Ibuprofen vs. Claritin for Rheumatoid Arthritis and Allergic Rhinitis: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Key takeaways

Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and loratadine (Claritin) are both over-the-counter medications, but they serve different purposes. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain, reduce fever, and lessen inflammation. It works by blocking proteins called cyclooxygenase (COX) that cause these symptoms. On the other hand, loratadine is an antihistamine that helps relieve allergy symptoms like runny nose, itchy eyes, and sneezing by blocking histamine, a natural chemical in your body. While ibuprofen can be taken every 4 to 8 hours depending on the dosage, loratadine is typically taken once a day. Ibuprofen can cause side effects like nausea, heartburn, and stomach pain, whereas loratadine might cause headaches, sleepiness, and dry mouth. Additionally, ibuprofen is available in various forms, including tablets, capsules, and liquids, while loratadine comes in tablets, chewable tablets, and oral solutions.

Ibuprofen

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Loratadine

(Claritin)

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Summary for Ibuprofen

Prescription or over-the-counter

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that's used to temporarily relieve fever, pains, and aches in adults and children. In general, ibuprofen is taken by mouth every 4 to 8 hours, though the dosage depends on your age, weight, and other medical problems. Ibuprofen side effects include nausea, heartburn, and stomach pain, but taking it with food might help prevent these side effects. Ibuprofen is available over the counter and by prescription, depending on the strength you need.

Indications for Ibuprofen

Over-the-counter ibuprofen:

Short-term relief of minor aches and pains due to headache, muscle aches, minor arthritis pain, toothache, backache, the common cold, or menstrual cramps
Fever

Prescription ibuprofen:

Mild-to-moderate pain
Pain from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or osteoarthritis (OA)
Pain from menstrual cramps

Pros and Cons for Ibuprofen

Pros

Works well for fever, pain, and swelling
Available over the counter and by prescription and as lower-cost generics
Available as tablets, capsules, chewable tablets, and an oral liquid
Chewable tablets and liquid can be used in children

Cons

Lasts for only about 6 hours, so might need to take multiple doses throughout the day
Might not be the best option if you're 65 years or older or if you have kidney, heart, liver, or bleeding problems
Has risk of stomach bleeding, stomach ulcers, and kidney problems
Shouldn't take other NSAIDs at the same time because of higher risk for side effects

Common Side Effects for Ibuprofen

The following side effects were reported in up to 9% of people in clinical studies.

Nausea
Stomach pain
Heartburn
Dizziness
Rash

Warnings for Ibuprofen

Stomach bleeding and ulcers
Heart attack and stroke
High blood pressure and heart failure
Kidney damage
Liver problems
Severe allergic reactions
Harm to unborn babies
Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - chewable tablets only

Summary for Claritin

Over-the-counter

Loratadine (Claritin) is an over-the-counter antihistamine for adults and kids. It helps relieve allergy symptoms like a runny nose, sneezing, and watery eyes. This allergy medication is taken by mouth, usually once a day. It comes as different formulations, including regular tablets, chewable tablets, and a liquid. Loratadine (Claritin) is a non-drowsy allergy medication because it's less likely to make you sleepy. Other side effects can include headache and feeling tired. Loratadine (Claritin) is available as a brand-name and generic.

Indications for Claritin

Short-term relief of allergy symptoms (runny nose, itchy nose or throat, itchy or watery eyes)

Pros and Cons for Claritin

Pros

First-choice option for allergies
Tends to cause less sleepiness than some other antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
Liquid form and some chewable tablets okay for children as young as 2 years old to take

Cons

Can take 1 to 3 hours to start working
Regular tablets and quick-dissolving tablets not for children younger than 6
Might have a higher risk of side effects if you have liver or kidney problems

Common Side Effects for Claritin

Headache (12%)
Sleepiness (8%)
Feeling tired (4%)
Dry mouth (3%)

Warnings for Claritin

Sleepiness
Accidentally taking too much medication
Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - chewable tablets and orally disintegrating tablets