Compare Claritin vs. Afrin
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Treats allergies.
Claritin (loratadine) is a once-daily medicine for allergies that won't make you as sleepy as other medicines that work like it.
●●●●●
3.7/ 5 average rating with 1517 reviewsforClaritin
Clears your sinuses.
Afrin (oxymetazoline) clears stuffy noses, but can worsen your congestion if it is used more frequently than 3 days in a row.
●●●●●
3.7/ 5 average rating with 599 reviewsforAfrin
Upsides
- It doesn't cause daytime drowsiness unlike other antihistamines.
- Side-effects are mild, if any at all.
- Available over-the-counter without a prescription.
- It provides quick relief of allergy symptoms for both children and adults.
- It doesn't interfere with how a lot of other medicines work.
- It works right away and each dose lasts up to 12 hours.
- The effect is limited to your nasal passageways so it may be safer than other decongestants you take orally.
- Available as a nasal spray and a nasal mist.
- Can be purchased over-the-counter without a prescription.
Downsides
- It's not the best choice if you have persistent, daily allergy symptoms.
- It's not recommended for children less than 2 years old.
- Sometimes Afrin (oxymetazoline) causes temporary stinging, burning, or dryness of the nose.
- Talk to your doctor first before using it in children younger than 6 years old.
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Chewable tablet
- Dissolving tablet
- Liquid
- Nasal spray
No pricing information available
No pricing information available
Want to save even more money?
Sign up now for a 30-day trial and save up to 95% at CVS, Kroger, Albertsons, and other pharmacies.
Learn more
Reviews
1517 reviews so far
74%
saidit'sworth it
38%
saiditworked well
6%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Claritin (loratadine)?
Leave a review599 reviews so far
71%
saidit'sworth it
47%
saiditworked well
12%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Afrin (oxymetazoline)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
19possible side effects
- Headache12%
- Drowsiness8%
- Nervousness or anxiety4%
- Wheezing4%
- Tiredness4%
- Rash3%
- Diarrhea3%
- Mouth or tongue irritation3%
- Dry mouth3%
- Hyperactive behavior3%
- Ear pain3%
- Bloody nose3%
- Sore throat3%
- Flu-like symptoms3%
- Abdominal pain2%
- Pink eye2%
- Lung infections2%
- Difficulty speaking2%
- Feeling uneasy or uncomfortable2%
The Afrin (oxymetazoline) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
Risks and risk factors
- Difficulty concentrating
- Taking with alcohol
- Taking other medicines that make you less alert
- Excess phenylalanine
- History of phenylketonuria (PKU)
- Rebound nasal congestion
- Using Afrin (oxymetazoline) for more than 3 days