Claritin vs. Flonase

• Are Claritin and Flonase the Same Thing?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Claritin?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Flonase?
• What is Claritin?
• What is Flonase?
• What Drugs Interact with Claritin?
• What Drugs Interact with Flonase?
• How Should Claritin Be Taken?
• How Should Flonase Be Taken?

Claritin (loratadine) and Flonase (fluticasone) are used to treat allergy symptoms such as itching, sneezing, and runny nose.

Claritin is also used to treat allergic skin rashes.

Flonase is also used to treat nasal symptoms such as runny nose not caused by allergies.

Claritin and Flonase belong to different drug classes. Claritin is an antihistamine and Flonase is a corticosteroid.

Both Claritin and Flonase are available over-the-counter (OTC) and as a generic.

Claritin is taken orally in tablet or liquid form, while Flonase is a nasal spray.

Common side effects of Claritin include:

• headache,
• sleepiness,
• feeling tired,
• drowsiness,
• fatigue,
• nervousness,
• stomach pain,
• diarrhea,
• dry mouth,
• sore throat,
• hoarseness,
• eye redness,
• blurred vision,
• nosebleed, or
• skin rash.

Tell your doctor if you experience serious side effects of Claritin including fast or uneven heart rate, feeling like you might pass out, jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes), or seizures (convulsions).

Common side effects of Flonase include:

• headache,
• back pain,
• sore throat,
• sneezing,
• cough,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• menstrual problems,
• loss of interest in sex,
• nosebleeds,
• sinus pain, and
• sores or white patches inside mouth or around your nose.

Claritin (loratadine) is an antihistamine used to treat allergy symptoms. Claritin blocks the action of histamine, a substance in the body that initiates allergic symptoms like itching, sneezing, runny nose, and allergic skin rashes. Claritin is available as a generic drug.

Flonase (fluticasone) is a synthetic steroid of the glucocorticoid family of drugs and is prescribed for the control of symptoms of allergic and non-allergic rhinitis.

Claritin may interact with certain antibiotics, antifungal medications, and acid-reducing drugs.

Drug interactions and warnings include Norvir (ritonavir) and Nizoral (ketoconazole). Taking either one of these drugs with Flonase may increase the blood concentrations of Flonase and potentially increase its side effects.

Claritin is available as a 10 mg tablet, a 5 or 10 mg rapidly-disintegrating tablet, a 10 mg chewable tablet, and a syrup (5 mg per 5 ml). Claritin is taken once a day. Drug interactions may occur with certain antibiotics, antifungal medications, and acid-reducing drugs. Warnings may apply to individuals who have asthma, kidney disease, or liver disease. People who have phenylketonuria (PKU) should avoid certain brands of orally disintegrating tablets that may contain aspartame. Claritin is generally avoided during pregnancy and nursing. Pregnant women may take Claritin only if it is clearly needed. Nursing mothers should consult their doctor before breastfeeding. Claritin should not be used in children younger than 6 years of age unless directed by a doctor. Chewable tablets should not be used in children younger than 2 years of age unless directed by a pediatric doctor.

The recommended starting dosage of Flonase in adults is 2 sprays (50 mcg of fluticasone propionate each) in each nostril once daily (total daily dose, 200 mcg).