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
Flonase
Claritin vs. Flonase Dosage
Claritin
Flonase
| 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 | 200 mcg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 100 mcg once 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 |
Flonase
| 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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