Loratadine - a new antihistamine
Article Abstract:
The Food and Drug Administration has approved loratadine for the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis in individuals over 12 years old. Allergic rhinitis is inflammation of the lining of the nose caused by an allergic reaction. Oral loratadine is easily absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract and can take effect in under two hours. Its half-life in the body is between eight and 14 hours but may be longer in elderly patients. Treatment with 10 milligrams (mg) of loratadine can alleviate symptoms such as sneezing, nasal itching, discharge and blockage. The recommended dosage of loratadine does not cause drowsiness, but patients treated with between 20 to 40 mg may feel sleepy. It interacts with the antifungal drug ketoconazole, but it may not interact with any other drugs. Treatment with loratadine is expensive with an average cost of approximately $50 per month.
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1993
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New advertisements for an old antihistamine
Article Abstract:
Clemastine is one of several antihistamines used for treatment of the symptoms of seasonal allergies such as sneezing. While clemastine is not effective against nasal congestion, it does have the advantage of being less of a sedative than some other antihistamines. It does cause moderate levels of sleepiness and considerably more than astemizole (sold as Hismanal) and terfenadine (sold as Seldane). Some patients develop a tolerance to the sedative effect after regular use. A major disadvantage of clemastine is that it is quite expensive, costing about three- to four times as much as the more common alkylamines such as Dimetane and Chlor-Trimeton. Like other antihistamines, clemastine can upset the gastrointestinal system. It is available without a prescription as Tavist-1 from Sandoz Ltd.
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1993
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Cetirizine - a new antihistamine
Article Abstract:
The FDA approved cetirizine (Zyrtec), a new antihistamine, for the treatment of seasonal allergies. The drug is rapidly absorbed, especially into the skin. Cetirizine doses of 5 to 20 milligrams daily were as effective as astemizole or terfenadine, but more effective than placebo. In addition to improving the severity of chronic hives, cetirizine also produced a mild bronchodilating effect. Its low level of sedation is similar to other prescription antihistamines, although driving an automobile may become more difficult under the influence of alcohol. Cetirizine produces a feeling of dry mouth but no adverse effects on the heart, unlike other antihistamines. The cost of cetirizine is equivalent to other expensive prescription antihistamines.
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1996
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