What is the brand name for loratadine (antihistamine)?

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Brand Name for Loratadine

Loratadine is marketed under the brand name Claritin®. 1, 2, 3, 4

Additional Brand Information

  • Desloratadine (the major active metabolite of loratadine) is marketed separately as Clarinex® 3

Key Clinical Context

Loratadine is a second-generation antihistamine with the following characteristics:

  • Dosing: 10 mg once daily for adults 5, 1, 2, 6
  • Onset of action: Within 1 hour 2
  • Duration: At least 24 hours, allowing convenient once-daily dosing 1, 2, 6
  • Sedation profile: Minimal to no sedation at recommended doses, making it preferable to first-generation antihistamines 5, 1, 2, 6

Primary Indications

  • Allergic rhinitis (seasonal and perennial) 5, 1, 6
  • Chronic urticaria 1, 6
  • Infusion reactions (as second-line treatment for urticaria) 5
  • Dermatologic reactions from immune checkpoint inhibitors 5

Special Populations

  • Pregnancy: Loratadine is FDA Pregnancy Category B and recommended as first-line antihistamine therapy during pregnancy, including the first trimester 7, 8
  • Pediatrics: Approved for use in children with well-established safety profile 9

References

Research

Loratadine: a nonsedating antihistamine with once-daily dosing.

DICP : the annals of pharmacotherapy, 1989

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Guideline

Antihistamine Use During Pregnancy

Praxis Medical Insights: Practical Summaries of Clinical Guidelines, 2025

Guideline

Treatment of Urticaria in Pregnancy

Praxis Medical Insights: Practical Summaries of Clinical Guidelines, 2025

Guideline

Antihistamínicos para Rinitis Alérgica

Praxis Medical Insights: Practical Summaries of Clinical Guidelines, 2025

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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