Key takeaways
Nasonex (mometasone) and Claritin (loratadine) are both used to treat allergy symptoms, but they work in different ways and come in different forms. Nasonex is a corticosteroid nasal spray that reduces inflammation in your nose, while Claritin is an oral antihistamine that blocks histamine to relieve symptoms like runny nose and itchy eyes. Nasonex can be used for both short-term and long-term relief, including for nasal polyps, and is available both over-the-counter and by prescription. Claritin, on the other hand, is only available over-the-counter and is typically used for short-term relief of allergy symptoms. Nasonex may take 1 to 2 weeks to show full effects, whereas Claritin usually starts working within 1 to 3 hours. Common side effects of Nasonex include headaches and nosebleeds, while Claritin may cause headaches and drowsiness. Additionally, Nasonex is not known to cause drowsiness, unlike Claritin, which can make you sleepy, though less so than older antihistamines like Benadryl.
