Loratadine

The need-to-know information for Loratadine

Loratadine

Pearls and Fun Nuggets

1. Loratadine won’t usually make you drowsy 😴 As a “non-sedating” antihistamine, loratadine causes less (but still significant, in some cases) sedation and psychomotor retardation than the older antihistamines because it penetrates the blood/brain barrier to a smaller extent.[14]

2. It’s one of the weakest antihistamines👶 The potency of second generation histamine antagonists is (from strongest to weakest) desloratadine (Ki 0.4 nM) > levocetirizine (Ki 3 nM) > cetirizine (Ki 6 nM) > fexofenadine (Ki 10 nM) > terfenadine > loratadine. However, the onset of action varies significantly and clinical efficacy is not always directly related to only the H1 receptor potency, as concentration of free drug at the receptor must also be considered.[17][16]

3. It almost became the first of it’s kind 🎉 Schering-Plough developed loratadine as part of a quest for a potential blockbuster drug: a nonsedating antihistamine. However, by the time Schering submitted the drug to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for approval, the agency had already approved a competitor’s nonsedating antihistamine, terfenadine (trade name Seldane), and, therefore, put loratadine on a lower priority.[22]

4. The first Loratadine advertising commericials were very controversial 📰 In the mid-1990s, the marketing team for Claritin at Schering-Plough found a way around the strict advertising regulations set by the FD. They created brand awareness commercials that never actually said what the drug was for, but instead showed sunny images, and the voiceover said things like “At last, a clear day is here” and “It’s time for Claritin” and repeatedly told viewers to “ask your doctor” about Claritin.[27][28]

Patient Perspectives

“Cuts through a lot of my allergy symptoms (seasonal and cat dander). Once in a while, when the season is at its worst, I will feel a bit of stuffiness, but overall it has worked well for me.”

 

“Claritin Rapid Dissolve 1 tablet daily. Completely resolved sneezing, acute runny nose and watery eyes with no side effects. Benadryl didn’t touch them. Best second generation allergy medication I have ever tried.”

 

“Taken for itchy legs, but didn’t relieve itching at all, made me drowsy and lethargic, and gave me a headache! Rest of the pack is going in the bin.”

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