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Compare Olopatadine vs. Claritin

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

Key takeaways

Olopatadine (Pataday) and loratadine (Claritin) are both over-the-counter antihistamines used to treat allergy symptoms, but they have some key differences. Olopatadine is an eye drop used to relieve eye itching and redness caused by allergies, while loratadine is taken orally to treat a broader range of allergy symptoms, such as runny and itchy nose. Olopatadine is applied directly to the eyes once or twice daily, depending on the strength, whereas loratadine is taken by mouth once daily. Olopatadine can cause side effects like blurry vision and dry eye, while loratadine may cause headaches and tiredness. Additionally, Olopatadine is suitable for children over 2 years old, while loratadine can be used by children as young as 2 years old, but only in specific formulations. Lastly, Olopatadine requires you to remove contact lenses before use, whereas loratadine should be used with caution in people with phenylketonuria (PKU).

  • Olopatadine (Pataday)
    Loratadine (Claritin)
  • Olopatadine (Pataday)
    Loratadine (Claritin)

  • Summary of Olopatadine vs. Claritin

    Summary for Antihistamine

    Olopatadine (Pataday) is an antihistamine over-the-counter (OTC) eye drop medication used to treat eye itching and redness from allergies. It's applied to the eyes, typically once or twice daily, depending on the strength. Some side effects of olopatadine (Pataday) include blurry vision and dry eye.

    Summary for Antihistamine

    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 of Olopatadine vs. Claritin

    Indications for
    •Temporary relief of allergy eye symptoms, such as itching and redness
    Indications for
    •Short-term relief of allergy symptoms (runny nose, itchy nose or throat, itchy or watery eyes)

  • Pros and Cons of Olopatadine vs. Claritin

    Pros and Const for Antihistamine
    Pros
    •Works within minutes and lasts up to 24 hours, depending on the strength
    •Can be used in children over 2 years old
    •Available over the counter
    Cons
    •Can't wear contacts for 10 minutes after using
    •Not for itching caused by infections or contact lenses
    •Might contain preservatives
    Pros and Const for Antihistamine
    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 of Olopatadine vs. Claritin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Blurry vision (5%)

    Note: These side effects were noted by people using olopatadine eye drops 0.77% in clinical studies.

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (12%)
    •Sleepiness (8%)
    •Feeling tired (4%)
    •Dry mouth (3%)

  • Warnings of Olopatadine vs. Claritin

    Common Side Effects for
    •For use in the eyes only
    •Risk for bacterial infections in the eye when using contaminated medication
    •Don't use while wearing contact lenses
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness
    •Accidentally taking too much medication
    •Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - chewable tablets and orally disintegrating tablets

  • Prices with our coupons for Olopatadine vs. Claritin

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