Flonase vs. Claritin: Differences, similarities, and which is better for you

Drug overview & main differences | Conditions treated | Efficacy | Insurance coverage and cost comparison | Side effects | Drug interactions | Warnings | FAQ

Medications like Flonase (fluticasone) and Claritin (loratadine) are frequently taken to relieve symptoms associated with allergies. Allergy symptoms often include sneezing, a stuffy nose or nasal congestion, and itchy, watery eyes. Primarily caused by allergens like dust mites or pollen, allergy symptoms may be triggered on occasion or throughout the year.

Both Flonase and Claritin are relatively inexpensive and effective medications for treating allergy symptoms. They’re both available as over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and they also come in generic versions. You may find that these medications are actually quite common at your local pharmacy. But what’s the difference between the two?

What are the main differences between Flonase and Claritin?

The main difference between Flonase and Claritin is that Flonase is a nasal spray and Claritin is an oral medication. They also belong to different drug classes; Flonase is a corticosteroid and Claritin is an antihistamine.

Flonase is administered in the nasal passages and it’s believed to work by reducing inflammation. The active ingredient in Flonase is fluticasone propionate. While brand-name Flonase is only available over-the-counter, generic Flonase can be obtained over-the-counter or with a prescription.

Claritin is given as an oral medication. The generic name for Claritin is loratadine. Unlike Flonase, Claritin is part of a class of drugs called antihistamines. It works by blocking the effects of the chemical, histamine, which is produced in response to an allergen. Claritin is a second-generation antihistamine, which means it is less sedating than first-generation antihistamines like Benadryl (diphenhydramine).

Conditions treated by Flonase and Claritin

Flonase and Claritin can both be used to manage symptoms of allergic rhinitis, or hay fever. Allergic rhinitis is characterized by inflammation in the nasal passages, which causes a stuffy nose (nasal congestion) and itchy eyes, among other symptoms.

Flonase can also be used to treat nonallergic rhinitis, or rhinitis caused by triggers other than allergens. Allergic rhinitis can be ruled out after an allergy test. While Claritin is sometimes used, it’s not typically a first-line treatment for nonallergic rhinitis.

Claritin can also be used to treat hives, or urticaria. Claritin can treat itchy skin from hives in children and adults.

Is Flonase or Claritin more effective?

Whether Flonase or Claritin will be more effective depends on the allergy symptoms being treated and their severity. As an intranasal corticosteroid, Flonase is more effective for a stuffy nose, or nasal congestion. Intranasal corticosteroids are often recommended as first-line treatment for moderate to severe allergic rhinitis. With Flonase, allergy relief is usually experienced within 1 to 2 days. However, complete relief may require up to two weeks of everyday use.

Fluticasone and mometasone are more potent than other nasal sprays. Mometasone is the generic name for Nasonex. Other nasal sprays include Nasacort (triamcinolone) and Rhinocort (budesonide).

Claritin may not be as effective as Flonase for relieving nasal congestion. However, it is more effective than Flonase for hives and itching associated with allergies. Some healthcare providers may recommend both an intranasal corticosteroid and an antihistamine. Therefore, it wouldn’t be uncommon to take both Flonase and Claritin for severe allergy symptoms.

Claritin is a second-generation antihistamine. Other examples of second-generation oral antihistamines include Allegra (fexofenadine) and Zyrtec (cetirizine). For nasal symptoms, antihistamines are often combined with a decongestant such as Sudafed (pseudoephedrine).

If you experience allergy symptoms, discuss your treatment options with your healthcare provider. They may recommend a different treatment based on your overall condition.

Coverage and cost comparison of Flonase vs. Claritin

Flonase is not usually covered by Medicare or insurance plans because it’s found over-the-counter. However, with a prescription, some insurance plans may cover Flonase. The average retail cost of generic Flonase is around $25. If you have a prescription, a Flonase discount card from SingleCare can lower this cost to less than $15 depending on the pharmacy. Coupon cards are also available for Flonase Sensimist.

Claritin, like other allergy medications, is available over-the-counter. Therefore, it’s not usually covered by Medicare or insurance plans. When Claritin is prescribed by a doctor, some insurance plans may cover it. The average retail cost of generic Claritin can more than $30 depending on the strength and quantity. A SingleCare Claritin card can lower the price of a bottle of 30, 10 mg tablets to $3 to $13 at participating pharmacies.

