Claritin vs. Astelin
See how Claritin and Astelin compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Claritin is an oral antihistamine taken once daily, while Astelin is a nasal spray antihistamine used twice daily directly in the nose.
Astelin can treat non-allergic (vasomotor) rhinitis, a use Claritin does not have FDA approval for.
Claritin is available over the counter and typically costs less each month than the prescription-only Astelin nasal spray.
Claritin vs. Astelin Drug Summary
Claritin
Claritin is a second-generation oral antihistamine that treats seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis and chronic hives. It is taken once daily as a tablet, chewable, or syrup, and causes little sedation compared to older antihistamines. Claritin is available over the counter without a prescription.
Astelin
Astelin is a prescription antihistamine nasal spray used to treat seasonal allergic rhinitis and vasomotor (non-allergic) rhinitis. It is sprayed directly into each nostril twice daily and acts locally on nasal tissue. Because it works right where symptoms occur, some patients notice faster relief of nasal congestion and drip.
Claritin vs. Astelin Side Effects
Claritin
Astelin
Claritin vs. Astelin Dosage
Claritin
Astelin
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 5 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 10 mg once daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 1 increase | As tolerated |
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 1 spray/nostril, 2x daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 2 sprays/nostril, 2x daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 1 increase | As tolerated |
Claritin
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 5 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 10 mg once daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 1 increase | As tolerated |
Astelin
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 1 spray/nostril, 2x daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 2 sprays/nostril, 2x daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 1 increase | As tolerated |
Claritin vs. Astelin Indications
Claritin
Claritin relieves classic allergy symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and itchy, watery eyes caused by seasonal or year-round allergens. It is also FDA-approved for chronic idiopathic urticaria, reducing hives and associated itching. It is not approved for cold symptoms or asthma.
Seasonal allergic rhinitis symptom relief
Perennial (year-round) allergic rhinitis relief
Chronic idiopathic urticaria (hives) and itching
Available over the counter without a prescription
Astelin
Astelin treats seasonal allergic rhinitis in adults and children five and older, easing sneezing, congestion, and runny nose. It is also approved for vasomotor rhinitis, a non-allergic form of nasal inflammation triggered by irritants or weather changes. It is not approved for younger children or for vasomotor rhinitis under age 12.
Seasonal allergic rhinitis (ages 5+)
Vasomotor (non-allergic) rhinitis (ages 12+)
Direct nasal spray delivery
Prescription-only nasal antihistamine
Claritin vs. Astelin Pros and Cons
Claritin
Claritin offers a simple once-daily oral option with minimal drowsiness, and it is sold over the counter in multiple forms for adults and children. It does not treat nasal congestion caused by non-allergic triggers, so people with vasomotor rhinitis may need a different option.
Pros
Available without a prescription
Multiple forms: tablet, chewable, syrup for kids
Minimal sedation for a once-daily antihistamine
Cons
Not approved for vasomotor (non-allergic) rhinitis
Oral form may act slower on nasal symptoms
Only oral dosing, no direct nasal application
Astelin
Astelin acts directly in the nose, which can help with vasomotor rhinitis that Claritin does not cover. It requires a prescription and twice-daily dosing, and its most common side effect, a bitter taste, can be off-putting for some patients.
Pros
Approved for vasomotor (non-allergic) rhinitis
Delivers medication directly to nasal tissue
Approved for seasonal allergies down to age 5
Cons
Requires a prescription, unlike Claritin
Dosed twice daily instead of once
Bitter taste is a common side effect
Common Symptoms and Related Diseases You Can Explore
Explore a range of common symptoms the Doctronic Symptom Checker can help you understand.