KENILWORTH, NJ, November 16, 2007 – In light of recent OTC allergy approval news, it is important for consumers to recognize that not all allergy medications are the same. CLARITIN® provides powerful, 24-hour relief from the worst indoor and outdoor allergies without drowsiness. And only CLARITIN® is proven to keep allergy sufferers as alert and focused as someone without allergies.1 It’s no wonder non-drowsy CLARITIN® is the No. 1 physician and pediatrician recommended over-the-counter antihistamine brand for allergic rhinitis.

While Zyrtec® is now approved for over-the-counter sale, consumers should be aware of its common side effects like drowsiness and fatigue. In fact, Zyrtec® prescription labeling carries a caution about the occurrence of drowsiness and urges consumers to exercise caution when driving a car or operating dangerous machinery. It is expected the OTC label for Zyrtec® will carry the same warnings.

“Now that more allergy products are available over-the-counter, it’s important to carefully read the label on the box and understand the warnings,” said Marjorie Slankard, MD, allergist and clinical professor of medicine at the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. “A non-drowsy allergy medication like CLARITIN® has a proven record of effective allergy relief without drowsiness.”

When people think of allergies, they often think about outdoor allergens like pollen, but many people also suffer from indoor allergies caused by pet dander, dust, and mold. Clinical studies have proven that CLARITIN® effectively relieves symptoms of both indoor and outdoor allergies for a full 24 hours without causing drowsiness.

CLARITIN® is available without a prescription in a wide range of formulations, including CLARITIN® Tablets, orally-dissolving CLARITIN® RediTabs®, Children’s CLARITIN® Syrup, CHILDREN’S CLARITIN® Chewables, and CLARITIN-D®, which contains a decongestant and also relieves sinus pressure and congestion.

Allergy sufferers who are unsure about which treatment option is right for them should talk to their doctors.