “non-drowsy,” but don’t mix with heavy drinking if you’ve ever felt sleepy on antihistamines. See how you feel first.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding:
- Pregnancy: NHS guidance states loratadine or cetirizine are usually suitable in pregnancy. Use the lowest effective dose and talk to your midwife or GP if you’re starting it for the first time.
- Breastfeeding: Loratadine passes into milk in tiny amounts and is generally considered compatible. Watch for infant drowsiness, and ask your pharmacist if you’re worried.
When loratadine alone isn’t cutting it, you’ve got options:
- Swap antihistamines: Cetirizine is cheap and effective for many. If you’re very sedation-sensitive, some find fexofenadine even less drowsy, though it’s usually pricier.
- Add a nasal steroid spray: For blocked/stuffy nose, a daily corticosteroid spray often beats tablets. Give it 5-7 days for full effect.
- Add antihistamine eye drops: Sodium cromoglicate is a classic for itchy, watery eyes; olopatadine gives a fast antihistamine effect.
- Non-medicine tactics: Saline nasal rinses, wrap-around sunglasses for outdoor days, and keeping windows shut during high pollen hours (late morning/early evening) help more than you’d think.
When to get medical advice fast:
- Severe symptoms despite daily treatment for two weeks
- Wheezing, shortness of breath, or chest tightness
- Hives with facial swelling, lip/tongue swelling, or difficulty breathing (call emergency services)
- Children under 2 with suspected allergies
Brand vs generic: is there any real difference? Clinically, no-same active ingredient, same expected effect. Small differences in tablet coatings or fillers don’t change how well it works for almost everyone. If one brand feels “better” to you, it’s fine to stick with it, but you shouldn’t have to pay more for relief.
Quick FAQ
generic claritin - is it the same as loratadine? Yes. “Generic Claritin” = loratadine 10 mg. In the UK, look for “Loratadine” or “Clarityn.”
Will it make me drowsy? It’s classed as non-drowsy. A small number of people still feel sleepy-test your first dose at home.
Can I take two tablets if symptoms are bad? Don’t double up without medical advice. Combine with a nasal spray or eye drops instead.
Is it safe with high blood pressure? Yes, loratadine doesn’t raise blood pressure. Always check if you’re on multiple meds.
How long can I take it? Daily through your allergy season is fine. Many people take it for months each year. If you need it year-round, talk to a GP.
Can I take it with a steroid nasal spray? Yes, that’s a standard combo and very effective for hay fever.
What if tablets are hard to swallow? Use the oral solution (syrup). Same medicine, easier to take.
Storage tips: Room temperature, dry place, out of sunlight and out of children’s reach. Don’t use past the expiry date.
Next steps and troubleshooting
- Need it tomorrow? Choose a retailer with click & collect or next-day cut-off before lunch.
- On a tight budget? Target under 10p per tablet and bundle with other items to avoid postage.
- Loratadine not helping after a week? Swap to cetirizine or add a steroid nasal spray; ask a pharmacist for a combo plan.
- Worried about drowsiness? Try taking it in the evening, or switch to fexofenadine if you’ve felt sleepy on other antihistamines.
- Child dosing confusion? Choose the oral solution and follow the weight-based dosing on the pack. If unsure, speak to a pharmacist.
- Allergy season planning: Order a larger pack in late winter before prices climb and stock gets patchy.
Why you can trust this: The dosing and safety points here match NHS guidance on antihistamines; pharmacy legitimacy checks follow GPhC and CQC standards for UK providers. If you’re on specialist medicines, pregnant with additional health conditions, or treating severe hives/wheezing, get tailored advice from your pharmacist or GP. For straightforward hay fever though, a cheap, properly used box of loratadine is one of the simplest wins in healthcare.