Common side effects of Flonase vs. Claritin

The most common side effects of Flonase are nosebleeds, coughing, a sore throat, and nasal irritation. These side effects are usually localized to the nose and throat. Other side effects may include headache, dizziness, and nausea or vomiting.

The most common side effects of Claritin are drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, dry mouth, and nausea or vomiting. Those who take Claritin may also experience a sore throat or nosebleeds.

Side effects of these drugs are often mild and go away on their own. If you experience serious side effects such as an allergic reaction to the medication, seek prompt medical attention.

This may not be a complete list of adverse effects that can occur. Please refer to your doctor or healthcare provider to learn more. *not reported

Source: DailyMed (FDA), DailyMed (Claritin)

Drug interactions of Flonase vs. Claritin

Both Flonase and Claritin have similar drug interactions. They mainly interact with other drugs that block the CYP3A4 enzyme in the liver. Drugs that are CYP3A4 inhibitors include antiviral drugs like ritonavir and atazanavir, certain antibiotics like clarithromycin, and antifungals like ketoconazole and itraconazole. Mixing these drugs with Flonase or Claritin can affect how the medication is processed in the body and increase the risk of adverse effects.

Consult a healthcare professional for other possible drug interactions.

Warnings of Flonase and Claritin

Flonase or Claritin may cause hypersensitivity reactions such as trouble breathing or severe rash. Immediately discontinue the use of these drugs if such reactions occur and seek medical attention.

Flonase should be used with caution in those with recent nasal ulcers or nasal trauma. Flonase may cause increased nosebleeds and nasal irritation.

While Flonase is not absorbed systemically, high doses may cause adrenal suppression, which may affect the body’s natural production of steroid hormones. Flonase use may also affect growth in children.

Talk to your doctor before using any Claritin products if you have a history of kidney or liver problems. Kidney or liver impairment may increase the risk of adverse effects while taking these drugs.

Frequently asked questions about Flonase vs. Claritin

What is Flonase?

Flonase is the brand name for fluticasone propionate. It is a nasal steroid spray that is used for allergy relief. Flonase is also FDA approved to treat nonallergic rhinitis. Flonase can be obtained over-the-counter or with a prescription in its generic form.

What is Claritin?

Claritin is the brand name for loratadine. During allergy season, Claritin is used to treat symptoms such as a runny nose and itchy, watery eyes. It can be purchased over-the-counter or with a prescription. Claritin is sometimes combined with a decongestant for greater effectiveness against nasal congestion.

Are Flonase and Claritin the same?

Flonase and Claritin are not the same. Flonase is a nasal steroid spray while Claritin is an oral antihistamine. Although they can be used to treat similar symptoms, they come in different formulations and work in different ways.

Is Flonase or Claritin better?

Flonase and Claritin are both effective for treating perennial and seasonal allergies. Flonase would be more effective for nasal congestion whereas Claritin would be more useful for hives or itching. In some cases, Flonase and Claritin may be used together for severe allergy symptoms.

Can I use Flonase or Claritin while pregnant?

Flonase is minimally absorbed into the bloodstream. Therefore, the risk of birth defects during pregnancy is relatively low with Flonase. Claritin is also deemed safe during pregnancy. Consult your doctor for the best allergy treatments while pregnant.

Can I use Flonase or Claritin with alcohol?

Occasional alcohol use is not expected to affect how Flonase or Claritin works. However, alcohol may compound certain side effects such as dizziness or drowsiness, especially if Flonase or Claritin is administered at high doses.

Is Flonase the best for allergies?

Flonase—and nasal steroid sprays in general—are considered first-line treatments for moderate to severe allergic rhinitis. Flonase is applied directly in the nose, which makes it effective at relieving nasal allergy symptoms, such as a runny nose and congestion.

Should you take Flonase at night or in the morning?

Flonase may be taken both in the morning and at night if you’re applying one spray twice daily. Otherwise, two sprays at night may be preferred for those who experience dizziness or mild headaches after using Flonase.

Is Flonase a decongestant or antihistamine?

Flonase is not a decongestant, nor is it an antihistamine. Flonase is an intranasal corticosteroid. The exact way in which it relieves allergy symptoms is unknown; however, it’s believed to work through anti-inflammatory processes