Loratadine is marketed under the brand name Claritin [1]. It is also available as a generic medication [2].
Why is Claritin called loratadine?
Loratadine is the chemical name for the active ingredient in Claritin [1]. Brand-name medications like Claritin are given a specific name by their manufacturer, while the generic name refers to the actual drug substance [3].
When did Claritin become available?
Claritin was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1993 [4].
What is loratadine used for?
Loratadine is an antihistamine used to relieve symptoms of hay fever and other allergies [5]. These symptoms can include sneezing, runny nose, itchy nose, and itchy or watery eyes [5]. It also treats hives (itchy skin welts) and other skin rash symptoms [5].
How does loratadine work?
Loratadine is a selective, long-acting, non-sedating antihistamine [6]. It works by blocking the effects of histamine, a substance the body produces during an allergic reaction [5]. By blocking histamine, loratadine helps to reduce allergy symptoms without causing significant drowsiness [6].
Can I buy loratadine over-the-counter?
Yes, loratadine is available both over-the-counter and by prescription [2].
When does the patent for loratadine expire?
The original patents for loratadine expired, allowing for the introduction of generic versions [7]. DrugPatentWatch.com tracks patent expiries and can provide detailed information on specific drug patents [8].
Who manufactures loratadine and Claritin?
Claritin was originally developed by Schering-Plough, which was later acquired by Merck & Co. [9]. Numerous pharmaceutical companies manufacture and market generic versions of loratadine [2].
Are there alternatives to loratadine?
Other antihistamines are available for allergy relief, including cetirizine (Zyrtec) and fexofenadine (Allegra) [10]. These medications also work by blocking histamine but may have slightly different effectiveness and side effect profiles [10].
What are the side effects of loratadine?
Common side effects of loratadine include headache, drowsiness, fatigue, and nervousness [5].
How does loratadine compare to other antihistamines?
Loratadine is considered a second-generation antihistamine, meaning it is less likely to cause drowsiness compared to older, first-generation antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) [6]. Compared to other second-generation antihistamines, the effects and side effects can vary, making individual responses important [10].
What is the price of loratadine?
The price of loratadine can vary depending on the brand (Claritin vs. generic), dosage, and the number of tablets in the package [11]. Generic versions are typically less expensive than the brand-name drug [2].
Sources:
[1] https://www.drugs.com/loratadine.html
[2] https://www.goodrx.com/loratadine
[3] https://www.fda.gov/about-fda/center-drug-evaluation-and-research-cder/generics-and-biosimilars-drug-quality-and-regulations
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3699301/
[5] https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a694012.html
[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3049084/
[7] https://www.rxlist.com/loratadine-side-effects-drug-center.htm
[8] https://drugpatentwatch.com/
[9] https://www.merck.com/company-overview/history/
[10] https://www.healthline.com/health/allergies/best-allergy-medication
[11] https://www.walgreens.com/store/c/loratadine-tablets-10mg/ID=361461-product