Fexofenadine

To temporarily relieve the symptoms of allergy to airborne allergens such as dust and pollen, antihistamine drugs such as loratadine may be used. Generic drugs like this are marketed under several brand names such as Claritin. By blocking the action of a chemical in the body called histamine, which cause allergic reactions, loratadine relieves allergy symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, nose and throat. While this medication is also used to treat redness and itching caused by hives, it cannot prevent the eruption of hives and other skin allergies. In the brands Clarinase and Claritin-D, loradatine is combined with the decongestant pseudoephedrine to relieve allergy symptoms as well as colds. However, these may have the potential side effects of nervousness, insomnia and anxiety.

Over-the-counter drugs include second-generation antihistamines like loratadine. Generic medications such as this antihistamine are also sold as a generic drug and are marketed for its non-sedating properties. It is precisely because of this property that loratadine was developed by Schering-Plough in line with its quest for a blockbuster drug. However, by the time it was submitted to the US Food and Drugs Administration for approval, another non-sedating antihistamine, terfenadine, had already been approved thereby placing loratadine on a lower priority. Nonetheless, after its approval by the FDA in 1993, loratadine accounted for twenty-eight percent of Schering-Plough’s sales.

When marketed as loratadine generic drug, this antihistamine medication is available as syrup, oral suspension and tablets. This drug is also available as fast-dissolving tablets that are promoted for their ability to quickly be absorbed into the circulatory system. However, because of its susceptibility to degrade in the package, these tablets require special handling. While no dose adaptation is needed for the renally impaired or elderly patients, those with severe hepatic disorders may have to start with a lower dose. The loratadine generic drug has been classified as L-2 by the American Academy of Pediatrics as generally compatible with breast-feeding. Animal reproduction studies in the US have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women, therefore classified as category B in pregnancy.

Keep the loratadine generic drug out of reach of children in tightly closed containers. Store the drug at room temperature away from heat, light and moisture. Immediately after removing them from the blister package, use the orally disintegrating tablets, and use within six months from when the outer foil pouch was opened first. It is advisable to make a note of the date when the foil pouch was opened first so that the patient will know when the product has expired the six-month period.