Claritin

Loratadine is second-generation non-sedating histamine and therefore has the advantage that it is far less likely to cause drowsiness than earlier first-generation antihistamine drugs used in allergy treatment. These had a sedating effect because they could penetrate the blood-brain barrier and so have an effect on the brain. Claritin penetrates the blood-barrier less, because of its molecular structure, but that does not mean that sedating effects are totally absent. They can still occur, particularly if the drug is taken with alcohol, and can pose a danger if a susceptible person is driving, operating machinery or trying to perform another task requiring a motor or mental skills. If this is the first time you have taken Claritin, it would be best to make sure you are not affected by sedation before undertaking those types of tasks. Loratadine may also cause other side effects, namely:

• Dry mouth
• Upset stomach
• Blurred vision

Claritin comes in tablet or syrup form and is taken once a day. It starts to work within a few hours of taking it (although there is also a rapid-acting orally disintegrating tablet form which takes effect quicker). You can take it as and when you need it or daily during the hay fever season. The latter approach may provide better overall control of your allergy. In the UK, it is available over the counter in limited quantities; larger amounts are sold under the supervision of the pharmacist. It is also available in combination with pseudoephedrine (a decongestant) in cold and flu remedies. The drug is generally safe for adults and children aged two or older. Young children take a lower dose (5 milligrams) than older children and adults (10 milligrams). However, do check with your pharmacist or GP before taking Claritin if:

• You are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding
• Have epilepsy or liver disease
• If you've ever been allergic to Loratadine or any other medicine

There are a number of Claritin products available such as:

• Claritin Tablets: For adults and children aged 6 years or older. For the relief of runny nose, sneezing, itchy, watery eyes and itching of the nose or throat and are available over the counter.
• Claritin D. Tablets: This is Loratadine plus pseudoephedrine. It relieves the allergy symptoms, as above, and also nasal congestion and are available behind the pharmacy counter.
• Claritin 12-hour RediTabs: For adults and children aged 6 years or older. For the relief of runny nose, sneezing, itchy watery eyes and itching of the nose or throat. These are orally disintegrating tablets, available over the counter.
  
• Claritin Liqui-Gels: For adults and children aged 6 years or older. For the relief of runny nose, sneezing, itchy, watery eyes and itching of the nose or throat. These are also available over the counter.

There are other second-generation antihistamines available which may work better and last longer, such as cetirizine (Zyrtec) and fexofenadine (Allegra). And, of course, if you do have an allergy, the use of an antihistamine should be just one element in your management strategy. You also need to know what it is you are allergic to: is it pollen, pet dander, mould or house dust mite? You should then take reasonable steps in your allergen avoidance.