loratadine

Loratadine is a second-generation tricyclic antihistamine used to relieve symptoms of allergies such as sneezing, runny nose, watery or itchy eyes, hives (urticaria), skin rash and itching. It acts primarily as a selective inverse agonist at peripheral histamine H1 receptor. By stabilizing the inactive form of the H1 receptor on various cell types (including epithelial and endothelial cells), loratadine reduces the effects of endogenous histamine that cause allergic symptoms. Unlike first-generation antihistamines it is less likely to cause drowsiness due to limited penetration into the central nervous system. Loratadine also exhibits anti-inflammatory properties independent of its antihistaminic action by suppressing pathways such as NF-κB and AP-1 signaling[2][5][6][7]. It is available over-the-counter in multiple oral dosage forms.

Brand names

AlavertClaritinClaritin RediTabsohm Allergy ReliefTavist NDWal-itinClaritin AllergyClaritin Hives ReliefClaritin Liqui-Gels

Other names

loratadine