| Claritin | Flonase | |
|---|---|---|
| Generic | loratadine | fluticasone propionate |
| Active ingredient | Loratadine 10 mg | Fluticasone propionate 50 mcg per spray |
| Type | Oral antihistamine (pill) | Steroid nasal spray |
| Label uses | runny nose, itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, itching of the nose or throat | nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, itchy nose, itchy, watery eyes |
| Nasal congestion on label | No | Yes |
| Drowsiness | Labeled non-drowsy | No drowsiness warning |
| How often | Once a day | Once a day |
| Youngest age on label | 6 years | 4 years |
| Maximum | 1 tablet (10 mg) in 24 hours | 2 sprays in each nostril once a day |
The main differences
They are different kinds of medicine. Claritin is an oral antihistamine (pill) you swallow; Flonase is a steroid nasal spray you spray into the nose. Flonase's label lists nasal congestion among its uses; Claritin's does not.
On drowsiness: Claritin: The carton says "Non-Drowsy" when taken as directed. Taking more than directed may cause drowsiness. Flonase: The label has no drowsiness warning.
For children, Flonase is labeled from age 4, while Claritin is labeled from age 6.
Which might suit you
- you need to stay alert during the day
- you want a single daily pill
- a stuffy nose is your main problem
- you need to stay alert during the day
- it is for a child aged 4 or older
This is based only on what the two labels say. Neither label claims to work better than the other. A pharmacist can help if you have other conditions or take other medicines.
Dose by age
Claritin
- Adults and children 6 years and over: 1 tablet daily. Not more than 1 tablet in 24 hours.
- Children under 6: Ask a doctor.
- Liver or kidney disease: Ask a doctor.
Flonase
- Adults and children 12 and over: Week 1: 2 sprays in each nostril once daily. Week 2 through 6 months: 1 or 2 sprays in each nostril once daily, as needed. Ask a doctor about use beyond 6 months of daily use.
- Children 4 to 11: 1 spray in each nostril once daily, with adult supervision, for the shortest time needed. Ask the child's doctor if needed more than two months a year.
- Children under 4: Do not use.
Key warnings
Claritin
- Do not use if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this product or any of its ingredients.
- Ask a doctor before use if you have liver or kidney disease.
- Do not take more than directed.
- If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use.
Flonase
- Do not use to treat asthma, in children under 4, or with a nasal injury or surgery that has not fully healed.
- Ask a doctor before use if you have or had glaucoma or cataracts.
- Ask a doctor or pharmacist if you take ritonavir or other HIV medicines, another steroid medicine, or ketoconazole pills.
- The growth rate of some children may be slower while using it.
Compare prices for Claritin Compare prices for Flonase
Frequently asked questions
Is Claritin or Flonase better?
Neither label claims to work better than the other. Which suits you depends on your symptoms, age, and whether drowsiness matters, as compared above. A pharmacist can help you choose.
Can you take Claritin and Flonase together?
The labels don't cover taking these two together. Ask a pharmacist or doctor before combining allergy medicines.
Sources: Claritin Drug Facts label (Drugs.com, from the manufacturer's label); Flonase Allergy Relief Drug Facts label (Guideline Central, from DailyMed). Checked October 17, 2026. Not medical advice. How we check.