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
Patanase
Claritin vs. Patanase Dosage
Claritin
Patanase
| 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 twice daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 2 sprays/nostril twice 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 |
Patanase
| 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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