Generic Version of Claritin (Loratadine)

The generic version of Claritin is loratadine, which is available as a 10 mg tablet or 5 mg/5 mL oral solution. 1

Medication Details

Loratadine is a second-generation antihistamine with selective peripheral histamine H1-receptor antagonistic activity 2
It has a rapid onset of action (within 1 hour) and long duration (at least 24 hours), allowing for once-daily dosing 2
Loratadine reaches peak plasma concentration in 1-2 hours and has an elimination half-life of about 10 hours 2
Its main metabolite, descarboethoxyloratadine, is four times more active than the parent drug and has a half-life of about 20 hours 2

Loratadine is classified as a non-sedating antihistamine at recommended doses, unlike first-generation antihistamines 3
It provides effective relief of allergic symptoms with minimal sedation compared to first-generation antihistamines 3
Loratadine is effective for treating allergic rhinitis, urticaria, and suppressing wheal formation 4
It has fewer anticholinergic effects (dry mouth, urinary retention) compared to first-generation antihistamines 3

At recommended doses (10 mg daily for adults), loratadine does not cause sedation, but may cause sedation at doses exceeding the recommended dose 5
Patients with low body mass who receive standard doses may experience sedation due to higher relative dosing 3
Loratadine should be used with caution in patients with severe renal impairment 5
It should be discontinued 6 days before skin prick testing due to its long-lasting antihistamine effects 5
Loratadine is classified as a U.S. FDA Pregnancy Category B drug, implying no evidence of harm to the fetus during pregnancy, although caution is still recommended during pregnancy 5

Among second-generation antihistamines, fexofenadine, loratadine, and desloratadine do not cause sedation at recommended doses 3
Cetirizine and intranasal azelastine may cause sedation at recommended doses 3
Fexofenadine maintains its non-sedating properties even at higher than FDA-approved doses 3
Desloratadine is the principal metabolite of loratadine and is itself an effective antihistamine with potential advantages in decongestant activity 6

Don't assume all second-generation antihistamines have the same sedation profile; there are important differences 3
Avoid first-generation antihistamines due to significant sedation, performance impairment, and anticholinergic effects 3
Be aware that continuous treatment with antihistamines is more effective than intermittent use for seasonal or perennial allergic rhinitis 3
Intranasal corticosteroids are more effective than antihistamines for controlling the full spectrum of allergic rhinitis symptoms 3