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Phenylephrine vs. Claritin

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

phenylephrine eye drops

 

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Loratadine

(Claritin)

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Summary for Phenylephrine

Prescription only

Phenylephrine eye drops are used to dilate (widen) pupils for eye exams or certain eye procedures. Side effects include temporary burning or stinging in the eye, blurry vision, and possibly raise your blood pressure. Let your provider know if your pregnant or breastfeeding because you might need to use a different medication.

Indications for Phenylephrine

  • Dilate (widen) pupils

Pros and Cons for Phenylephrine

Pros

  • Can be used in adults and children
  • Starts working quickly (within 15 minutes)
  • Available as a lower-cost generic medication

Cons

  • Can cause eye pain and stinging
  • Dilating effects can last for up to 7 hours (or longer)
  • The 10% strength can raise blood pressure in people with certain heart or thyroid problems

Common Side Effects for Phenylephrine

  • Temporary stinging or burning in your eye
  • Temporary blurry vision
  • Sensitivity to light

Warnings for Phenylephrine

  • For use in the eyes only
  • Heart problems
  • High blood pressure
  • Rebound pupil constriction

Summary for Claritin

Over-the-counter

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 for Claritin

  • Short-term relief of allergy symptoms (runny nose, itchy nose or throat, itchy or watery eyes)

Pros and Cons for Claritin

Pros

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 for Claritin

  • Headache (12%)
  • Sleepiness (8%)
  • Feeling tired (4%)
  • Dry mouth (3%)

Warnings for Claritin

  • Sleepiness
  • Accidentally taking too much medication
  • Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - chewable tablets and orally disintegrating tablets

Prices with our coupons for Phenylephrine vs. Claritin

Price Card Drug Icon
Phenylephrine1 eye dropper / 2ml of 2.5%
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Loratadine30 tablets / 24 hour
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