Compare Nasonex vs. Claritin
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Relieves allergy symptoms.
Nasonex (Mometasone) is a good first-choice treatment for stuffy and runny noses caused by allergies.
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3.6/ 5 average rating with 675 reviewsforNasonex
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
Upsides
- First-choice medication for treating runny and stuffy noses caused by allergies. It works by reducing inflammation in the nose.
- Because it's used directly where the inflammation is happening, it has fewer side effects than oral steroids do and has a lower chance of causing withdrawal symptoms once the medication is stopped.
- Can be used as needed to help control symptoms in people age 13 years or older.
- Available as a generic, which is cheaper.
- 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.
Downsides
- Needs to be primed 10 times before it can be used, or re-primed if not used for more than 2 weeks.
- Doesn't have a counter on it, so it can be hard to remember how many sprays are left (each bottle has 120 sprays).
- Since the medicine in Nasonex (Mometasone) is a steroid, it can slow down your healing process if you've hurt your nose or had nose surgery.
- It's not the best choice if you have persistent, daily allergy symptoms.
- It's not recommended for children less than 2 years old.
Used for
Dosage forms
- Nasal spray
- Pill
- Chewable tablet
- Dissolving tablet
- Liquid
Price
Lowest price
$8.32
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Reviews
675 reviews so far
68%
saidit'sworth it
39%
saiditworked well
8%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Nasonex (Mometasone)?
Leave a review1517 reviews so far
74%
saidit'sworth it
38%
saiditworked well
6%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Claritin (loratadine)?
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%
Risks and risk factors
- 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
- Glaucoma and cataracts
- Long-term use
- Reduced immune system
- Exposure to immunizable diseases (chickenpox and measles)
- Exposure to tuberculosis
- Decrease in growth in children and teenagers
- Long-term use
- Taking more than recommended dose
- Difficulty concentrating
- Taking with alcohol
- Taking other medicines that make you less alert
- Excess phenylalanine
- History of phenylketonuria (PKU)