What is loratadine?
Loratadine - often sold under the brand name Claritin - is a medication used to relieve symptoms of seasonal allergies in adults and children ages 6 and older. Loratadine is what’s known as a “non-sedating antihistamine,” which works by blocking a natural substance (histamine) that causes allergic symptoms. You do not need a prescription to use Loratadine.
Allergies are very common. More than 50 million Americans experience them - and the runny noses and sore throats that come with them - each year. Allergies occur when your immune system gets confused and overreacts. In some cases, your body erroneously thinks that seasonal irritants, like pollen, for example, are harmful attackers and triggers an immune response to fend them off. A natural substance in your body called histamine induces this response.