Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

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. 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 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, 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
    •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 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%)
    •Fatigue (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)

  • Prices with our coupons for Olopatadine vs. Claritin

    Learn more about Olopatadine
    Learn more about Loratadine

Compare other Allergic Rhinitis drugs

Olopatadine vs AllegraOlopatadine vs AsteproOlopatadine vs AzelastineOlopatadine vs ClaritinOlopatadine vs ElestatOlopatadine vs LastacaftOlopatadine vs ZaditorOlopatadine vs ZyrtecAstepro vs AfrinAstepro vs AstelinAstepro vs FlonaseAtarax vs ZyrtecAzelastine vs ZyrtecBenadryl vs ZyrtecClaritin vs ZyrtecElestat vs ZyrtecFlonase vs ZyrtecLastacaft vs ZyrtecNasacort Aq vs AsteproNasonex vs AsteproRhinocort Aqua vs AsteproZyrtec vs Advil Allergy And Congestion ReliefZyrtec vs AllegraZyrtec vs Allegra DZyrtec vs AsteproZyrtec vs Beconase AqZyrtec vs Claritin DZyrtec vs Dimetapp Cold And AllergyZyrtec vs NasonexZyrtec vs Nyquil Cold And Flu
View More

Browse medications

View All

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