Claritin vs. Flonase

See how Claritin and Flonase compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.

Key Takeaways

  • Claritin is an oral antihistamine best for sneezing, itching, and hives, while Flonase is a nasal steroid spray that also treats congestion and nonallergic rhinitis.

  • Both treat seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis, but Flonase generally works better for nasal congestion and inflammation than an oral antihistamine.

  • Claritin can relieve symptoms within about an hour, while Flonase often needs several days of regular use to reach its full effect.

Claritin vs. Flonase Drug Summary

Claritin

Claritin (loratadine) is a second-generation oral antihistamine used for seasonal and year-round allergy symptoms and hives. It comes as a tablet, chewable, dissolving tablet, or syrup taken once daily. It causes less drowsiness than older antihistamines.

Flonase

Flonase (fluticasone propionate) is a nasal corticosteroid spray used to treat allergic and nonallergic rhinitis. It's sprayed into each nostril once or twice daily and works directly on inflammation in the nasal lining. It does not work through the bloodstream the way an oral antihistamine does.

Claritin vs. Flonase Side Effects

Claritin

Most common
headache (up to 12%)
somnolence (up to 8%)
fatigue (up to 4%)
dry mouth (up to 3%)

Flonase

Most common
headache (up to 16.1%)
pharyngitis (up to 7.8%)
epistaxis (up to 6.9%)
cough (up to 3.8%)

Claritin vs. Flonase Dosage

Claritin

Dosage
Dosage Table
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

Flonase

Dosage
Dosage Table
STAGE DOSE WHEN
Starting dose 200 mcg once daily At the start
Maximum dose 100 mcg once daily If needed
Dose changes 1 increase As tolerated

Claritin vs. Flonase Indications

Claritin

Claritin relieves sneezing, runny nose, itchy watery eyes, and itchy nose or throat caused by seasonal or year-round allergies. It's also approved for the itching and hives of chronic idiopathic urticaria. It is not approved for cold symptoms or asthma.

  • Seasonal allergic rhinitis symptoms

  • Perennial (year-round) allergic rhinitis symptoms

  • Chronic idiopathic urticaria (hives) and itching

  • Not approved for colds or asthma

Flonase

Flonase relieves sneezing, congestion, and itchy or watery eyes from seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis. It's also approved for nonallergic rhinitis, a use Claritin does not cover. It's approved for adults and children 4 and older.

  • Seasonal allergic rhinitis symptoms

  • Perennial allergic rhinitis symptoms

  • Nonallergic (perennial) rhinitis

  • Approved for ages 4 and up

Claritin vs. Flonase Pros and Cons

Claritin

Claritin is a well-tolerated oral antihistamine with a strong safety record and low sedation risk, making it a common first choice for mild to moderate allergy symptoms. It's widely available over the counter in several forms and at a low cost, though it may not fully control significant nasal congestion.

Pros

  • Oral tablet, chewable, dissolving tablet, or syrup options

  • Works within about an hour for fast relief

  • Minimal drowsiness compared to older antihistamines

Cons

  • Doesn't relieve nasal congestion as effectively

  • Less effective for severe nasal inflammation

  • No effect on nonallergic rhinitis

Flonase

Flonase delivers medication directly to nasal tissue, making it more effective for congestion and inflammation-driven symptoms than an oral antihistamine. It also covers nonallergic rhinitis, but it needs consistent daily use to reach full effect. It costs more and carries a higher risk of local nasal side effects.

Pros

  • Treats nasal congestion more effectively

  • Also approved for nonallergic rhinitis

  • Works directly at the site of nasal inflammation

Cons

  • Can take several days for full effect

  • Risk of nosebleeds and nasal irritation with regular use

  • Roughly $20 to $95 per month, higher cost than Claritin

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