Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Naproxen vs. Claritin

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

Key takeaways

Naproxen (Naprosyn) and loratadine (Claritin) are both over-the-counter oral medications, but they belong to different drug classes and treat different conditions. Naproxen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain and inflammation from conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and gout. It is also available by prescription and comes as a tablet and oral liquid. Loratadine, on the other hand, is an over-the-counter antihistamine used for allergy symptoms such as runny nose and watery eyes. It comes in a range of dosage forms, including capsule, tablet, orally disintegrating tablet, and oral liquid. While naproxen is typically taken 2 to 3 times a day, loratadine is usually taken once daily. Naproxen can cause side effects like heartburn, stomach pain, and nausea, and may interact with blood pressure medications. Loratadine is less likely to cause drowsiness compared to other antihistamines, but it can still cause headaches and tiredness.

  • Naproxen (Naprosyn)
    Loratadine (Claritin)
  • Naproxen (Naprosyn)
    Loratadine (Claritin)

  • Summary of Naproxen vs. Claritin

    Summary for NSAID
    Prescription only

    Prescription-strength naproxen (Naprosyn) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It can be taken by adults and children to relieve pain and symptoms of certain conditions that cause inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or gout. Naproxen (Naprosyn) works by blocking specific proteins that cause inflammation and pain. Naproxen (Naprosyn) comes as tablet and liquid suspension that are taken by mouth, typically 2 to 3 times per day. Some common side effects include heartburn, stomach pain, and nausea.

    Summary for Antihistamine

    Loratadine (Claritin) is an over-the-counter antihistamine. It's used to ease allergy symptoms, such as runny nose or watery eyes, in adults and children. Loratadine (Claritin) is taken by mouth, typically once daily. It's available in different formulations, such as tablets and oral solution. Loratadine (Claritin) is considered a non-drowsy medication because it's less likely to cause sleepiness than some other antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl). Other side effects of this medication include headache and tiredness.

  • Indications of Naproxen vs. Claritin

    Indications for
    •Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
    •Osteoarthritis (OA)
    •Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) (arthritis of the spine)
    •Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (arthritis in children)
    •Tendonitis and bursitis
    •Gout attacks
    •Pain
    •Menstrual cramps
    Indications for
    •Short-term relief of allergy symptoms (runny nose, itchy nose, itchy or watery eyes)

  • Pros and Cons of Naproxen vs. Claritin

    Pros and Const for NSAID
    Pros
    •Works well for treating pain and inflammation
    •Effects last longer than other NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen (Advil)
    •Available as a liquid for people who have a hard time swallowing pills
    Cons
    •Can cause stomach bleeding or stomach ulcers
    •Not safe to take after 20 weeks of pregnancy
    •Might not be the best option if you're 65 years or older, or have kidney, heart, liver, or bleeding problems
    Pros and Const for Antihistamine
    Pros
    •First-choice option for allergies
    •Appears to cause less sleepiness than diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
    •Oral liquids and certain chewable tablets can be taken by children as young as 2 years old
    Cons
    •Might not work as well in younger children compared to cetirizine (Zyrtec)
    •Might have a higher risk of side effects if you have liver or kidney problems
    •Tablets, capsules, and orally disintegrating tablets can't be used in children younger than 6 years.

  • Common Side Effects of Naproxen vs. Claritin

    Common Side Effects for

    The following side effects were reported in 3-9% of people in clinical studies:

    •Heartburn
    •Stomach pain
    •Constipation
    •Nausea
    •Dizziness
    •Drowsiness
    •Headache
    •Itchy skin
    •Bruising
    •Ringing in the ears
    •Swelling
    •Shortness of breath
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (12%)
    •Sleepiness (8%)
    •Fatigue (4%)
    •Dry mouth (3%)

  • Warnings of Naproxen vs. Claritin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Stomach bleeding
    •Heart attack and stroke
    •High blood pressure and heart failure
    •Kidney damage
    •Liver problems
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Not for use in pregnant or breastfeeding females
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness
    •Accidentally taking too much medication
    •Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU)

  • Prices with our coupons for Naproxen vs. Claritin

    Learn more about Naproxen
    Learn more about Loratadine

Compare other Rheumatoid Arthritis and Allergic Rhinitis drugs

Aspirin vs NaproxenCelebrex vs NaproxenFeldene vs NaproxenIbuprofen vs NaproxenMeloxicam vs NaproxenMotrin vs NaproxenNaproxen vs Acetaminophen With CodeineNaproxen vs ArthrotecNaproxen vs ClaritinNaproxen vs DiclofenacNaproxen vs IndocinNaproxen vs TylenolRelafen vs NaproxenVimovo vs NaproxenArthrotec vs IbuprofenAspirin vs IbuprofenDuexis vs IbuprofenIbuprofen vs Acetaminophen With CodeineIbuprofen vs CelebrexIbuprofen vs ClaritinIbuprofen vs CoumadinIbuprofen vs DayquilIbuprofen vs DiclofenacIbuprofen vs IndocinIbuprofen vs LodineIbuprofen vs MeloxicamIbuprofen vs MobicIbuprofen vs NorcoIbuprofen vs PercocetIbuprofen vs Plavix
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.