Compare Claritin vs. Beconase AQ
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.
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3.7/ 5 average rating with 1517 reviewsforClaritin
Relieves nasal allergy symptoms .
Beconase AQ (beclomethasone) is a strong steroidal nasal spray that is very effective at relieving nasal allergy symptoms, but is only available as brand so it may be expensive.
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.
- Beconase AQ (beclomethasone) is very strong and can be used in children as young as 6 years old.
- Since it's used directly where the inflammation is happening, Beconase AQ (beclomethasone) has fewer side effects than oral steroids do and has a lower chance of causing withdrawal symptoms once the medication is stopped.
- Beconase AQ (beclomethasone) doesn't make you drowsy or dizzy unlike other anti-allergy medications.
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.
- Beconase AQ (beclomethasone) needs to be used daily to work instead of on an as needed basis.
- Beconase AQ (beclomethasone) doesn't have a dose counter to help you keep track of the number of sprays left in the bottle.
- Unlike anti-allergy pills, Beconase AQ (beclomethasone) only works on nasal symptoms and not other allergic symptoms such as watery and itchy eyes.
- May not be a good choice if you've recently had surgery on your nose.
- Beconase AQ (beclomethasone) is available only as an expensive brand name prescription product.
Used for
- Seasonal allergies
- Year-round allergies
- Non-allergic rhinitis
- Prevention of nasal polyp recurrence after surgery
- Acute sinus swelling
- Chronic sinus swelling
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Chewable tablet
- Dissolving tablet
- Liquid
- Nasal spray
Price
Lowest price
$4.22
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$298.82
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Reviews
1517 reviews so far
74%
saidit'sworth it
38%
saiditworked well
6%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Claritin (loratadine)?
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Side 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%
Risks and risk factors
- Difficulty concentrating
- Taking with alcohol
- Taking other medicines that make you less alert
- Excess phenylalanine
- History of phenylketonuria (PKU)
- Thrush in the nose and throat
- Long-term use
- Changes in the nasal septum
- Long-term use
- Decreased wound healing
- Surgery or trauma to the nose or sinuses
- Immune suppression
- Long-term use
- Untreated infections
- Exposure to infectious diseases such as chickenpox and tuberculosis
- Glaucoma and cataracts
- Long-term use
- History of glaucoma or cataracts
- Adrenal insufficiency
- Switching from oral or injectable steroids to inhaled, especially if used long term