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Compare Flonase vs. Claritin-D

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Fluticasone nasal spray (Flonase, Flonase Sensimist) and Claritin-D (loratadine/pseudoephedrine) are both used to treat allergy symptoms, but they belong to different medication classes. Fluticasone is a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation in the nose, while Claritin-D combines an antihistamine (loratadine) and a decongestant (pseudoephedrine) to relieve allergy symptoms and congestion. Fluticasone is available as a nasal spray, either by prescription or over-the-counter, and is used daily. Claritin-D is an oral tablet available over-the-counter, with 12-hour and 24-hour formulations. Fluticasone can be used in children as young as 2 years old, while Claritin-D is only for those 12 and older. Common side effects of fluticasone include headache and nosebleeds, whereas Claritin-D may cause headache, dry mouth, and trouble sleeping. You should avoid taking other antihistamines or decongestants with Claritin-D to prevent overdose, while fluticasone requires caution if you have nasal injuries or eye problems.

  • Fluticasone nasal spray
    Claritin-d (loratadine / pseudoephedrine)
  • Fluticasone nasal spray
    Claritin-d (loratadine / pseudoephedrine)

  • Summary of Flonase vs. Claritin-D

    Summary for Corticosteroid

    Fluticasone nasal spray is used to treat allergy symptoms, like runny nose and sneezing. Fluticasone nasal spray comes in brand and generic forms, and is available by a prescription or over-the-counter (OTC). Fluticasone nasal spray must be used daily in order for you to experience the maximum benefits. But if you're using OTC versions of this medication, don't use it for more than 6 months at a time (or 2 months at a time, for children) without first speaking to your provider.

    Summary for Antihistamine / Decongestant

    Claritin-D (loratadine / pseudoephedrine) is an over-the-counter medication that's used to relieve allergies and congestion. It's available as a 24-hour tablet that's taken once per day and a 12-hour tablet that's taken twice per day. Possible side effects include headache, dry mouth, drowsiness, and difficulty sleeping. There are lower-cost generic and brand versions of the medication available. You can find Claritin-D (loratadine / pseudoephedrine) at the pharmacy counter (or behind the counter).

  • Indications of Flonase vs. Claritin-D

    Indications for

    Nasal symptoms from allergies, such as:

    •Congestion
    •Runny nose
    •Sneezing
    •Itchy nose
    •Itchy, watery eyes
    Indications for

    Short-term relief of allergy symptoms:

    •Runny nose
    •Itchy nose or throat
    •Itchy or watery eyes
    •Stuffy nose
    •Nasal congestion
    •Sinus congestion or pressure

  • Pros and Cons of Flonase vs. Claritin-D

    Pros and Const for Corticosteroid
    Pros
    •Only has to be used once a day and can last up to 24 hours
    •Available OTC
    •Some formulations have generic versions
    •Can be used safely in children as young as 4 years old
    •Flonase Sensimist is a gentler version that can be used in children as young as 2 years old
    Cons
    •Not a good option if you have an injured nose or had recent nasal surgery
    •Can raise the risk of bleeding and fungal infections in the nose
    •Can slow down growth rate in children if used for longer than 2 months per year
    •Can raise the risk for certain eye problems
    Pros and Const for Antihistamine / Decongestant
    Pros
    •Easier to take a combination pill instead of two separate pills for congestion and other allergy symptoms
    •Available as a once-daily tablet
    •Available over the counter
    Cons
    •More difficult to customize the dose since Claritin-D (loratadine / pseudoephedrine) is a combination of two medications
    •Not the best choice for people who have difficulty swallowing tablets (can't crush the tablets and no available liquid form available)
    •Can't be used in children younger than 12 years

  • Common Side Effects of Flonase vs. Claritin-D

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (7-16%)
    •Sore throat (6-8%)
    •Nosebleeds (6-7%)
    •Asthma symptoms (3-7%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (25%)

  • Warnings of Flonase vs. Claritin-D

    Common Side Effects for
    •Nasal problems
    •Slowed growth rate in children
    •Eye problems
    •Higher risk of infections
    •Stress hormone problems (adrenal gland problems)
    •Serious allergic reactions
    Common Side Effects for
    •Fast heart rate and high blood pressure
    •Possible drowsiness
    •Worsening of medical conditions
    •Accidental overdose

  • Prices with our coupons for Flonase vs. Claritin-D

    Learn more about Fluticasone nasal spray
    Learn more about Claritin-d

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