Key takeaways
Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide) and Claritin (loratadine) are both over-the-counter medications used to treat allergy symptoms, but they work in different ways and come in different forms. Nasacort is a corticosteroid nasal spray that reduces inflammation in your nose to relieve symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion. It's used once daily and can take up to a week to show full effects. On the other hand, Claritin is an antihistamine taken by mouth, available in a variety of forms such as tablets, chewable tablets, and oral solutions. It works by blocking histamine, a chemical in your body that causes allergy symptoms like itchy eyes and runny nose, and typically starts working within 1 to 3 hours. But it can take 8 to 12 hours to see the full benefits of Claritin. Nasacort is less likely to cause drowsiness, while Claritin is considered non-drowsy but can still make you sleepy in some cases. Nasacort and Claritin are not recommended for children under 2 years old. Both medications have generic versions available.
