|
Loratadine is a second-generation H1 histamine antagonist drug used to treat allergies. In terms of structure, it is closely related to tricyclic antidepressants, such as imipramine, and is distantly related to the atypical antipsychotic quetiapine. It is available as a generic drug and is marketed for its nonsedating properties. it is combined with pseudoephedrine, a decongestant; this makes it useful for colds as well as allergies but adds potential side-effects of insomnia, anxiety, and nervousness. 1.Uses Loratadine is used to temporarily relieve the symptoms of hay fever (allergy to pollen, dust, or other substances in the air) and other allergies. These symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes, nose, or throat. Loratadine is also used to treat itching and redness caused by hives. However, loratadine does not prevent hives or other allergic skin reactions. Loratadine is in a class of medications called antihistamines. It works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms. 2.Action Loratadine is a tricyclic antihistamine, which acts as a selective inverse agonist of peripheral histamine H1-receptors.Histamine is responsible for many features of allergic reactions. It works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms. 2.Forms Loratadine is available as tablets, oral suspension, and syrup,and also in combination with pseudoephedrine.Also available are quick-dissolving tablets, which are marketed as being faster to get into one's circulatory system but require special handling to avoid degrading in the package. 3.Side effect 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. Although drowsiness is rare at the common 10 mg dose, patients should, nevertheless, be advised that it can occur and may affect performance of skilled tasks (e.g., driving). Patients who do experience drowsiness while taking loratadine should avoid the use of alcohol as it can cause excessive drowsiness. Otherwise, it is unlikely that loratadine and alcohol will cause problems. Nevertheless, it would be in the patient's best interest to take caution when combining alcohol and any medication. Other possible side-effects include headache and antimuscarinic effects such as urinary retention, dry mouth, blurred vision, and gastrointestinal disturbances. 4.Missed Dose If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up. 5.Storage Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature, away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom)and away from light. Use the orally disintegrating tablets immediately after you remove them from the blister package, and within 6 months after you open the outer foil pouch. Write the date that you open the foil pouch on the product label so that you will know when 6 months have passed. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
Related Articles -
Loratadine, 79794-75-5,
|
