Loratadine vs Cetirizine: Which Antihistamine Is Better for Allergies?
Comparing loratadine and cetirizine on onset, duration, drowsiness and suitability, without favouring either.
Hay fever and allergies
Hay Fever Tablets & Allergic Rhinitis Treatment
Antihistamines and steroid nasal sprays for hay fever and allergies, prescribed online by UK-registered clinicians.
- Tablets and nasal sprays for sneezing, a blocked nose and itchy eyes
- Online consultation reviewed by a UK-registered clinician
- Dispensed by our own GPhC-registered pharmacy
- Discreet, tracked delivery to your door
Treatment from £4.99
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Treatments
Hay fever and allergy treatments we prescribe
Thank you, your form has been received. Please choose your treatment below.
Twice-daily nasal spray
Beclometasone 50mg Nasal Spray
Beclometasone is a steroid nasal spray that reduces swelling inside the nose to relieve hay fever and allergic rhinitis.
£8.99
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One tablet a day
Loratadine 10mg Tablets
Loratadine is a once-daily, non-drowsy antihistamine that relieves hay fever and allergy symptoms.
From £4.99
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Once-daily nasal spray
Avamys Nasal Spray
Avamys is a steroid nasal spray (fluticasone furoate) that reduces nasal inflammation and eye symptoms caused by hay fever.
£15
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One tablet a day
Cetirizine
Cetirizine is a once-daily antihistamine that relieves hay fever and allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching and watery eyes.
From £4.99
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One tablet a day
Fexofenadine
Fexofenadine is a non-drowsy antihistamine that relieves hay fever symptoms such as sneezing, a runny nose and itchy eyes.
From £9.95
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Prices
Prices by pack
Your clinician confirms which treatment and strength suit you. These prices are here so you know the cost before you start.
| Pack | Price |
|---|---|
| Strength: 50mcgQuantity: 1 Bottle - 200 Sprays | £8.99 |
| Pack | Price |
|---|---|
| Strength: 10 mgQuantity: 30 | £4.99 |
| Strength: 10 mgQuantity: 60 | £7.99 |
| Pack | Price |
|---|---|
| Strength: 27.5mcgQuantity: 1 Bottle - 120 Sprays | £15.00 |
| Pack | Price |
|---|---|
| Strength: 10 mgQuantity: 30 | £4.99 |
| Strength: 10 mgQuantity: 60 | £7.99 |
| Pack | Price |
|---|---|
| Strength: 120mgQuantity: 30 | £9.95 |
| Strength: 120mgQuantity: 60 | £14.95 |
| Strength: 180mgQuantity: 30 | £12.95 |
| Strength: 180mgQuantity: 60 | £17.95 |
Prescribed onlineA UK-registered clinician reviews every consultation before anything is prescribed.
Discreet deliveryDispensed by our own pharmacy and sent in plain, tracked packaging.
New patients£20 off your first order over £95 with code NEW20, subject to eligibility.
About
About hay fever and allergies
Hay fever, also called seasonal allergic rhinitis, is an allergic response to plant, grass and tree pollen, causing symptoms like sneezing, itching, and nasal congestion. Hay fever occurs when the immune system overreacts to allergens in the environment, releasing histamine and other chemicals that cause allergic symptoms. The condition is seasonal and has links to the time of the year when trees and plants release their pollen, usually between late March and September. Allergic rhinitis can also be caused by house dust mites, pet hair or mould, which can cause symptoms all year round. Although it can be bothersome, hay fever symptoms can often be managed effectively with allergic rhinitis treatments such as antihistamine tablets and steroid nasal sprays, allergen avoidance strategies, and lifestyle adjustments.
Existing patients
Ordered from us before?
Complete a short reorder check and our clinicians will review it so you can continue your treatment without a gap.
Reorder your treatment
Getting started
How it works
1
Complete your consultation
Answer questions about your health, symptoms and medical history online. It only takes a few minutes.
2
A clinician reviews it
A UK-registered clinician checks your answers to make sure treatment is safe and suitable for you.
3
Your prescription is issued
If treatment is right for you, your prescription is approved and prepared without delay.
4
Delivered to your door
Our own pharmacy dispenses your medicine and sends it in plain, discreet packaging.
Throughout your treatment, the SwiftDoctor clinical team is available to support you and answer your questions.
Start your consultation
Reviews
What our patients say
Clinical team
The people behind your treatment
Every consultation is reviewed by our own clinicians, and every prescription is dispensed by our own pharmacy.
Dr Saira Bano
GP & co-founderGP with a special interest in obesity management. Qualified from the University of Nottingham in 2011.
Nasir Ali
Superintendent Pharmacist & co-founderAdvanced Clinical Practitioner with experience across GP surgeries and digital health clinics. Oversees safe supply of every medicine we send.
Jane Eastwood
Advanced Clinical PractitionerRegistered Nurse with 23 years' experience, now working as an Advanced Clinical Practitioner in general practice.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
It depends on your symptoms. Antihistamine tablets such as Cetirizine, Loratadine or Fexofenadine help with sneezing, itching and watery eyes. Steroid nasal sprays such as Avamys or Beclometasone work best for a blocked or runny nose. Your clinician will recommend the most suitable option.
Yes. Many people use an antihistamine tablet alongside a steroid nasal spray when one treatment alone does not fully control their symptoms.
Starting a few weeks before your usual hay fever season can help, especially with steroid nasal sprays, which take several days to reach full effect.
Modern antihistamines are described as non-drowsy, but a small number of people still feel sleepy. See how they affect you before driving.
See a GP if your symptoms are getting worse or do not improve with treatment. Contact your GP practice if you have wheezing, breathlessness or a tight chest, as these can be signs of asthma. If other treatments do not work, a GP may refer you for immunotherapy, which usually starts a few months before the hay fever season.
Yes. Antihistamine tablets such as cetirizine and loratadine, and steroid nasal sprays such as Avamys and beclometasone, are also used to treat allergic rhinitis that lasts all year rather than just during the pollen season. Steroid sprays work best when used every day, so your clinician may suggest using one regularly if your symptoms are ongoing. Cutting down your contact with the trigger, for example by washing bedding often if you are allergic to house dust mites, can help too.
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Complete your consultation in a few minutes. A UK-registered clinician will review it and be in touch.
