Claritin vs. Patanase

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

Key Takeaways

  • Claritin is an over-the-counter daily pill for seasonal and perennial allergies plus hives, while Patanase is a prescription nasal spray limited to seasonal allergies.

  • Both can cause headache, but Patanase's most common side effect is a bitter taste in the mouth, while Claritin's is drowsiness.

  • Claritin typically costs $5 to $20 a month, while Patanase runs $314 to $350 a month without insurance.

Claritin vs. Patanase Drug Summary

Claritin

Claritin (loratadine) is a second-generation, non-sedating oral antihistamine used to relieve seasonal and perennial allergy symptoms and chronic hives. It comes as a tablet, chewable, dissolving tablet, or syrup taken once a day and is available without a prescription.

Patanase

Patanase (olopatadine) is an antihistamine nasal spray used to relieve seasonal allergy symptoms in people 6 and older. It is sprayed into each nostril twice daily and requires a prescription.

Claritin vs. Patanase Side Effects

Claritin

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

Patanase

Most common
bitter taste (up to 12.8%)
headache (up to 4.4%)
epistaxis (up to 3.2%)
pharyngolaryngeal pain (up to 2.2%)

Claritin vs. Patanase 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

Patanase

Dosage
Dosage Table
STAGE DOSE WHEN
Starting dose 1 spray/nostril twice daily At the start
Maximum dose 2 sprays/nostril twice daily If needed
Dose changes 1 increase As tolerated

Claritin vs. Patanase Indications

Claritin

Claritin is approved to relieve sneezing, runny nose, and itchy or watery eyes from both seasonal and year-round allergies. It is also approved to reduce itching and hives from chronic idiopathic urticaria.

  • Seasonal allergic rhinitis (sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes)

  • Perennial (year-round) allergic rhinitis

  • Chronic idiopathic urticaria (hives) and itching

  • Available over the counter in tablet, chewable, dissolving, or syrup form

Patanase

Patanase is approved to relieve sneezing, runny nose, and itchy nose from seasonal allergies in people 6 years and older. It is not approved for year-round allergies in children under 12 or for use in kids under 6.

  • Seasonal allergic rhinitis symptoms only

  • Approved for adults and children 6 and older

  • Not approved for perennial rhinitis in children under 12

  • Sprayed directly into the nasal passages via a metered pump

Claritin vs. Patanase Pros and Cons

Claritin

Claritin's over-the-counter availability and once-daily pill format make it an easy first choice for typical allergy symptoms and hives. It doesn't target nasal tissue directly, so people with severe congestion may notice slower or less complete relief.

Pros

  • Available over the counter without a prescription

  • Taken once daily as a pill, chewable tablet, or syrup

  • Also relieves chronic hives and itching, not just rhinitis

Cons

  • May need dose adjustment for liver or kidney disease

  • Not approved for common cold symptoms or asthma

  • Systemic pill may act more slowly on nasal congestion than a topical spray

Patanase

Patanase delivers antihistamine straight to nasal tissue, which can help with localized nasal symptoms, but it requires a prescription and twice-daily use. Long-term use carries specific nasal risks that an oral pill does not.

Pros

  • Delivers antihistamine directly to nasal tissue for targeted relief

  • Approved for use in children as young as 6

  • Topical spray may act faster on nasal-specific symptoms

Cons

  • Requires a prescription, unlike over-the-counter Claritin

  • Twice-daily dosing, more frequent than Claritin's once-daily schedule

  • Carries risk of nasal septal perforation and epistaxis with long-term use

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