An allergy is an overreaction of the immune system to otherwise inactive substances in the environment. Allergies occur when a person’s immune system becomes sensitive to certain substances, such as food, pollen, medicine or bee venom. Mild allergy symptoms (rash or rash, itching, runny nose, watery / red eyes) are life threatening.
Causes of Allergy:
An allergy starts when your immune system considers a harmless substance a dangerous invader. The immune system then produces antibodies that are vigilant for that type of allergen. When exposed to the allergen again, these antibodies can release a number of immune system chemicals, such as histamine, which cause allergic symptoms. Some common causes of allergy include:
- Medicines, especially penicillin or penicillin-based antibiotics
- Allergens such as pollen, pet dander, dust and mold
- Insect bites such as bees or insects
- Peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish, seafood, eggs and milk
- Latex or other materials you touch can cause skin allergies
Allergy Symptoms:
Symptoms vary depending on and associated with the allergy. Some of the main allergy symptoms are:
- Red, dry cracked skin
- Swollen lips, eyes etc.
- Wheezing
- Chest tightness
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Feeling of illness
- Hives
- Conjunctivitis
- Allergic Rhinitis
- Cough
- Sneezing
- Watery eyes
Treatment of Allergies:
There are several ways to treat allergies, including antihistamines, steroid medications, decongestants and more. Antihistamines are medications used to relieve allergic symptoms such as hay fever, hives, conjunctivitis and insect bites or stings. They are also used as a short-term treatment to prevent infections and insomnia. Loratadine as an antihistamine reduces the effects of natural histamine in the body. Histamine can cause itching, itching, watery eyes and bleeding. Loratadine is used to treat sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, hives, skin rash, malaria, itching and other flu or allergy symptoms. The brand name of Loratadine is Claritin.
Brand Names of Claritin(Loratadine):
There are different brands available for Loratadine such as:
- Claritin
- Alavert
- Claritin RediTabs
- QlearQuil
- Loradamed
- Clearatadine
Claritin(Loratadine) Uses:
There mentioned some Loratadine uses:
It is used to treat:
- Seasonal allergies
- Sneezing
- Runny Nose
- Hives
- Allergic Rhinitis
- Urticaria
- Watery eyes
- Hay fever
- Skin rashes
- Cold symptoms or
- Allergy symptoms
- Skin hives
- Itching
Cetirizine: Proficient drug to Treat Allergy
Cetirizine is an antihistamine that relieves allergy symptoms such as yellow eyes, runny nose, burning eyes, runny nose, sores, hives and itching. It blocks histamine, which the human body produces during allergic reactions. The brand name of cetirizine is Zyrtec.
Brand Names of Cetirizine:
There are different brands available for Cetirizine such as:
- Zyrtec
- Aller-Tec
- Children’s Zyrtec
- Wal-Zyr
- Zerviate(ophthalmic preparation)
- Children’s Allergy Relief
Cetirizine Benefits:
- Zyrtec has to be taken only once per day and it provides quick relief to allergy symptoms.
- Zyrtec is available as low-cost generic and OTC as well.
- Zyrtec is available in different dosage forms such as swallowing pills, chewable tablets, liquid form as well.
Claritin(Loratadine) Dosage:
Claritin is available as:
- 10 mg tablet.
- 5 or 10 mg rapidly-disintegrating tablet.
- 10 mg chewable tablet.
- Syrup (5 mg per 5 ml).
- Claritin is taken once per day.
Claritin Dosage for Allergic Rhinitis:
Paediatric Dose:
From 2 to 5 years:
- 5 mg taken orally once each day
Maximum dose:
- 5 mg each day
From 6 years and older:
- 10 mg taken orally once each day
Maximum dose:
- 10 mg each day
Claritin Dosage for Urticaria:
Paediatric Dose:
From 2 to 5 years:
- 5 mg taken orally once each day
Maximum dose:
- 5 mg each day
From 6 years and older:
- 10 mg taken orally once each day
Maximum dose:
- 10 mg each day
Claritin Dosage for Allergic Rhinitis:
Adult Dose:
- 10 mg taken orally once each day
Maximum dose:
- 10 mg each day
Claritin Dosage for Urticaria:
- 10 mg taken orally once each day
Maximum dose:
- 10 mg each day
Claritin(Loratadine) Interactions:
Some drugs may interact with Loratadine, including prescription medications and over-the-counter medications, including vitamins and herbal supplements. Tell any of your healthcare providers about all the medications you are currently using and any medications you are starting or stopping using. Some medicines that can interact with Claritin are:
- Amiodarone
- Carbamazepine
- Pitolisant
- Everolimus
- Isocarboxazid
- Lasmiditan
- Metoclopramide intranasal
- Rifabutin
- Rifampin
- Sotorasib
- Cimetidine
- Clarithromycin
- Erdafitinib
- Erythromycin base
This article does not cover all possible Loratadine interactions. Therefore, before using tell your doctor or pharmacist about all the products you are already using. If you have any health related query, consult your doctor.
Claritin(Loratadine) Side Effects:
Some common Loratadine side effects include:
- headache
- dry mouth
- nosebleed
- sore throat
- mouth sores
- difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- nervousness
- weakness
- stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- red or itchy eyes
- Difficulty in Breathing and swallowing
- Hoarseness
- Wheezing
- Itching
- Hives
In this article all possible side effects are not given. If you experience any serious side effects consult your concerned doctor immediately.
Claritin(Loratadine) Precautions and Warnings:
Before taking Loratadine:
- Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to Loratadine or any Ingredient that Loratadine contains.
- Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all the medications you are already taking to avoid their interactions.
- If you have liver or kidney problems or asthma, must tell your doctor.
- Tell your doctor or pharmacist If you have Phenylketonuria(PKU) because some brands of Loratadine(Oral disintegrating tablets) contain aspartame in it which can worsen the condition.
- Loratadine can be taken in pregnancy.
Claritin(Loratadine) Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- It needs to be taken once a day and it provides quick relief to both children and adults.
- It is available as low-cost generic and OTC as well.
- It causes drowsiness but less as compared to other antihistamines.
Cons:
- It is not the best choice for treatment of allergy if you have daily allergy symptoms.
- If you have kidney or liver problems the dose needs to be adjusted for treatment of allergy.
- Claritin is not recommended for children younger than 2 years old.
